Policeman recognized with bravery award

Jewish Herald-Voice—December 29th, 2011

Every policeman knows that a domestic violence call at 3 a.m., has a high potential for tragic consequences. On Feb. 7, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Brad Sternberg received an early morning family disturbance call involving an armed man in the FM1960/Kuykendahl Road area. When Sternberg and other deputies arrived, they learned the armed man had barricaded himself inside his residence, along with his wife and young son.

Deputies surrounded the house. “We tried to initiate all kinds of communications with him, trying to talk him out of the house,” said Sternberg. “But, he didn’t respond. Then, about 45 minutes later, we heard a single gunshot from inside the house. After hearing the shot, we kicked in the side door of the house and entered.”

No matter how much training one receives, it takes bravery to face domestic violence complicated by a barricade situation involving weapons and hostages. It’s a crisis with many possible deadly outcomes.

On Dec. 8, Sternberg, and the other deputies involved, received awards for bravery, in a ceremony hosted by Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia. Sternberg’s award recognized him for saving the lives of three Harris County citizens.

“We knew there were two other persons inside the house,” said Sternberg. “Hearing the shot, we feared there was loss of human life. That’s when we made the decision to enter the house. We went methodically through the house and down a hallway, which led into the master bedroom. There, we engaged the suspect, who was armed with a rifle on his shoulder. He was also holding a handgun. He raised the handgun, and one of the deputies opened fire. The suspect was shot several times. We were then able to get the weapons from him. We got his wife and child out of the house. The man lived afterward.”

There were 193,505 incidents of family violence recorded in Texas in 2008. More officers are assaulted or injured during domestic disturbance calls than any other circumstance. About 30 percent of the 57,546 assaults on law officers nationwide occurred during disturbance calls, according to the FBI.

“Family disturbances are particularly dangerous, because you’re dealing with two people who love – and maybe hate – each other,” said Sternberg. “One person probably is going to jail. The other party usually called the police on them. So, you’re dealing with deep emotions. Add to the situation that you’re entering into someone’s home, not knowing what the territory is.”

In such a confrontation, how does a police officer know when the situation is slipping out of control?

“It’s something you learn after dealing with people for a while,” answered Sternberg. “I think you have to learn, at some point, how to be a bit of psychologist. The verbal negotiating skills come with time. These skills you develop. Most of the times, I can use my verbal skills to my advantage. I think it makes me a better policeman.

“After you’ve been a policeman for a while, you realize you’re not bulletproof anymore. A person’s body language is the biggest indicator of what a person’s true intentions are. Maybe they’re not speaking. But, they are readying their body for conflict. That’s when the hairs on your neck stand up, and you realize you might be at an impasse.”

For women who might find themselves in a domestic violence situation, Sternberg advises: Contact local law enforcement.

“Most domestic violence is a continuing thing. But, many women view themselves as part of the problem, not part of the solution. Domestic violence usually is an ongoing cycle that’s hard to break.”