Earlier today I saw a post on Facebook from someone I went to high school with writing “Veteran SPD officer just arrested for trying to buy crack/cocaine... hmmm.” I did not give the post or the officer much thought and moved on with my day to do more important things such as fixing myself a snack and changing over the laundry. Hours later, I learned more about the situation from various local news outlets and I have been thinking about the story, in a macro sense, for much of the night.
For those that are unaware of what I am talking about here is a quick recap. Officer Richard Nelson was arrested after failing to properly turn in narcotics that were given to him during his shift. The narcotics were given to him by an undercover officer as part of an “integrity test.” The “integrity test” was ordered after Nelson showed an “inordinate interest” in drug seizures and suspected of taking drugs for personal use that should have been placed in evidence. After Nelson’s arrest he was booked and later released in accordance with local law. A few hours later Nelson used his personal gun and took his own life. (See,
Seattle Times report and
Seattle Police Department news release)
So what about this story has resulted in my little brain spinning? It is not that a member of the SPD was arrested . . . the
problems of the SPD are well known and have not concerned me in the past. It is not that Nelson decided to take his own life. Frankly, his action should have been anticipated. The thing that got me thinking is why this veteran officer that was highly regarded by his peers started taking the drugs. What led him to his actions? And, if someone intervened early on, would this event taken place?
Stories of Service Members coming back from deployments with mental issues that lead to drinking, drugs, and abnormal behavior are quite common. Not only during the past ten years, but I suppose, since the concept of battle began. Being on the “front lines” and living in a combat zone affects you. The degree that it affects someone depends on the individual, their experience, and the support system that they have at the time and when they return. Today’s Service Members, in general, are taken care of and are provided an environment so that they can return to normalcy – or at least a new sense of a normal life. (Note: this last sentence is an overall-type statement. Granted there are those that have been through horrific events and those that are not properly supported and need special attention. However, I submit that for the majority, the statement is true.) But what about the police officers and firefighters that spend 15, 20, 30 years on the “front line” are they receiving adequate attention for their issues? Are we, as a community, too bitter towards them except for when we are in need of their help? Are we too quick to judge their mistakes and to slow to acknowledge their accomplishments? Are we providing them the necessary resources to do their job and to support their well-being?
As a former Soldier I know the difficulties that military members have and I am thankful for the service that they provide. I believe the same difficulties exist for our police officers and I am glad that they are around (and I don’t have to do that job).
I went back to the Facebook post that I saw earlier in the day. There were 14 new comments. The majority of the comments were making fun of the situation and making profane statements about the officer and the SPD.
Anyone that breaks a law must be held accountable. Especially those that create the law and those charged with enforcing the law. What Officer Nelson did is reprehensible. But before he or others are ridiculed it should be considered what caused the action and what can be done so that it does not happen again. Also, remember that while this officer will be left in disgrace he did dedicate 22 years of his life protecting our community.
