Date of Conferral

11-13-2024

Degree

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Richard Worch

Abstract

The host police department experienced 58 traffic collisions from 2019-2020, which resulted in adverse outcomes for police officers and community members. The police department seeks a solution to reduce and prevent future collisions. This problem is not an isolated incident, as traffic collisions have been the leading cause of death and injury to police officers in the United States for the last three decades. Previous research focused on the causative factors of traffic collisions (speeding, distracted driving); however, little research has been dedicated to why a police officer would engage in risky driving. Is the mindset of a police officer a contributing factor to these traffic collisions? The purpose of this study was to bridge this gap by investigating the mindset of police officers involved in an on-duty traffic collision. A case study method was utilized as police officers completed an anonymous questionnaire about their collision, driving habits, and police culture on driving. The theoretical framework used Lewin’s change theory, which focuses on changing the status quo with positive organizational changes. Data were qualitatively coded using the 5-point Likert scale. The study identified a systemic lack of sleep amongst respondents and a culture where safe driving and accountability were not prevalent. A shift in safe driving culture and accountability is recommended as a solution. The implications for social change include the importance of accountability regarding safe driving and policy to ensure police officers are not driving while fatigued. Changing department culture and holding police officers accountable for safe driving can reduce and prevent future traffic collisions, thus reducing the potential for injuries and death to police officers and community members.

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