Date of Conferral
1-6-2025
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Leslie Barnes-Young
Abstract
This qualitative phenomenological study addressed the paucity of research on the experiences of police officers who have both completed crisis intervention team (CIT) training and interacted with people with mental illnesses (PwMI). To address the problem, I investigated police officers’ perceptions of PwMI and the pertinent CIT training information they found advantageous when interacting with a PwMI in crisis. Rogers’s protection motivation theory was the theoretical foundation for addressing the research questions. Interviews were conducted with 13 South Texas police officers who had completed CIT training. Data was collected through transcribed interviews and analyzed with an approach that included theme analysis and inductive coding. Six themes emerged from the data: (a) empathy and understanding, (b) de-escalation techniques, (c) resource engagement and collaboration, (d) holistic communication strategies, (e) individual-centered approaches, and (f) safety and resource utilization. Key findings of the study included positive changed perceptions, increased available resources, improved active listening and communication skills, constructive procedures, and positive outcomes for police officers and PwMI. The findings from this research have potential implications for positive social change, including contributing to the literature by providing awareness of altered perceptions, enhanced police officer accountability, decreased injuries, and improved departmental outcomes with CIT training.
Recommended Citation
Campos, Lyna Yvette, "Lived Experiences of South Texas Police Officers After Completing Crisis Intervention Training" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16900.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16900
