Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement: A Guide for Officers and Their Families

Very interesting and useful aid to well being

I am a therapist and work with police officers. This opened my eyes to police life. It helps me ti understand my clients more. Very easy ro read. I was pleased with this book. The only thing i would moan about is the price as it isnt a thick book so was shocked at the price but a veru good read.

As a retired police officer who had a breakdown late in career and diagnosis of PTSD I read this book on recommendation of my occupational health department. It was transformational. So much started to make sense. I could see myself in the examples despite the policing differences between America and the UK. It helped me understand the impact on my wider family and ultimately was a significant help in my approach to recovery.I wish I had read this book earlier in my career. This is absolutely relatable and relevant for anyone doing the dirty end of the job year on year. I highly recommend it.

I was lucky enough to see Kevin deliver a lecture to a group of wise, bitter and cynical police officers. He held captive all for some 4 hours and after I read his book, which put a lot of my experiences as a cop into perspective. I have read it 3 times since and believe EVERY law enforcement officer should read it.

I had been married to my police officer husband for 5 years when I realised that being a police wife was harder than just being a wife! The extra stresses and strains were showing and I could not understand why my DH was so morose at home. A police friend told me about 'Hyper Vigilance'(HV) it is actually a post traumatic stress symptom and one that most police officers live with all the time. At work they are in a state of HV all the time, the crunch comes when they come home - they do not drop to a 'normal' state but rather plunge into a state of near depression. I Googled it and this book is what I found!The book explains HV, how police officers are true split personalities between home and work, how there is a chemical change that occurs with HV and it can take 48 hours for normal levels to resume in the body.. co-incidentally they are usually back on shift once that occurs and it starts again.The book also gives insight into how the years change an officer until by the end they are almost a victim themselves. Yes it is Amercian, but it applies across the board, the writer was a cop and is now a psychologist. He runs seminars in the States, I know people who have been on them, they have found them invaluable.The UK is apallingly bad at looking after police emotional well being, and offers nothing for wives and partners. This book was a life saver - DH read it and cried after 30 years as an officer... that says it all! 5 stars!

My husband and I recently went through a real nightmare period in our relationship. He ended up having an affair with a colleague. We've since reconciled and his welfare officer at work recommended this book.This book gives partners an insight into the biological changes that happen to a police officer at work and how they can damage relationships at home.It also looks into helping the police officer themselves understand how their world view changes and how they should better invest in their personal lives as this is the area they have control in.I'm hoping by reading this it will bring more understanding to our relationship.It's a real American read but once you get past that the concepts are pretty easy to understand and relate to.

There is very little science in this book and the author gives his point of view as a veteran of law enforcement. This is debatable. He carves out his theory and squarely places the blame on his 'sold' theories. There is some good advice, although I wouldnt recommmend this book.

I saw Dr. Gilmartin at a seminar and was so impressed. Every word he said made perfect sense and explained why I feel and react the way I do. I just bought two used copies to share with the younger officers who potentially haven't heard of it yet. Highly recommended.

Kevin has complied a book that will help every new officer prepare for, and every experienced offer recognize and address, the cycles and influences the job of policing outs every LE officer through across the course of their career. Insightful and easy to read, this book provides insights that can help avoid burnout, family issues, and maybe even suicide. There is no harder profession in existence, and it is getting harder every day. These insights are needed more now than ever.I gave this to my son when he joined the profession, and as a Chief of Police (now retired) I gave away many copies to officers in my department. If you’re a cop, or you have one in your family, this might be the best $20 you’ll spend this year.

Good material for cops and familys

Was like new condition but at a used price. Arrived a week earlier than anticipated.

Amazing book! Hits it right on the head! Even after 17yrs in law enforcement the information is still so relevant! A must read for LEO’s and their families!