NCJ Number
151366
Journal
Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology Volume: 9 Issue: 2 Dated: (October 1993) Pages: 2-8
Date Published
1993
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Using a simulated police shooting context, this study examined the effects of caffeine on decisionmaking regarding whether or not to shoot and on reaction time, especially in situations where the police must first decide whether or not to shoot.
Abstract
The study was prompted by awareness that police officers are well known for consuming large amounts of coffee while on duty. The participants in the study were 44 male and 16 female students in criminal justice classes in a large midwestern university. They were randomly assigned to four control and experimental groups. Participants viewed videotaped vignettes of situations in which a police officer might make a decision regarding the use of firearms. They then sat in a testing chair and asked, if they believed that the police officer should shoot, to fire their pistol directly at the intended target. Prior to the videos and the shooting exercise, some participants were given regular coffee; others drank decaffeinated coffee or no coffee. Findings did not provide clear answers regarding the effects of caffeine on shooting judgment, although they indicated that females in the sample were less prone to shoot and had slower shooting reaction times. Results suggested that until further research provides more definite answers, armed police officers and security guards should use moderation in using caffeinated products on duty. Tables and 20 references