16 Questions
What is the primary focus of this section of the human behavior course?
Dealing with death and sudden loss
Why do police officers dread the 'death notification' call?
Due to the emotional toll it takes on them
What is one potential solution for easing the burden of death notification?
Involving a chaplain or minister in the notification process
What can a ministerial alliance provide in a community?
A network of religious leaders for support
What is the significance of the 'War Department' in this context?
It is a metaphor for receiving bad news
What is the ultimate goal of the coping skills discussed in this section?
To reduce stress and minimize psychological problems
What is a physical symptom an officer may experience after being involved in a shooting situation?
Sweaty palms
What is a long-term reaction an officer involved in a shooting may experience?
Flashbacks
What can an officer do to prepare himself for the unexpected?
Crisis rehearsal done mentally
What is a negative indicator that an officer may need professional care and counseling?
Suicidal thoughts
What is the definition of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.)?
The psychological stress caused by frequent or prolonged exposure to crisis or trauma
What is a factor that may contribute to the development of coping strategies in male officers?
Age
What is a reason why female officers may report more stresses than male officers?
Cultural acceptance of reporting distress
What is a potential impact of P.T.S.D. on police behavior?
Increased errors in judgment
What is a purpose of crisis rehearsal?
To sharpen skills and imprint behavior patterns onto the brain
What is a common reaction to traumatic events?
All of the above
Study Notes
Dealing with Death
- Police officers often have to deliver bad news, including death notifications, which can be a traumatic experience for both the officer and the recipient.
- The "death notification" call is one of the most dreaded tasks for police officers.
Coping with Trauma
- Officers involved in traumatic incidents, such as shootings, may experience physical symptoms like:
- Sweaty palms
- Pounding chest
- Dry mouth
- Aching muscles
- Watery eyes
- Sensory distortion
- Emotional symptoms can include:
- Thought distraction
- Fear
- Awareness lapse
- Creative capacity decline
Long-term Reactions
- Officers may experience long-term reactions, including:
- Flashbacks, which can cause psychological damage
- "Second Guessing" or "Rehashing", which can cause loss of confidence in ability
- Belief that the job is too dangerous, leading to avoidance of returning to duty
Preparation and Self-Care
- Officers can prepare themselves for the unexpected by:
- Engaging in crisis rehearsal mentally
- Practicing positive "self-talk"
- This preparation can help officers be healthier, more productive, and better equipped to deal with traumatic incidents
Indicators of Need for Professional Care
- Negative indicators that an officer may need professional care and counseling include:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Repeated flashbacks of the incident
- Depression
- Sleeplessness
- These symptoms may be indicative of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.)
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.)
- P.T.S.D. is defined as "the psychological stress caused by frequent or prolonged exposure to crisis or trauma"
- Stressors leading to P.T.S.D. include:
- Shooting someone
- Being shot
- Working with child abuse, spousal abuse, and rape cases
- Being threatened or having family threatened
- Observing death through homicide, suicide, or natural disaster
- A study found that 26% of officers reported symptoms meeting the criteria for P.T.S.D.
Learn essential human behavior skills to cope with death and sudden loss of a loved one. This section focuses on minimizing psychological and stress-induced problems.
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