Most officers know the expression “get off the X,” the idea that remaining in one spot during a gunfight cannot only be dangerous, it can be deadly. This webinar will assist participants in addressing the after-effects of job exposure to violence. “Getting off the emotional X” (a phrase coined by Dr. Olivia Johnson) is the idea that staying in a place of emotional conflict and turmoil can increase the likelihood of negative outcomes. Operating in this emotionally turbulent state can become habitual. To break this cycle, officers must find positive ways to counteract the negative consequences to overall health and wellness. In an attempt to help officers “get off the emotional X,” this webinar will provide participants with practical examples and best practices in dealing with exposure to violence in a productive and healthy way. In addition, participants will hear from retired Lieutenant Brian Murphy from the Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Police Department, who will give his harrowing account of being shot 15 times at close range while engaging an active shooter at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek.
Topics to be addressed during this webinar include:
• Impact of officer exposure to violence and violent crime
• Identification of risk factors from exposure to violence and violent crime
• Positive ways to counteract the negative consequences to overall officer health and wellness
Speakers:
Dr. Olivia Johnson is a senior research associate for the Institute for Intergovernmental Research. She is the founder of the Blue Wall Institute, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for first responders through training and education on the dangers of the job. Because of her dedication in raising awareness of first-responder issues, Dr. Johnson was named the Illinois state representative and an active board member for the National Police Suicide Foundation. Dr. Johnson is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. She worked for four years as an officer with the Sandoval, Illinois, Police Department and for one year as a federal police officer with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police Department. Dr. Johnson holds a doctorate degree in organizational leadership management from the University of Phoenix, School of Advanced Studies; a master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Missouri–St. Louis; a bachelor’s degree in workforce education and development from Southern Illinois University; and an associate’s degree in administration of justice from Southwestern Illinois College.
Lieutenant Brian J. Murphy (Retired) served with the Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Police Department (OCPD) for 22 years. Lieutenant Murphy served as part of the OCPD Emergency Response Unit from 1992 until 2009. In this capacity, he served as a team leader, an entry team member, and an explosives breacher. He served with additional agencies throughout his law enforcement career, including the Jefferson County, Wisconsin, Sheriff’s Office; the United Nations Security Service; and the U.S. Marine Corps. He was honored with the Congressional Badge of Bravery and the Wisconsin Professional Police Association Award for Valor, among other awards, for his actions in response to the shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin. Lieutenant Murphy’s personal story of survival profoundly illustrates his message to law enforcement to never give up. Lieutenant Murphy earned a master of science degree in criminal justice administration and a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Marian University.