For two decades, local law enforcers have trusted psychologist Vincent Skotko to talk them through torments.
By TAMARA LUSH
Published August 25, 2003
[Times photo: Thomas Goethe]
For two decades, psychologist Vincent Skotko has helped Tampa officers cope with on-the-job violence, marital woes and more.
TAMPA - During his 28 years as a Tampa police officer, Larry Pinkerton was involved in six shootings. He once watched an officer die in his arms.
Pinkerton says one person saved him from sliding into serious depression: psychologist Vincent Skotko.
"I was ordered to go to Skotko and I didn't want to go. I didn't need it, I didn't want it and I resented him," said Pinkerton, who retired earlier this year. "Now, I can't say enough good about the man. I feel that he was instrumental in my mental health and the fact that I'm mostly sane."
For two decades, police officers have told their most private secrets to Skotko. Shootings. Family violence. Suicidal thoughts.
And for two decades, Skotko has listened. With compassion and, most of all, confidentiality.
"If you work with cops at all, you know that loyalty is a big deal," said Skotko, 55, who meets with officers in a nondescript office just north of downtown.
He recently marked his 20th year as the Tampa Police Department psychologist. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Tarpon Springs Police Department and Hernando County Sheriff's Office also contract with him for counseling services. Skotko's upcoming assignment: to evaluate seven people who have applied to be Tampa's next police chief.
Most of his clients are cops. He performs pre-employment evaluations and psychological assessments for officers in specialty units and provides counseling in high-stress situations. Any Tampa officer who shoots his weapon at a suspect must meet with Skotko.
When Skotko first started his practice in Tampa, police culture didn't include regular visits to a therapist. He was one of the few in town who offered stress management for officers.
Pinkerton, who recommends Skotko to fellow cops who are having difficulties, says many officers involved in tragic events never get over it. Therapy is essential, he said.
"Some drift away from law enforcement. Some officers survive and continue on with their career," he said. "Had I not had Skotko, I would have been one of those who didn't make it."
Over the years, it has become more accepted for an officer to see a therapist, especially when the officer has been exposed to tragedy. Many sought out Skotko in 1998, after Hank Earl Carr killed two Tampa police detectives and a Florida Highway Patrol trooper.
Now, most departments have therapists at their disposal.
"Cops have to be emotionally controlled" when they're doing their jobs, said Skotko. "There's an enormous amount of pressure of a negative nature. They have to respond calmly."
Being in control - and having to give up that control - can be difficult for some, he said. And sometimes those issues spill over into family life.
"Cops give orders and they expect those orders to be followed," said Skotko. "They end up getting their way, and sometimes their ability to compromise, negotiate and lose gracefully diminishes."
Skotko said area agencies could do a better job of addressing domestic violence. He thinks discussions on that topic - and on how being a cop affects family life - should start in the academy and continue with in-service training.
One high-profile domestic violence case involving police happened in Tacoma, Wash., in April. David Brame, the Tacoma police chief, shot and wounded his wife, then killed himself. The couple had a history of domestic violence, according to published reports.
Skotko says he frequently talks about family issues with his cop clients.
Officers tend to have more marital difficulties than the general population, he said, in part because work hours are always changing and also because they are exposed to traumatic incidents that leave them feeling isolated.
That trauma can lead to post traumatic stress disorder. Or worse.
According to the National Police Suicide Foundation, officers are two to three times more likely to take their lives than to be killed in the line of duty. The Maryland-based group says that about 400 officers nationwide committed suicide in 2000.
While some police therapists are officers, Skotko is not. He does help with a regional hostage negotiating team, however.
Skotko didn't set out to become a psychologist who specializes in police officers, but he has found it rewarding.
"What police do is real and very important to society," said Skotko. "Therefore, my work is real and important."
- Researcher John Martin contributed to this report.
- Tamara Lush can be reached at 813 226-3373 or at lush@sptimes.com
