Replies to '10/12 Homecoming Shooting'

Ok, I'll accept that the officer in question was just one of the many who remain in honor and work honorably, protecting us and giving of their lives to serve the public safety.

I've always had at least a fair to good affiliation with law enforcement officers. I'm a Sergeant in the Guard so I have a pretty good idea what kind of pressure they are under

In our human condition we will always find a fraction of those of us serving in positions where we have no business being in.

This young (Sheriff''s) officer got through the screening process with deep set issues for one reason or another that went undetected or were ignored. That is another subject Wisconsin officials will need to have a look at. It's going to be interesting to see what they come up with and how that particular young man was employed in law enforcement in the first place. (Perhaps a tour in the Navy or Air Force would have been better for him to begin with, only those who knew him best would know)

I'll go along with the appeal that the immediate family should not be persecuted for these horrible acts of murder committed by one of their family members.

However, I do think they are very liable for not being close enough, connected enough, inquisitive and probing enough to continue to look into the life of that young officer as he progressed. How could they not know he had issues that could lead to violence ? Maybe he was an outstanding person while still a civilian but too immature to handle the responsibility of being a police officer once he got a good look at himself in the mirror and liked the look and feel of a deadly firearm on his service belt ? Maybe he got a new sense of power and prestige that got away from him when he was not appreciated for his new employment among those who he may have thought owed him the respect he had figured he earned ?

Pardon me but, I don't believe his immediate family was unable to prevent this or at least issue a warning of some kind. I think the family knew he was not the right man for the job regardless of the screening process, just hours or days after he became an officer perhaps witnessing a change in personality. I think they saw that he might have a propensity to gun violence and confused that with law enforcement procedures and training. I think he had respect and rage issues that needed to be dealt with long before being considered for a law enforcement position. I also think he needed to be at least 21, graduated from the state's law enforcement acadamy and paired up with a local training officer before allowing him even a provisional commission with authority to wear a uniform and equipment.....there are a lot of unanswered questions here.

We don't know what all transpired and in many instances, we're guessing. We can only go back and look over what was going on at the time just before the murders took place and try to ascertain what changes occured within that young officer to compel him to acts of murder....especially with his whole life and career in front of him. 

Any act of violence is horrible and when it is elevated to that which takes life...almost always there are signs and signals for us to see that someone we know is about to become violent.

Only the most cruelest and calculating evil can hide impending acts of violence from us. The closer I am to you and the more I know you and care about you, the more I will know if you've changed, your personality, traits, etc.

I'll see it coming and if violence is imminant I need to speak up and do something about it...before violence occurs.

This is what will happen if I don't. If I let fear and the possibility of being ridiculed for being too 'paranoid' 'silly' or 'wanting to start trouble' than I will have chosen....made a choice, than and there at that critical juncture....to ignore and forsake someone we love or are acquainted with whom has gotten into real trouble somehow and is about to make an insane mistake of monstrous proportions.

We have a duty to ourselves and to our families, to our community and the interest of justice to prevent friends and loved ones, anyone, from committing acts of violence whenever and wherever impending violence becomes a possibility. When we see it, bad as it makes us feel and yes, the damage this does to a family's prestige and well being is obvious, nevertheless, we still need to report. Far better our feelings, reputations and prestige are hurt than our fellow citizens, friends and loved ones are harmed or even killed.

I have no idea what could have been done or should have been done to stop that young man but I can't help but believe his immediate family did......and for that, I feel they ought bare some responsibility.....certaintly, they'll have to live with this for the rest of their lives.....certaintly, is punishment enough.

Dear Wife of an Officer,

  Your email is taken with deep respect to both your service as a wife of an officer,

as well as your husband service to the public as an officer. Thank you for reminding

us that Officers are human too, we understand the stress and risk they take each

day they leave for work. Intelligent people will view this matter more in the light of

what are the gap's that can be improved. Such as MMPI testing, psychological help

for stress and mental health issues, support groups, relationship groups.

  No where in the State of Wisconsin has accountability in this area of help

for all public employee's been more needed. Wisconsin lacks in Mental Health care

workers. Some Hospital's have a two month waiting list. We need to talk and help

each other heal from suffering, pain, stress. Life isn't always easy and having others

to talk to can make a difference. It's not a sign of weakness to seek counseling before

we break. However, if counseling isn't available, can people stop and listen to each

other and make a difference.

  So what I am saying is please don't take this shooting personally because your

a family of an Officer. No matter what Mr. Peterson profession was he was in need

of Mental Health Service that aren't available at this present time because of the

shortage in the U.S. Mental Health Care Service's as well as Wisconsin.

   And to the families " America is sorry for your loved one's death".

Carey,

I have not yet read a word here that is "bashing" police, nor the process that law enforcement officials are hired and overseen.   No one is persecuting the family, and I have read nothing but respect and condolences here for the victum's family.  I hate to see anyone, like you, jump to conclusions before any of it happens.  Questions DO need to be asked, hard questions.  I would expect or want anything less from Dr. Phil and those investing in WI. 

This is a terrible tradgedy for the families and the townspeople. I agree with you that this young man has a family(and are too victims of this terrible act of violence.  How he became a member of the police force is not thepoint of the matter.  There are a great number of respected members of law enforcement out there, and hopefully will not be dis-respected .  This is one profession that truly deserves the highest acccolades one can have.  What  I don't agree with is why give this guy the publicity about why or how did he do this horrible act.  I'm sure his family has or will be counselled, about his behaviour or lack of.  Listening or watching the show is not worth my time for an open unended question and answer period. If I may end this with my heartfelt sympathies to all the families, so sorry.

thank you

Try to stay positive.  You should not be waiting for any cop bashing. Nobody has once bashed any other part of the police force or sheriffs department. The only negativity I have heard was that the officer did not have to have psychological testing before being hired. WOW! That DOES deserve some negativity if you ask me. I COULD NOT BELIEVE that there are police departments in this country that will hire an officer without psychological testing prior to employment. Where I come from even FireFighters need to pass a psych eval. before being hired. What I think is the saddest part of all, is that it took something this tragic for the state to say..."Hmmm..guess we better start evaluationg these future officers better" Now that is sad!!