Excessive Force Allegations Lead to Emotional Trauma for Police Employees

Case Overview

This case involves a dispute between a university police department and several of its employees regarding allegations of excessive force used against an arrestee. The incident reportedly involved a police officer who allegedly pulled a handcuffed and cooperative arrestee by the hair into a police vehicle. Furthermore, it is claimed that the officer placed their hands on the arrestee's throat while securing them in the vehicle, despite the arrestee repeatedly stating, "this is assault." The actions of the officer were captured on body camera footage, which has become crucial evidence in the case.

In addition to the primary allegations of excessive force, there are claims that the police report concerning the incident was fraudulently composed in an effort to cover up the officer's actions. The plaintiffs, who reported the incident to their superiors and recommended an investigation, assert they faced retaliation, resulting in demotion, defamation, and further emotional distress. These factors create a complex legal and psychological landscape that necessitates expert evaluation regarding the emotional damages suffered by the plaintiffs.

Questions to the Psychology expert and their responses

Please describe your experience in psychology, specifically as it relates to evaluating police officers.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 27 years of experience specializing in trauma assessment and treatment, including serving as director of a sexual abuse treatment program for over 10 years. I have also provided trainings on secondary traumatic stress. I was recently elected to serve as Division 56 Council Representative to the American Psychological Association. I have also had evidence-based training in trauma treatment, and my additional credentials include designation as a Victim Services Practitioner through the Office of the Attorney General.

Have you ever reviewed a similar case? If yes, please elaborate.

Excessive use of force by an authority figure in a position of trust, such as a law enforcement officer, often contributes to significant posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. These symptoms may not be limited to the direct victim as exposure to excessive force by other law enforcement officers may contribute to secondary trauma. These outcomes also often contribute to interpersonal and occupational functional impairment. Additionally, demotions associated with retaliation would likely compound these emotional damages.

About the expert

This expert has over 25 years of experience in the field of psychology, specializing in child and family psychology issues, including child maltreatment, sexual abuse, trauma, and the evaluation and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental, cognitive, behavioral, and mood disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She earned her BS, her MS, and her PsyD in clinical psychology from the Florida Institute of Technology and completed her postdoctoral training in pediatric neuropsychology with Dr. Kaye Burrows. She also completed a psychology internship at the Counseling Center for Human Development and a residency in neurobehavior at the Colorado Center for Neurological Rehabilitation. Today, this expert is a licensed psychologist in the state of Florida and an active member of the Florida Psychological Association and the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children. She is active in academia being involved in research, as the principal investigator of two studies, and as the author of several publications. Previously, she served as a director and clinical psychologist at Charter Brandon Counseling Center, as a licensed psychologist and EAP coordinator for Northside Mental Health Center, and as a child psychologist at Ministry Behavioral Health. In addition, she has been a clinical research diagnostician at Florida State University and a licensed psychologist at Air Force Base Mental Health Clinic, as well as the clinical supervisor for the ASD team at the Florida Institute of Technology. Currently, she serves as the director of the family learning program and as an associate professor at a university-affiliated autism treatment center in Florida. She also owns and operates her own private psychology practice in addition to her other roles.

E-499772

Specialties:

Psychology