In the wake of recent shootings in Odessa, El Paso, Sutherland Springs, and Plano, many Texas gun control proponents have demanded that state leadership “do something” in the hopes of preventing future tragedies. However, these demands often redound to a clear violation of an explicit right enumerated both in the United States and Texas constitutions—the individual right to keep and bear arms for lawful self-defense—while failing to empirically demonstrate the positive change the proposed policy changes seek to achieve. Nonetheless, some legislative proposals and executive actions floated in the wake of these tragedies may improve public safety and responsible firearm ownership through the explicit targeting of more pervasive types of firearm violence.
Moral Injury in the Texas First Responder Workforce: Findings and Policy Recommendations
Moral injury affects nearly two-thirds of Texas first responders, yet remains undiagnosed and untreated. Targeted screening and evidence-based intervention can change that. Key Points 62.6% of Texas first responders surveyed had experienced a morally injurious event; half of those screened positive for probable PTSD. More than half reported numbness or detachment from people and surroundings,...