Police Officer Mike Martinez: Surviving 3 Life and Death Incidents in His First 18 Months as a Cop (Part Two) - Cops and Writers Podcast | Lyssna här

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“Have you ever shot someone?” Most cops will be asked this throughout their careers, including myself. Most cops go to retirement without having to take a life. Then others have been involved in multiple officer-involved shootings (OIS). Most of the time, there is no rhyme or reason to this. Although your chances of being involved in an OIS are much greater if you are actually doing police work and not hiding behind a desk for 25 years.

Welcome back, everyone, to the conclusion of one of the most dramatic and impactful stories I have ever encountered since I started this podcast with Police Officer Michael Martinez of the San Diego Police Department.

A little about Mike. Michael Martinez has been a police officer with the San Diego Police Department for about 10 years. After phase training, he was assigned to Southern Division, where he worked a variety of assignments, including Patrol, Acting Detective, and Field Training Officer.

Officer Martinez has been involved in four Officer-Involved Shootings, the first three within his first 18 months after field training. He took advantage of a career-and life-changing opportunity that was offered to him by the San Diego Police Department’s Wellness Unit. He was diagnosed with PTSD and now shares his story with fellow law enforcement officers. He is currently a member of the Department’s OIS Peer Support Team and is currently assigned to the Department’s Wellness Unit. Officer Martinez has received numerous awards and commendations, including a Medal for Valor. He truly believes his assignment is his calling to help others who are struggling in silence. His goal is to break the stigma of seeking and receiving help within the first responder profession and to be a resource to officers and their families.

I admire Mike’s honesty and willingness to help other cops who have gone through the trauma of being in an OIS. Mike has been through the wringer and is now helping his fellow cops. Please enjoy this raw and powerful interview with Police Officer Mike Martinez.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

· The second officer involved shooting. Has he gone back to where it happened?

· Did he react differently to this one compared to the first?

· The third officer involved in a shooting. Did any bosses or friends suggest that he take a break from the street? How was his drinking and family life?

· A breakdown of the third OIS.

· The wellness unit confronting him while he was drunk.

· His path towards a first responder-only treatment facility.

· His experience there: how long and what did that treatment look like?.

· Life after treatment.

· Being voluntold to be on the wellness unit.

· An overview of his fourth officer-involved shooting.

· What was different about this one in how he dealt with it?

· Was there ever a time when he thought perhaps he was in the wrong line of work and should get out while he was still in one piece?

· His advice to someone who is going through a tough patch in their police career.

· How can someone prepare for a career in LE?

Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop!