NCJ Number
114027
Date Published
1986
Length
49 pages
Annotation
Interviews with 25 British police officers who had killed or wounded another person in the course of their duties formed the basis of an analysis of the psychological effects of the shootings on the officers.
Abstract
The officers volunteered to take part in the study and complete two interviews, one with a psychiatrist and one with a Home Office researcher. The interviews focused on demographic information, firearms training, the event, the immediate aftermath of the incident, the reactions of families and friends, and effects on behaviors and feelings. Results showed that both the immediate and long-term reaction patterns were similar to those reported in American studies. The majority of those interviews had little difficulty in coming to terms with taking a life. Incidents involving shootings of civilians or offenders who used a fake weapon were more difficult for the officer to resolve. Findings indicate the need for immediate psychological support, confidential counseling, a delay in the formal investigations, social support outside the police service, and support to the family. Additional recommendations and appended background materials and tables.