Insight with John Ferrugia RMPBS

In this third and final episode of the “Breakdown” podcast series, we look at what three law enforcement agencies in Colorado are doing to promote mental health and wellness for their officers.

After an officer-involved shooting, what are the laws about when and how the officer who pulls the trigger returns to work? A tragic night in Colorado inspired a new state law. We surveyed police and sheriff’s departments all over the state to find out how they handle an officer’s reintegration after a shooting. (Warning: This episode contains the sounds of gunfire and violence.)

In this companion podcast to the “Insight with John Ferrugia” news program, husband and wife deputy sheriffs share their experiences with trauma and mental health on duty, after two critical incidents drove them close to the breaking point.

Watch our full investigation on mental health and criminal justice in Colorado at rmpbs.org/breakdown.

In the third episode, we return to Columbine High School itself. It’s still a working school and in recent months the security team has been dealing with nearly 200 would-be trespassers per month. We investigate what draws some people to the site and what pushes others away.

Survivors of the Columbine High School massacre who vowed never to return to the classroom reveal what it is like become a teacher. Rocky Mountain PBS investigates whether the new methods schools are using to prepare students for potential active shooters are helpful or harmful.

On the 20th anniversary of the massacre at Columbine High School, Rocky Mountain PBS explores how the tragedy impacted the lives of three students who were either wounded by gunfire or who witnessed the shooting deaths of close friends. Lance Kirklin, Diwata Quach, and Makai Hall open up about the different paths they have taken to recovery and the challenges they’ve endured.