A Psychological Perspective on Police Brutality: Current Statistics, Characteristics, and Trends Regarding Excessive Use of Force

<p>The purpose of this literature review was to utilize a psychological perspective on police brutality to identify current statistics, characteristics, and trends concerning excessive use of force. There were four fundamental goals of this literature review: (a) examine current statistics, characteristics, and trends regarding excessive use of force by law enforcement officers; (b) examine which populations are most likely to suffer from excessive use of force; (c) examine current methods in training law enforcement officers; and (d) propose a new model for training law enforcement officers. Also included is a discussion of a proposed idea for the training of police officers. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the limitations of this literature review, areas for future research, and a brief summary. Major findings of this literature review found that police brutality has been a part of the United States since the inception of law enforcement. Furthermore, research has shown that ethnic/racial minorities, individuals with mental health issues, and members of the LGBTQ+ communities are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing excessive use of force and being killed by law enforcement officers. Finally, a brief proposed model for law enforcement training and reform is presented.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Psy.D. Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation - Public Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Clinical Psychology

Year dc:date.available

2021

Author dc:creator

• Salter, Ashley

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gary Howell, Psy.D.
• Patricia Dixon, Psy.D.

• Excessive force
• Police culture
• Police training standards
• Effects of chronic stress
• Dehumanization and stress
• and Accountability for use of force.
• Clinical Psychology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/571

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.nl.edu:diss-1617