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Addressing the emotional toll of policing

Sheriff Scott Rose of the Officer Down Memorial podcast discusses the unseen burdens of law enforcement careers, the importance of mental health resources, and his efforts to ensure fallen officers are remembered

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In this week’s episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley welcomes Sheriff Scott Rose, host and producer of the “Officer Down Memorial Podcast,” to discuss the genesis of his podcast and the importance of advocating for the families of fallen LEOs and mental wellness resources for law enforcement.

Elected as the 26th Sheriff of Dodge County, Minnesota in 2014, Rose brings a personal and generational commitment to the profession, with a family history deeply rooted in law enforcement. During the episode, Rose discusses the impact of cumulative stress, PTSD among officers, and the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices of fallen officers.

About our sponsor

This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by Skydio. Learn more about how Skydio enhances public safety and operational efficiency by visiting Skydio.com.

About our guest

Sheriff Scott Rose is a 20+ year law enforcement veteran from Minnesota who has worked in patrol, warrants, investigations and administration during his career. He is on the board of directors for the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association and the Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation of SE Minnesota. Law enforcement is a second career for Rose. Prior to law enforcement, he attended broadcasting school in Arizona and worked in radio as an audio production director and announcer for radio stations in Nebraska, Kansas and Minnesot

Memorable quotes

  • “Every cop out there has some degree of PTSD ... we all process it differently.”
  • “Our fallen officers and their families must never be forgotten; their stories are more than just a paragraph on a memorial site.”
  • “Law enforcement isn’t just a job; it’s a calling that demands service before self.”
  • “We need to cultivate a culture where it’s OK not to be OK.”

Key takeaways

  1. The realities of law enforcement: The episode highlights the intense psychological and emotional challenges faced by law enforcement officers, including exposure to trauma and the need for mental resilience.
  2. Advocacy for mental wellness: Sheriff Rose emphasizes the critical importance of support systems and resources for officers dealing with PTSD and cumulative stress, advocating for comprehensive mental health programs within police departments.
  3. Honoring the fallen: Through his podcast, Sheriff Rose aims to ensure that the sacrifices of fallen officers are remembered and honored, providing a voice to the survivor families and keeping the legacy of these heroes alive.
  4. Impact of leadership: The discussion underscores the significant impact that leadership, both within police forces and at the political level, has on the morale and effectiveness of law enforcement personnel.
  5. Community and media perception: The conversation also touches on the role of community support and media portrayal in shaping the public perception of law enforcement, stressing the need for balanced narratives that highlight the positive aspects of police work alongside the challenges.

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Policing Matters law enforcement podcast with host Jim Dudley features law enforcement and criminal justice experts discussing critical issues in policing