NCJ Number
178665
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 47 Issue: 4 Dated: April 1999 Pages: 93-98
Date Published
1999
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes post shooting trauma, symptoms and coping mechanisms.
Abstract
Post shooting trauma is a form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, significant emotional disturbance caused by excessive or extraordinary stressors. Stressors in the case of law enforcement include a police related shooting that results in injury or death. Symptoms include reliving the event over and over, avoiding stimuli associated with the event, the numbing of emotions, insomnia, nightmares, inability to concentrate, explosions of anger or aggression, depression, obsessive behavior (particularly with alcohol and drugs) and fear. Attempts to deal with post shooting trauma include support groups, often including a forensic psychiatrist, where trauma sufferers are encouraged to talk about the effects of their incidents. In addition, group members discuss the consequences of denial, the importance of counseling for both the officers involved and their families, and the recovery process. The article includes International Association of Chiefs of Police administrative guidelines for dealing with officers involved in a shooting.