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There’s a growing memorial of flowers and flags outside the Pope County Sheriff’s office in honor of Deputy Sheriff Josh Owen who was shot during a domestic dispute call on Saturday. 

On Monday a procession of dozens of law enforcement vehicles escorted Owen's body back to his hometown of Glenwood. Two other law enforcement officers from Pope County and Starbuck were also injured. This tragedy has a ripple effect, both for those who knew and served with Owen, and for those who serve in the same profession. 

To understand how the mental health of officers is impacted by incidents like these, MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Shawn Willliams. Williams is an Associate Dean of Educational Services in Police Training and Education at Alexandria Technical and Community College, the alma mater of Deputy Owen. 

Shows

Morning Edition

Cathy Wurzer

Host

Ellen Finn

Author

Lukas Levin

When an officer is injured or killed in the line of duty, it can have a large effect on others in law enforcement that is not immediately evident. The recent death of Pope County Deputy Sheriff Josh Owen has prompted this discussion. 

Understanding police mental health following traumatic incidents 

A thin blue line flag is draped over a sheriff's vehicle

Understanding police mental health following traumatic incidents

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