Pre-Critical Incident Involvement by Psychologist (From Psychological Services for Law Enforcement, P 305-309, 1986, J Reese and H A Goldstein, eds. - See NCJ-104098)

• NCJ Number: 104116
• Author(s): C L Baruth
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: US Dept of Justice; US Dept of Justice
• Sale Source: Superintendent of Documents, GPO; National Institute of Justice/NCJRS; National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-104098.

Annotation

Police psychologists will be most effective in helping officers cope with critical incidents, notably shootings, when the psychologists have had direct experience with police work and a prior relationship with the officer involved.

Abstract

There are a few specialized advanced training programs in police psychology. Absent such training, psychologists may become familiar with police work by having been police themselves, by 'riding along' with both line and staff officers, or by receiving training to be a reserve or auxiliary officer. Familiarity with police work not only helps the psychologist to understand and empathize with the circumstances and stresses of a police officer but also increases the likelihood that the psychologist will be accepted and used by officers. Regular interaction with the officers on duty and in training also facilitates officers coming to the psychologist in critical times, such as when an officer has been involved in a shooting. Posttraumatic stress following a shooting is common in officers, and counseling is crucial to the resolution of such stress. A principal barrier to an officer's seeking counseling is a 'macho' self-image that fosters a sense of invincibility and a belief that any any circumstance should be handled independently. This paper recommends departmental procedures for managing the aftermath of a police shooting so as to assist the involved officer in dealing with posttraumatic stress. 14 references.