The increased attention has sparked a powerful grassroots movement and vital conversation about race in America. But accountability for police has been rare and takes shape almost exclusively as punishment. Communities are desperate for healing in the wake of these shootings—and they get little to none. 

Police officers also experience significant trauma. Officers shuttle from one violent crime to the next, witnessing some of the worst acts of humanity. They get no support to process what they see and face stigma or even job loss if they seek help. This leads to physical and mental health challenges for officers and increases the likelihood that they will use unnecessary force and perpetuate the cycle of trauma and violence. 

Many police officers express that high-profile incidents of police violence taint community attitudes even when officers are well-intentioned. By understanding the trauma on both sides, officers learn that their badge is traumatizing despite their individual intentions. Trauma-informed policing allows officers to avoid re-traumatizing, reduce harm, and recognize the impact and history of policing on communities of color, all while increasing officer wellness and public safety.

Our Approach

EJUSA works with police departments and community partners to understand trauma and create new relationships, practices, and policies to reduce police harm. We believe that by creating empathy and a shared understanding of present-day and historical trauma, communities can build a shared vision with law enforcement for safety that centers racial equity and violence prevention.

Our groundbreaking program From Trauma to Trust: Police-Community Collaborative Training brings together community members and law enforcement to learn and speak openly about their own trauma, build trust, and change the way police and community view their roles and relationships.

Collapse