Police Misconduct Lawyer Texas – Police Officers’ Use of Deadly Force is Linked to Low Self-Control, Study Shows
A study conducted by the University of Texas at Dallas, Texas, analyzing responses of 1,935 police officers was designed to determine the level of self-control of each officer. Among the results of the extensive study, it shows that when a police officer demonstrates low-level self-control in his or her personal life, there is a greater tendency to use deadly force when serving as a police officer.
This study has been published in the online journal Police Quarterly. Eight indicators were used to measure self-control. These included such personal matters as being in a car accident and experiencing financial problems. For each indicator, the likelihood that an officer will be involved in a shooting increases by 21%, research suggests.
Other indicators which were used to indicate the level of self-control in personal life were:
- History of having a suspended driver’s license,
- Getting behind on payment of bills,
- Debts or loans over $1,000,
- Being separate or divorced,
- History of being under any variety of court order, and
- Receiving a traffic ticket within the last five years.
Among the researchers involved in the study are Dr. Jon Maskaly, Assistant Professor of Criminology; Dr. Alex Piquero; and Ashbel Smith, Professor of Criminology. The authors of the study include Dr. Wesley G. Jennings of Texas State University and Loyola University Chicago’s Dr. Christopher Donner.
Researchers say the study’s findings suggest that police departments could benefit from paying more attention to behavioral markers that reflect lower self-control. In addition, the use of interviews and psychological exams to screen candidates more effectively seems advisable.
Dr. Maskaly said a pattern of indicators suggest more screening is needed, but just a couple of indicators shouldn’t produce the same level of concern.
–Guest Contributor
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