The Social Justice Speaker Series Presents:
After The Bang
Trauma and Officer-Involved Shootings
Presenter: James Scott, D.C.J.
Date & Time: Â Thursday February 20th, 2025 from 7:00PM – 8:00PM Eastern Standard Time
Location: Via Zoom
Zoom Link: Emailed with ticket
Cost:
FREE to attend
FREE CE for CPA Members
$15.00 CE Processing Fee for Non-members
Continuing Education: Â Eligible for 1 CE
Abstract:
Policing is a taxing occupation. Organizational and operational issues create unavoidable stressors. These challenges include staffing shortages, responding to traumatic incidents, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research shows repeated exposure to these workplace challenges can adversely impact an officer’s mental and physical health. Studies show that conditions such as PTSD and/or depression are common among police officers and suicide is a leading cause of death among police officers. Additionally, police officers have a shorter life expectancy compared to the public. Despite the dangers associated with unmanaged stress, police culture prevents most officers from seeking mental health assistance. Although infrequent, one of the most traumatic events an officer can endure is being involved in a shooting. This presentation is a case study based on a veteran officer’s involvement in a fatal shooting and the subsequent trauma he endured.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:
Discuss thoughts and feelings an officer may experience after being involved shooting.
Discuss how clinicians can support police officer wellness.
Illustrate the importance of establishing an officer reintegration policy.
Research Citations
Arble, E., Lumley, M. A., Pole, N., Blessman, J., & Arnetz, B. B. (2017). Refinement and preliminary testing of an imagery-based program to improve coping and performance and prevent trauma among urban police officers. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 32(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-016-9191-z
Craddock, T. B., & Telesco, G. (2021). Police stress and deleterious outcomes: Efforts towards improving police mental health. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 37(1), 173–182. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-021-09488-1
Stuart, H. (2017). Mental illness stigma expressed by police to police. Israel Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences, 54(1), 18–23. https://cdn.doctorsonly.co.il/2017/08/04_Mental-Illness-Stigma.pdf
Presenter Biography
James Scott, D.C.J.
James began his law enforcement career as a New York City Correction Officer. After a short stint on Riker’s Island, James transitioned to the Connecticut State Police. During James’ tenure with the State Police, he has worked as a Patrol Trooper, Academy Instructor, Patrol Supervisor, and ultimately the Commanding Officer for the Recruiting & Background Investigations Units.
James simultaneously served in the Army National Guard and is a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After 20 years of military service, James retired with the rank of Master Sergeant.
James earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Albertus Magnus College, his Master’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Doctorate in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University.
After 21 years of service with the Connecticut State Police, James retired and assumed a full-time faculty position at Albertus Magnus College.
Post-Webinar Evaluation Form:
Post-webinar evaluation form will be provided during the event and must be completed to receive a Continuing Education (CE) certificate.
Closed Captions:Â Live audio captions are accessible for this event. If you need additional disability-related accommodations, please contact us by email us at info@connpsych.org or by phone (860) 404-0333. Requests should be made at least two weeks in advance of workshop date.
Refund Policy: Participants may direct questions to CPA by email at info@connpsych.org or by phone at (860) 404-0333. Registrants may cancel and receive a full refund up to two-weeks in advance of workshop date. Â An administrative fee of $30 will be charged for cancellation of registration within two weeks of the workshop date (Social Justice events will not be charged an administrative fee). Please note, no refunds will be granted within 24 hours of workshop date.
Continuing Education Approval:
The Connecticut Psychological Association (CPA) is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to offer continuing education for psychologists. CPA maintains responsibility for the program and its content. CPA will issue certificates of completion. APA CE rules require that we only issue credits to those who attend the entire workshop. Those logging into the Zoom webinar more than 15 minutes late or logging off before the entire workshop is completed will not receive CE credits (i.e. partial CE credit will not be issued).
CPA GRIEVANCE POLICY:
The Connecticut Psychological Association (CPA) is fully committed to conducting all activities in strict conformance with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists. The CPA will comply with all legal and ethical guidelines for non-discrimination in promotional activities, program content and in the treatment of CE participants.  While the CPA strives to assure fair treatment for all participants and to anticipate problems before they occur, occasionally grievances may be filed. In cases where a participant files a written or oral grievance, the following actions are taken:
If the grievance concerns the content of the workshop a CPA representative will mediate and will be the final arbitrator. If the participant requests action, the CPA will either provide a credit for a subsequent CE offering or provide a partial or full refund of the CE fee already paid. Â Actions involving a credit, or a refund will require a written note documenting the grievance for record- keeping purposes. The aggrieved individual need not sign the note. If the grievance specifically concerns the CPA, the CPA will attempt to arbitrate.
Direct correspondence to: The Connecticut Psychologial Association, P.O. Box #1167, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 or by email to executivedirector@connpsych.org.
