Undercover Law Enforcement Operatives' Perceptions of Post
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2020 Undercover Law Enforcement Operatives’ Perceptions of Post Critical Incident Mental Health Services David B. Spinella Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by David B. Spinella has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Jana Price-Sharps, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Jason Roach, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Christopher Bass, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2020 Abstract Undercover Law Enforcement Operatives‘ Perceptions of Post Critical Incident Mental Health Services by David B. Spinella MBA, University of Phoenix, 2007 MA, Chapman University, 1990 BS, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1985 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Forensic Psychology Walden University August 2020 Abstract Undercover officers experience unique job-related stressors due to the covert nature and sometimes long duration of their tasks. Undercover officers adopt false identities that involve taking on a personality and lifestyle that the officer might find personally objectionable. If this identity is ever compromised, they and family members are in great danger. Officers are faced with the daily possibility of encountering abrupt and unforeseen traumatic events, such as gang retaliation, terrorism, and other events rarely experienced by civilians. Such events that exceed the range of normal experience are critical incidents, and they may be so overwhelming that they are beyond the person‘s ability to cope. Research into the factors influencing the willingness of undercover officers to accept or actively seek services is sparse. This phenomenological study was used to examine the perceptions of undercover officers regarding post critical incident mental health services and whether their attitudes about them have changed over time; 5 undercover officers were interviewed. Participants acknowledged their stigma-induced resistance to help-seeking as well as a slowly improving view of mental health services among police officers and indicated they would both use services if provided and encourage psychologically distressed colleagues to do the same. Results from the study may inform the development of effective services that undercover police officers will accept and use to reduce psychological distress, and to improve job performance, quality of life, and survivability. Undercover Law Enforcement Operatives‘ Perceptions of Post Critical Incident Mental Health Services by David B. Spinella MBA, University of Phoenix, 2007 MA, Chapman University, 1990 BS, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1985 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Forensic Psychology Walden University August 2020 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my parents, Charles and Virginia Spinella, my aunt and uncle, Carl and Jessalye Spinella, and my many friends, mentors, associates, and colleagues who provided me with incentive and encouragement to succeed over the years. To Laurie Bushnell, my first girlfriend from Junior High School who having been lost to me for more than 50 years, re-entered my life as I started this final phase of my education. I appreciate your love, support, and patience that provided me an invaluable assist in crossing the finish line. I am looking forward to spending every minute of the time I have left in this life with you. Patricia McInerny, you provided guidance and support during some of the most important phases of my life. From you, I learned the importance of personal integrity, loyalty, humor, and the pursuit of knowledge. Most importantly, from you I learned all I needed to know about negotiating adversity. You helped me develop the vision and persistence to complete this long and arduous route to this point in my academic career. You believed in me at times when I did not. I cannot imagine that one could have a better sister. I will see you again in time. Acknowledgments I begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to my dissertation committee chair, Jana Price-Sharps, Ed.D. Your guidance and support through the dissertation process is incalculable. I benefited greatly by your knowledge and creativity. I acknowledge your commitment to the student you work with and the dedication you have to your profession. You are a role model with characteristics I will try to emulate. Thank you. Secondly, I would like to acknowledge my second committee member, Jason Roach, Ph.D., and Christopher Bass, Ph.D., my URR. Thank you both for your helpful feedback, encouragement, time, and expertise. I especially acknowledge the dedicated law enforcement professionals who participated in my study. I am impressed by your professionalism and your concern for your fellow police officers. The results of this research are intended to benefit you and your colleagues and I thank you for your contributions. Lastly, I acknowledge Virginia Steinbach, MFCC who inspired me to enter our profession. Scott Deiner, Ph.D. and Judy Matthews, Ph.D., my first teachers who helped shaped my view of our profession and helped me through the process of embarking on a new career while finishing up my first one. Edward Culberson, Ed.D, who introduced me to teaching up and coming therapists and teachers. Moira Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., you guided me into the business side of our profession. And Cristy, you were patient, supportive, and at times directive. You kept me focused and on task. I owe you much. I thank you all for your substantial contributions to my career. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................3 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................9 Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................................10 Research Questions ......................................................................................................11 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................11 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................13 Definition of Terms......................................................................................................14 Assumptions .................................................................................................................16 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................18 Limitations ...................................................................................................................18 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................21 Summary ......................................................................................................................24 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................27 Introduction ..................................................................................................................27 Literature Search Strategy ............................................................................................30 Theoretical Foundation ................................................................................................31 Literature Review.........................................................................................................33 Theory of Preventive Stress Management ............................................................ 33 i Psychological Distress .......................................................................................... 35 Depression............................................................................................................. 37 Anxiety and Trauma ............................................................................................. 38 Stress 42 Physical, Psychological, and Behavioral Problems .............................................. 44 Undercover Policing, Cop Culture, Stigma, and Reluctance to Seek