Betrayed From Within: Surviving Bureaucratic Stress and Administrative Betrayal in Law Enforcement

Betrayed From Within: Surviving Bureaucratic Stress and Administrative Betrayal in Law Enforcement

"I knew the job would be dangerous. I didn’t know the enemy would be upstairs." While policing has always come with inherent dangers, many officers will tell you it’s not the calls that break them—it’s the politics. The silence. The punishment for speaking up. The slow drip of betrayal from those in charge. Betrayed From Within pulls back the curtain on the hidden injuries inflicted by inconsistent leadership, administrative retaliation, and organizational dysfunction. Based on national survey data and real stories from the field, this groundbreaking book reveals that bureaucratic stress— not shootings or child death calls—is often the most psychologically damaging part of the job . Dr. Gina Gallivan, a board-certified police and public safety psychologist, brings over two decades of experience working with law enforcement to this raw and eye-opening book. She captures the deep moral injury that occurs when officers are gaslit, retaliated against, or discarded by the very institutions they’ve sacrificed to serve. Inside, you’ll find: The psychological impact of favoritism, retaliation, and inconsistent discipline - How administrative betrayal can erode identity, purpose, and mental health - Firsthand accounts from officers at every level—from patrol to command - Evidence-based data showing just how damaging internal stressors can be - Strategies for surviving toxic environments without losing yourself - A roadmap for agencies ready to lead with integrity and emotional intelligence This book is not about placing blame. It’s about breaking the silence. Whether you’re a first responder, clinician, spouse, supervisor, or reform-minded leader, Betrayed From Within will challenge what you thought you knew about trauma in policing—and empower you to heal what’s been ignored for too long.