Hidden Wounds Behind the Police Badge, Baby Murdered, Terrorist and More
West Palm Beach, Fl - The trauma of law enforcement is often ignored, Carrie Wooten is breaking the silence. A former Virginia Beach police officer, Carrie shares her harrowing experiences in a gripping episode of The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, available for free on their website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms. Her stories reveal the devastating calls that haunt officers long after their shifts end, exposing the emotional toll of policing.
A City Beyond the Beach
Virginia Beach, with its sunny boardwalks and tourist charm, is home to over 450,000 residents and military bases. Beneath its vacation veneer lies a reality of violence that rivals larger cities. "We weren’t just handing out parking tickets," Carrie says. "We dealt with shootings, domestic violence, and even terrorism." These high-stakes calls, more frequent than most realize, test officers’ physical and mental limits.
The Call That Never Fades
Among the countless cases Carrie handled, one stands out: the murder of a 14-month-old baby by the child’s own mother. "You never forget something like that," she says, her voice heavy. "I still see that child’s face." According to the CDC, homicide is a leading cause of death for children in the U.S., with nearly half of 2020’s minor victims killed by someone they knew, often a parent. Carrie emphasizes, "These cases aren’t rare. People need to know what officers face every day."
Facing a Terrorist
In another heart-pounding moment, Carrie confronted a terrorist armed with weapons and extremist ties. Against all odds, she de-escalated the situation without firing a shot. "He had the training, the weapons, and the intent," she recalls. "But I disarmed him with words. That changed me." Her story highlights the hidden threat of terrorism in military hubs like Virginia Beach, far closer to home than many imagine.
The Weight of the Badge
The trauma of these calls doesn’t end when officers clock out. "You don’t see the damage until your life unravels," Carrie admits. "Relationships, sleep, your sense of self, it all takes a hit." Her journey to healing was grueling, but it fueled her mission to help others. Now retired, Carrie speaks and advocates for law enforcement and military personnel, addressing PTSD and mental health challenges. "If my story prevents one suicide or saves one marriage, it’s worth it," she says.
A Hidden Crisis
Carrie’s experiences reflect a broader issue. FBI data shows domestic disturbance calls are among the deadliest for officers, with 43 killed between 2011 and 2020. In bustling cities like Virginia Beach, these calls are relentless. "They don’t sound dramatic, but they’re lethal," Carrie notes. "And they wear you down." The cumulative stress impacts not just officers but their families and communities.
From Trauma to Hope
Today, Carrie uses her platform on social media, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn—to reach thousands, sharing raw stories and fostering hope. "We need to talk about PTSD in policing, just like we do in the military," she urges. Her interview is more than a podcast episode; it’s a call to recognize the human behind the badge and the silent wounds they carry.
Stream this powerful episode of The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast for free on their official website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Carrie’s story reminds us that healing starts with listening, and that some of the darkest calls hold the truths we most need to hear.
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