Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2017 The syP chological Impact of Taser Utilization in Police Officers Yolanda Waters Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Criminology Commons, Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, and 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 Yolanda Waters 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. James Herndon, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Barbara DeVelasco, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Brent Robbins, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2017 Abstract The Psychological Impact of Taser Utilization in Police Officers by Yolanda N. Waters MA, Argosy University, 2011 BS, Kaplan University, 2008 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Forensic Psychology Walden University January 2017 Abstract A substantial body of scientific and medical research has examined the relationship between conductive energy devices and their physical risk to humans. This phenomenological study focused on the psychological impact of Taser utilization in police officers. This research explored how the experience of using a Taser in the line of duty affected officers from the conceptual framework of stress inoculation training and its applicability to Taser certification; the typical mental processes associated with using less-lethal weapons, perceptions of Taser training; and, the preparation provided in training for citizen injuries and deaths. Fifteen officers who had deployed a Taser were included as participants. The sample consisted of 2 randomized groups of 5, and 1 convenience group of 5 officers involved in Taser-related deaths. Data were collected through digitally recorded interviews of the officers’ lived experiences. Data were analyzed using a 5-step method of constant comparison to develop and code themed clusters using the officers’ own words. Findings showed officers believed the Taser was the best non-lethal device available but they preferred not using a Taser on citizens. In addition, Taser training may not be legally sufficient as defined in relevant court cases. A recommendation is that stress inoculation segments should be included in Taser training courses. Findings indicate Taser-related deaths have the potential to cause extreme stress and trauma in the officers, changing their lives and that of their families forever. The Psychological Impact of Taser Utilization in Police Officers by Yolanda N. Waters MA, Argosy University, 2011 BS, Kaplan University, 2008 Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Forensic Psychology Walden University January 2017 Dedication This lifelong dream is dedicated to my mother, Marina Diaz Nino, for instilling that I could do anything I set my mind to, for her strength of character, unconditional love, and for her positive influence in my life. I aspire to possess your strength of character. You are forever in my heart. Acknowledgments This immense project could not have materialized without the assistance of several individuals to whom I am forever grateful. I thank my husband, best friend, and worst critic, Alan Waters, for your unflagging enthusiasm in reading every chapter and for your continuous jokes throughout the process. This endeavor would not have been possible without your steadfast love, support, and encouragement. You are truly the wind beneath my wings. Thank you, Dr. James S. Herndon of Walden University, for believing in me, when I doubted my sanity about having undertaken this journey. I could not have succeeded without your mentorship, and friendship. Dr. Barbara De Velasco, thank you for your encouraging words and for continuously indicating how proud you were at every step of the journey. Thank you to Sheriff Henry Trochesset and Sheriff Ron Hickman for your willingness to participant in this research. Lastly, thank you to all the law enforcement officers of Galveston and Harris counties. Blue lives matter to law abiding citizens. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Background of the Study ...............................................................................................2 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................6 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................7 Research Questions ........................................................................................................7 Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................8 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................8 Limitations .....................................................................................................................9 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................10 Summary and Transition ..............................................................................................11 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................13 Overview of Content ....................................................................................................13 Methods used in Literature Search ..............................................................................14 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................15 Police Use of force .......................................................................................................16 Police Officer Injuries ..................................................................................................20 Citizen Injuries and Deaths ..........................................................................................22 Excited Delirium ..........................................................................................................26 The New Generation X3 TASER ......................................................................... 29 CED Guidelines and Policies .......................................................................................30 i The Effects of Conductive Energy Devices .................................................................34 Animal Studies ...................................................................................................... 34 Physical and Medical Effects in Humans ............................................................. 35 Physical and Muscular Effects .............................................................................. 36 Physiological Effects in Humans .......................................................................... 37 Cardiovascular Function ....................................................................................... 37 Respiratory Effects................................................................................................ 40 Cognitive Function................................................................................................ 41 Psychological Impact ............................................................................................ 42 Resilience Training ......................................................................................................43 Mind –Based Training .......................................................................................... 45 Mindfulness-based Mind Fitness Training ........................................................... 46 Stress Exposure Training of Pilots ........................................................................ 47 Stress Inoculation Training ................................................................................... 49 Summary and Transition ..............................................................................................52 Chapter 3: Research Methods ............................................................................................54 Introduction ..................................................................................................................54 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................54 Role of Researcher .......................................................................................................56