RALEIGH COUNTY -
The world watched in horror as a former police officer went rogue and reportedly murdering 4 people.
59 News wanted to know, what went wrong? And how, if at all, can this be prevented?
We learned that before a cop is hired, he or she goes through an extensive list of checks and tests.
It starts with a polygraph and psychological examination.
"We check school records to see if there's been any disciplinary problems in the past. We also contact family members and neighbors," said Beckley Police Detective Pl. William Pannell.
Detectives say if someone noticed a cop acting out of the ordinary in any way, shape or form he or she would go through those examinations again.
"If they did have any anger issues or complaints from the public or any other disciplinary problems that would be probably be an option that would be taken," Pannell said.
If an officer is involved in something traumatic, like a shooting, there is a way for him or her to get the help that they need.
"There are various mental health professionals that could assist in that if that problem does arise," said Pannell.
Working with your partners on the job, day in and day out, it is crucial for all the officers and the public to really know and trust each other.
"A lot of trust is given to you and a responsibility and you don't want to put anybody out there, dealing with the public, so you really want to know that the applicant doesn't have any mental health issues or anger issues or that they are overly aggressive," the detective added.
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