Post-Shooting Trauma, Part 2 (From Crime to Court: Police Officer's Handbook, P 21-28, 1990, Joseph C Coleman)

• NCJ Number: 121266
• Author(s): J C Coleman
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 8 pages
• Corporate Author: South Carolina Criminal Justice Acad
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Article accompanies monthly continuing education television program for law enforcement officers

Annotation

The second part of a three-part series on post-shooting trauma examines officer reactions to trauma and symptoms of stress.

Abstract

Characteristic symptoms of critical-incident stress may appear immediately or in the weeks after the incident. One of the earliest symptoms may be numbing and withdrawal, including detachment from friends and family. Other reactions include reliving the incident, with distortions or in slow motion. Depression, sleep difficulties or substance abuse, including overeating, are other indications of trauma. Guilt about the incident or about a lack of feeling about the incident may be compounded by other factors such as prosecution by the victim's family or adverse public opinion. Difficulty getting along with family, friends, or professional colleagues is another clue. An officer with symptoms of critical-incident stress should have professional counseling or join a peer support group.