1. By: Anthony Bryant Jessica Stewart Nicole Williams
Exploring Drug Use Amongst Police Officers and Its Implications for The Use of Excessive Force
By:
Anthony Bryant
Jessica Stewart
Nicole Williams

2. Introduction Research Problem
Drug use among officers needs to be addressed to help those officers suffering from addiction and to keep the excessive use of force due to the their addiction to a minimum or eradicate the epidemic altogether.
Research Question
How does police officers drug abuse affect the use of excessive force while on duty.

3. Hypothesis Alternative Hypothesis Null Hypothesis
Police officers who abuse drugs are more likely to use excessive force on potential suspects while on duty.
Null Hypothesis
Drug abuse by police officers does not affect their likelihood to use excessive force while on duty.

4. Literature Review Conceptualizing Relationship to Community
- T h e r a c e o f t h e i n v e s t i g a t o r w a s s h o w n t o b e a s i g n i f i c a n t f a c t o r i n w h e t h e r o r n o t t h e c a s e w a s f o u n d t o b e a v a l i d o r f r a u d u l e n t c l a i m .
- O u t c o m e s o f t h e s e i n v e s t i g a t i o n s w e r e h e a v i l y d e p e n d e n t o n i n d e p e n d e n t t e s t i m o n y a n d e v i d e n c e t h a t d i d n ’ t c o m e f r o m t e s t i m o n i e s
Literature Review
Conceptualizing
Relationship to Community
“High Rate” and “Low Rate” Officers
Race of Decision Makers
Public Health and Policy
Socioeconomic Status
Stereotypes and Perceptions
Police and Drug Use
Excessive Force

5. Methodology
Exploratory research design will be used to investigate the relationship between police officers and drug use
Longitudinal, cohort study examining newly sworn in officers in five major cities within the Southeast region of the United States by survey
Survey will be conducted annually during the duration of the study

6. Methodology (cont.)
25 random officers per city will be selected to participate in the study
Officers will be identified only by a number given to them at beginning of study to remain anonymous

7. Statement of Limitations
C a s e s m a y n o t b e r e p o r t e d d u e t o , v i c t i m r e l u c t a n c e o r f e a r , c a s e s t h a t d o n ’ t i n v o l v e d e a t h s m a y n o t b e r e p o r t e d .
O f f i c e r s c o u l d d r o p o u t d u e t o n o i n t e r n e t a c c e s s , f e a r a n d r i d i c u l e o f f e l l o w o f f i c e r s , d e a t h , o r a c h a n g e i n d e p a r t m e n t , e t c …
Statement of Limitations
Surveys are self-reported, introduces potential bias by the subjects
There is a likelihood of selective drop-out before study is completed
All cases of excessive force may not be reported
Reporting fatigue experienced during longitudinal studies
Possible negative image placed on police officers if data shows a high number of drug users.

8. Anticipated Conclusions/ Recommendations
Anticipated findings supports hypothesis that police officers who abuse drugs are more likely to use excessive force on potential suspects while on duty
The level of prescription drug abuse is higher than illegal drug abuse amongst officers
The program will have a slow start due to fears of information disclosure

9. Anticipated Conclusions/ Recommendations (cont.)
Recommend survey be used across the U.S. through a stratified cluster sample to make the results generalizable to the entire nation.
Nationwide survey should be more diverse to include retired officers, resigned officers, and possibly terminated officers
Recommend policies that mandate police officers to take a drug test when an event of excessive force occurs