Post-shooting stress reactions among police officers

Abstract

Post-shooting stress reactions were studied in a large police force to develop a psychological services policy and procedures in support of members of the force. Two empirical studies were conducted using a mail survey of a total of 66 members involved in shootings plus clinical interviews of a sample of these members. The results showed that members experienced most stress reactions within three days of the shooting. The average time for feeling that they were back to normal working, social, and family life was 20 weeks. There was strong support for various proposed psychological services and actions to support members involved in shootings. Recommendations were made concerning the conduct of psychological debriefings, counselling and brief therapy, the use of peer counsellors, services for affected police families, and stress training in the force. © 1986 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.