Date of Award

6-19-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Rodger K. Bufford

Second Advisor

Jory Smith, PsyD

Third Advisor

Mark Thomas, PsyD

Abstract

Tensions have been heating up nationwide in response to police-involved shootings-particularly in the wake of the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. For the last few years, riots and violence have been flooding the streets of major cities across the United States. Portland, Oregon in particular has had a significant amount of turbulence. Though some peaceful protests have taken place, many violent events have flooded the city and spilled into surrounding areas. Local businesses and residents have been affected. Crime data shows an increase in violent crimes, over the last 2 years, and law enforcement officer numbers dramatically decreased. Violence is increasing and protective barriers are collapsing (Portland.gov, n.d.-d; Portland.gov, n.d.-c ). The Law Enforcement Variables Inquiry (LEVI) survey was created to evaluate the impact of social and political turbulence on law enforcement personnel. The intent is to identify crucial areas where support is lacking and necessary to facilitate law enforcement retention and promote public support of first responders. The LEVI survey identifies six categories of potential law-enforcer distress. The categories include perceived level of support from the public, perceived level of support from supervisors, fear of threat and personal safety, fear or hesitation to act in the line of duty, family trauma, and burnout. Findings indicate that officers respond to violence or violent crimes several times per week and feel a lack of support from the district attorney's office-primarily Portland Police Bureau (PPB). They do, however, feel a good deal of support from immediate supervisors. Officers responded feeling they will be scrutinized and punished for use of force, even when it is legally and rationally justified. They also express experiencing an elevation in crime rates, along with a lack of public support for their service and sacrifice. They express feeling that public support not only impacts their motivation to perform their duties protecting the public, but also their ability to do so. Officers feel that overall, the public is consequently less protected with fewer officers, and that media perpetuates use of force incidents. Officers are also experiencing more stress responding to potentially dangerous service calls and feeling an increased risk of serious injury or being killed in the line of duty.

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