Hello Lauderhill Family:

By now, we have all heard the news and reports of mass shootings across our country. Recently, Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo, New York joined a list of other places around our country that have seen these types of tragedies. Of course, this then sparks the age-old debate on firearms in our society. You can ask a thousand people about this, and you will get a thousand different responses.

“Who in their right mind would do such a thing?” is a common, rhetorical question in the aftermath. When we talk about mass shootings and other extreme, violent episodes involving guns, most of us make that leap and associate gun violence with mental illness. It is a neat and easy explanation to a type of event that is unfathomable.

For far too long, especially in law enforcement, our society has stigmatized mental illness. Over the past decade, we have made tremendous efforts in bringing mental health to the point where it is now a part of our overall well-being. You might have even heard colleagues say they are “taking a mental health day.” As a proponent of wellness, I believe we should embrace taking care of ourselves in every aspect – a healthy state of mind included! But automatically associating poor mental health as a primary cause of gun violence is a leap that is detrimental in the mission to normalize therapy.

Don't Be So Quick to Judge 

Studies have shown that only about 1 out of 5 perpetrators of gun violence had a history of mental illness. Despite the weak relationship, mental illness is consistently and unfairly pointed to as the cause of gun violence. Presuming “mental illness” for radical acts inadvertently discriminates against those who are diagnosed with mental disorders, because many who suffer feel ashamed to seek mental health treatment and they do not want to be labeled as such.

From lack of civility, personal responsibility, insufficient guidance, fragmented family structure, as well as the glorification and normalization of violence as a means to an end, there are many factors in today’s society that contribute to mass violence.

One common factor that is seen in these instances is an inability to control anger and employ positive coping mechanisms. It seems that the more we are connected virtually, the less we are connected personally.

The other issue that factors into this equation is the ease of access to guns today. Not just the access to legally buy a firearm, but the ease of illegally acquiring a firearm. Daily, weekly, monthly, I have investigated too many thefts of firearms that were left unsecured in a vehicle or a home. Again, being a responsible gun owner plays a huge factor in this.

This topic can, and will, be debated. There is no “one” thing that we can indisputably call the cause of gun violence. All I want to tell you is that we need to look out for each other, love one another, understand our differences, and celebrate our commonalities. Engage in the art of conversation, be respectful, and strive to find the common ground. We are all more alike than we are different.

Until next time…

Yours in service,

Chief Constance Stanley