NCJ Number
81000
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 50 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1981) Pages: 6-10
Date Published
1981
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The psychological responses of police officers who kill others in the line of duty are described, with emphasis on ways of helping officers deal with these responses.
Abstract
Although police officers vary in their reactions to stress, they have certain characteristics which reflect their needs and desire to enter law enforcement. Their stong religious and moral values, particularly the strong concepts of right and wrong, are the main attributes affecting their responses to killing others. Police officers who kill a person may experience guilt and the feeling that they have compromised their religion or may feel no guilt at all. The variety of responses appears to relate to the amount of possible threat or actual injury done to the officer during the incident. Interviews with officers who have been involved in shooting incidents have revealed a definite pattern of reaction. Officers should understand that these reactions are normal. The initial reaction is denial, which subsides quickly as the officer becomes aware of the dead body or the wounded person needing help. Officers next realize that they must present all the facts relating to the incident and must justify the shooting. Hence, their next reaction is to gather as many facts as possible. The officers present the facts to the investigators, hoping for support and vindication. They become less defensive if they receive this support. While all these actions are in accordance with the officers' training, the subsequent reactions are beyond their training and are often psychologically threatening. Officers may feel physically anxious and hence unable to relax or sleep. To relieve tension, all police officers involved in shooting incidents should engage in some form of physical activity within the first 24 hours after the incident. Officers also need peer group support. After 2 or 3 days, the period of moral self-questioning begins. Reassurance and support from a psychologist is especially important during this period, since many officers may have severe reactions. One major midwestern police department requires that every police officer involved in a fatal or nonfatal shooting incident be seen by a psychologist or psychiatrist to assist in stress management. Following a first session involving only the officer, efforts are made to have a second session involving the officer's spouse. Further sessions are also offered. Such a program is recommended for all police departments.