Psychology

The next day, I headed to the office of the department's designated psychologist, Dr. Maureen Cahill. Her office was located in a quiet building a few blocks from the precinct, designed to provide a calm and neutral environment for officers undergoing evaluations.

As I entered the waiting room, I felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The room was tastefully decorated, with soft lighting and comfortable seating that aimed to put visitors at ease. After a brief wait, Dr. Cahill emerged from her office. She was a woman in her mid-thirties with a warm smile and a calm presence that immediately made me feel more at ease.

The most shocking thing was that she looked like an older version of Mia Toretto from the movie Fast and Furious from my previous life.

"Officer Hunter, please come in," Dr. Maureen said, extending her hand in greeting. I shook her hand and followed her into her office. The room was cozy, with bookshelves lining the walls and a large window that let in natural light. Dr. Cahill gestured for me to sit on a comfortable chair opposite her desk.

"Thank you for coming in, Alex," she began, her tone gentle yet professional. "I know this can be a difficult process, but it's important for your well-being and for the department to ensure you're ready to return to duty."

I nodded, appreciating her understanding. "I understand, Dr. Cahill. I'm ready to talk."

She smiled and began with some basic questions about my background and experiences in the police force. As we moved on to the events of the shootout, her questions became more focused.

"Can you describe how you felt during the incident?" she asked, her eyes fixed on me, observing my reactions.

I took a deep breath and recounted the events, much like I had with the IA detectives. "It was intense. When the suspect started shooting at Tim, I knew I had to act quickly. I took the shot to protect him and myself. It was my first kill."

Dr. Cahill nodded, taking notes. "How have you been feeling since the incident?"

I paused, reflecting on my emotions. "It's been a mix of relief and heaviness. Relief that I did what I had to do to keep us safe, but also the weight of having taken a life. It's something that stays with you."

She listened intently, her demeanour empathetic. "That's completely understandable, Alex. It's important to acknowledge those feelings and process them. Have you had any trouble sleeping or any recurring thoughts about the incident?"

"A bit," I admitted. "I've had some restless nights and replayed the moment in my head a few times."

Dr. Cahill leaned forward slightly, her tone reassuring. "That's a normal response. What you're experiencing is a natural reaction to a high-stress situation. It's important to talk about it and not bottle up your emotions."

We continued the session, discussing coping strategies and ways to manage the stress and emotions stemming from the incident. Dr. Cahill provided valuable insights and techniques to help me process my feelings and move forward.

After about an hour, she leaned back and gave me a reassuring smile. "Alex, based on our discussion, I believe you're handling this well. You've shown a good level of self-awareness and have taken the right steps to process the incident. I'm going to clear you for duty, but I want you to know that my door is always open if you need to talk."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "Thank you, Dr. Cahill. I appreciate your help and understanding."

She handed me a signed clearance form.

After handing me the signed clearance form, Dr. Cahill leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Alex, before you go, I took a look at your academic qualifications You graduated from high school at the age of 14 and have gotten two college degrees. I must say, I'm quite impressed."

I replied, "Thank you, Dr. Cahill. I've always had a knack for learning."

She nodded, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "I understand that you have an eidetic memory and can learn things at an accelerated pace. Is that correct?"

"Yes," I replied. "It's been a significant advantage in both my studies and my police training."

Dr. Cahill's eyes sparkled with interest. "That's remarkable, Alex. With such an ability, you can excel in various fields. Have you ever considered pursuing further education, specifically in psychology?"

The question took me by surprise. "I haven't really thought about it. I've been so focused on my career in law enforcement."

She leaned forward, her tone becoming more earnest. "Well, I'd like to offer you a unique opportunity. If you're interested, I would be willing to mentor you through a doctorate program in psychology."

I was taken aback. "A doctorate in psychology?"

"Yes," she affirmed. "I believe that with your capabilities, you could easily get the doctorate. Moreover, having a deep understanding of psychology can be incredibly beneficial in law enforcement. It can enhance your ability to understand and interact with people, improve negotiation skills, and most importantly you can better investigate criminals. Do you know there is also a branch in FBI made up of psychologists name BAU."

She then talks about the advantages of learning psychology.

A deep understanding of human behaviour is crucial for law enforcement officers, who regularly interact with individuals from various backgrounds and with different mental states. A study in psychology can improve my ability to predict and interpret behaviours, making them more effective in de-escalating situations, interviewing witnesses, and interrogating suspects.

It can also help me in better crisis intervention. Law enforcement officers frequently encounter individuals in crisis, including those experiencing mental health issues, substance abuse problems, or extreme stress. This can lead to more positive outcomes in situations that might otherwise escalate into violence or require the use of force.

Psychological principles can significantly improve investigative methods. Officers with advanced training in psychology can apply their knowledge to criminal profiling, understanding the psychological patterns of offenders, and recognizing signs of deception. This can lead to more effective investigations and a higher rate of case resolutions.

She lists more pros like stress management, development of leadership skills, ethical decision making and many more

The idea of furthering my education while continuing my career was appealing. "How would this work with my job as a police officer?"

"We can arrange a flexible schedule that allows you to balance both. Many doctoral programs offer part-time courses. Given your unique abilities, I think you would have no difficulty to excel in both areas."

I felt a surge of excitement at the prospect. "It sounds like a fantastic opportunity. I'd love to learn more about it."

Dr. Cahill nodded, pleased with my enthusiasm. "Excellent. I'll provide you with the necessary information and help you get started."

I shook her hand, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Thank you, Dr. Cahill. I appreciate the opportunity."

As I left her office, I couldn't help but feel excited. The prospect of expanding my knowledge and skills through a doctorate in psychology was an unexpected but welcome development.