Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Tamara Mouras

Abstract

Law enforcement has become known as one of the most stressful occupations. Stress can have negative impacts on police officers’ professional careers and their personal life. This qualitative research revealed the unseen pressure of wrongful death lawsuits involving police officers, especially those cleared of any criminal wrongdoings. The study explored the police officers' perceptions while gaining knowledge from their lived experiences of how wrongful death lawsuits impacted them professionally and personally. This qualitative study was guided by the person-in-environment theory, which means that the environment can affect the police officer. In return, the police officer can affect the environment. The methodology used was a qualitative research approach to obtain data from 10 participants from different police departments throughout South Carolina. The data were collected through in-person interviews consisting of 13 interview questions. Participants had to be current or retired police officers who had personally been involved in a wrongful death lawsuit. Each participant had to be justified in their actions that led to the civil case. Data were analyzed by using NVivo 12 qualitative data analysis software. Three major themes emerged, revealing that wrongful death lawsuits negatively impacted police officers professionally and personally. Results also showed the lack of support from police organizations and the lack of confidence in the legal system of civil liability. It is essential to improve police officers' overall well-being for positive social change. The results could have a positive impact on police and community relations.

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