NCJ Number
99707
Journal
Psychological Reports Volume: 55 Issue: 1 Dated: (1984) Pages: 127-131
Date Published
1984
Length
5 pages
Annotation
60 deputy sheriffs involved in shooting incidents in the Los Angeles area completed a seven-page survey delineating their reactions to the shooting incident.
Abstract
Data suggest some significant demographic and psychological effects on these officers. 40 percent were in the Department for 6 to 10 yr., 73 percent of the shootings involved other police officers, and 91 percent of the incidents occurred on duty. A variety of psychological reactions were described, e.g., time distortion, sleep difficulties, fear of legal consequences, and various emotional reactions such as anger, elation, or crying. About 30 percent of the respondents felt that the shooting incident affected them greatly or a lot, about 33 percent only moderately and 35 percent not at all. The emotional responses to shootings appear to be as varied as the individuals involved. (Author abstract)