Wednesday, October 3, 2012
CONST. ANDREW ROBSON ON TRIAL
Back on July 2/12 I wrote an article here in the Advocate in regards to Officer Robson. There were a half dozen comments all supportive of him. Today's story in the Waterloo Region Record is titled "Officer testifies he nearly pulled trigger in suicidal moment". After reading today's story it certainly appears that this officer is less a criminal and more a victim. It is possible that as the trial progresses there may be another side to the story presented. Regardless it seems obvious that this Officer's intentions and on the job conduct have been meritorious over the years.
The elaborate sting operation which his lawyer is characterizing as entrapment does not bring honour upon our Regional Police. The discription of Officer Robson's arrest also gives credibility to the unreasonableness of the entire three police force operation to entrap him. He was cut off in his car by an unmarked police car and then swarmed by up to a dozen officers. What the hell is that all about? He was arrested for "stealing" two ounces of marijuana not for violent offences or threats. Something is very amiss in this case.
It is possible that Officer Robson, with assistance, could still be an honourable and upstanding police officer. It's also possible that either he no longer wishes to be or simply is unable to resume his duties. Whatever the specifics and causes of his mental health issues, again our Regional Police brass do not appear to have handled the problem with anything other than a sledgehammer. As a citizen I do not want police officers on the street with drug/alcohol problems nor with mental health issues. I suggest there was a far better method of helping both this officer and protecting the public than entrapping him and laying criminal charges. If as testified to, his health problems were either caused or exacerbated by his duties as a police officer, all the more reason to have resolved this with compassion and care.
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Thank you for keeping an open mind. I give credit to the Waterloo Record for their unbiased and fair reporting of what happened in court this past Tueday. The only thing the report misinterpreted was the statement that Constable Robson "broke down" on the stand. Having to describe, in detail, the events of the helicopter crash triggered a PTSD flashback. Court was recessed and I was allowed to to get to him on the stand. When I got to him he was mentally back in that field, smelling the smoke, feeling the cold, and trying to rub the blood from his hands. It took me several minutes to "bring him back" to the courtroom. Yes, he broke down then but the fear and terror in his eyes broke my heart and has every time I have seen him relive that day.
ReplyDeleteWhen the undercover officer was on the stand she stated that her instructions were to give my son the drugs and leave giving him no name or other information. The intent was to show Andrew as a drug crazed individual interested in stealing the drugs rather than doing his job. When asked, by the crown attorney, to describe his actions, the officer stated that Andrew acted as a completely professional officer as she would have expected from anyone. He was in control of the situation at all times and even suggested she could get back in her car and talk through the window so she could keep warm. When she tried to leave he stood oin front of her car and asked her not to run over him. She had been asked to act extremely distraught and stated that Andrew would not allow her to leave until she calmed down for her own safety. She stated that, only then, did he smile at her, wished her good luck with her son and allowed her to leave.
We don't know how this will end but maybe my son's situation will somehow help awareness that his circumstances are not unique within police services across the country. Officers are suffering alone, every day, afraid to come forward because they fear the stigma of being labelled "weak".
The WRPS have taken his career, his health, his self esteem and reputation, forced him into $90,000 in debt for his defense. All because he suffered a work place 'injury' and had the audacity to be unable to "suck it up and soldier on".
I am obviously biased but I have seen the terror, the fear, the flashbacks, for far too long.
For now I just want my son to have the opportunity to heal with, or without, the WRPS or the WRPS Association.
Generally speaking it would probably be fair to say that I have been very critical of both our local senior police management as well as individual officers who have abused their authority in their dealings with individual citizens. Constable Robson's case however has been quite different from the start. Thank you Mr. Robson senior for your above comments and additional information. I wish your son well.
ReplyDeletemy heart goes out to Andrew
ReplyDeleteSad
ReplyDeletePolice must see horrible things. Why are they not all suffering after 10 years and how do any make it to retirement? There have been murders and awful car accidents and the like. I remember a woman who killed infants here and in Guelph, how do those cops deal with it? It could be some people can manage and others cannot. I am not judging but why put yourself in a job that destroys your mental health. I wouldnt do it for any price. If we don't have police who can look after these awful situations what do we do?
ReplyDeleteI hope he gets better and finds a place to be healthy and safe away from stress and danger. Its too bad there isnt testing to help people who shouldn't be exposed to this kind of stuff realize they shouldnt get into that kind of work.
. I am wishing Andrew all the best and hoping he will receive the help he needs...and other officers in these same situations.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't a matter of whether some people can handle it or not. That's like saying why doesn't every veteran have severe PTSD when they see death and horrible things. It depends on what you see, the circumstances around it and how it is handled afterwards. Some people have more support at work or at home. Unfortunately many people hide their problems and are "functioning" alcoholics and I use that term very loosely-meaning that people don't know that they are. Others have anger problems and take it out on their families and are abusive. It is really unfortunate that people in helping professions, that we rely on end up hurting the most and most get little to no support.
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