Does Firing a Weapon and Causing Bodily Harm on a Suspect Impact a Police Officer’s Mental Stability Specifically Involving Post-­‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Author

Thomas Feeney, University at Albany, State University of New York

Date of Award

5-2016

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Criminal Justice

Advisor/Committee Chair

Robert Worden

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine whether firing a weapon and causing bodily harm to a suspect is a traumatic experience for a police officer, which leads to PTSD. The research used a multi-­‐methodical approach consisting of both surveys and interviews of police officers that fit the population of interest. No original empirical research was conducted due to resource constraints but the study is designed to test for a hypothesized positive correlation between PTSD and deadly force. PTSD is a serious problem amongst those who are exposed to dangerous situations and this research is designed to figure out how to stop it and help those affected.

Recommended Citation

Feeney, Thomas, "Does Firing a Weapon and Causing Bodily Harm on a Suspect Impact a Police Officer’s Mental Stability Specifically Involving Post-­‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?" (2016). Criminal Justice. 9.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/honorscollege_cj/9