Psychological Survival in Armed Confrontations Psychological and emotional survival in officer-involved shootings

Presented to LCPD Class 42 by Peter DiVasto Ph.D. Police psychologist

“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” George Orwell

Resources Debriefings conducted from 1978 to present with officers involved in shootings ( approximately 250) Survey of 78 N.M. officers (1998, Kolb, Eversgerd and DiVasto) Book - Deadly Force Encounters by Alexis Artwohl Ph.D. and Loren Christensen Book – Into the Kill Zone by David Klinger

“I’m not gonna die from a lack of shooting on my part” SGT Ed Mims Bernalillo County S.O.

Tactical Attitude Duty Status of Officers Killed Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2001, FBI

Tactical Attitude Incident Types - Officers Killed Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2001, FBI

Tactical Attitude Firearms Used to Kill Officers Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2001, FBI

Less than 7 yards in 82.3% of shootings. 71.8% are 10 feet or less. Tactical Attitude Duration and Distances in Gunfights Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2001 FBI The firefight lasts 2 to 3 seconds with 5 or more shots fired.

Be polite, be professional and be prepared

OIS = Officer Involved Shooting

Objectives To discuss factors that make OIS a crisis situation To examine offender variables in OIS and their impact on outcome To list situational variables in OIS that effect outcome To discuss the impact of the departmental response to an OIS To examine officer variables in OIS

OIS as a crisis It is sudden, often unexpected and life- threatening It may have legal, moral, psychological or spiritual consequences The officer becomes the focus of a great deal of attention It underscores the danger of this work, especially to our families

Offender Variables We “expect” to confront a male, age The assailant may be older, younger or female The assailant’s threatening behavior may not be obvious to witnesses The offender may have a history of mental illness The offender may be trying to initiate a “suicide-by cop” Officer may have a history of having dealt with this ( and other offenders) without the need for force

Situational Variables On-duty vs. Off-duty Preparation time for the actual shooting ( hours vs. no time to prepare ) Department’s recent involvement in shootings Community Perception/Response Witness statements Media Coverage Officer having to render aid to offender following OIS Empty, disabled or toy firearms

Departmental Variables Written policies, S.O.P.s and the ability to follow same Leave policy Response resources-- peer counselors, companion officers, psychological services Scene control - keeping out those who don’t belong there

Departmental Variables (cont.) Gun/equipment policy Availability of/reaction to legal representation on scene Ability/willingness to keep officer informed Subsequent legal proceedings - Grand Jury, wrongful death suit

Officer Variables Prior success with other critical incidents Physical condition Proximity of the threat Prior mental preparation Current state of emotional/psychological health

Officer Variables (cont.) Coping style in regard to seeking help, support, validation Relationship to sources of support: peers, family of origin, spouse, children, professional services

Common Reactions During A Shooting Incident Auditory exclusion Narrowed visual field (“tunnel vision”), often with heightened visual clarity “Automatic pilot” Disbelief Altered perception of time

FROM THE EXPERIENCES OF THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN SHOOTINGS WE CAN PREDICT: In all likelihood, you will: a) not hear the shots fired at normal volume b) focus clearly on the threat to the exclusion of other things c) fight as you train d) experience things in slow motion

What influences how well officers cope with a shooting? overall stress resistance support from family, peers, etc. good supervision and leadership availability of mental health resources

What increases stress resistance? a) mental preparation 1. prepare yourself 2. “train like you fight” 3. prepare your family 4. participate in officer survival training b) exercise regularly, at least three times per week c) eat healthily d) drink alcohol in moderation, if at all

External factors that make a difference : In my experience, the outcome is positively influenced by: Well-managed scene Access to resources, both on-scene and afterwards Legal representation, starting on scene Psychological follow-up, starting on scene Competent investigation Proper media relations Keeping the officer informed

How to develop peer support Be willing to help others Don’t isolate yourself--cultivate friends, get involved in your hobbies, volunteer, coach, etc. Retain/develop friends away from work Remain optimistic, productive and interested in your work Don’t whine

Suggestions for being a supportive peer initiate contact with a short phone call let him/her tell you what he/she wants you to know. don’t pry ask supportive questions--"is there anything I can do to help you or the family?" accept the officer’s reactions as normal

Suggestions for being a supportive peer share your own experiences in small doses don’t encourage the use of alcohol be careful how you use humor save the “Monday morning quarterbacking” for later if you do see negative changes, confront them directly, but with tact