Use-of-force incidents, even when justified, have the potential to adversely impact an officer’s psychological well being. The mere witness of such can do the same. At such times Critical Incident Officer Status Evaluations provide department administrators with important information in decision making about how to respond; what accommodations and supportive services, if any, may be needed. Early implementation of assistance can minimize the chance of PTSD responses later on.
Frequently, Officers may be unaware of their own psychological status in the aftermath of such occurrences, or be inclined to downplay whatever effects they do experience. To some extent these evaluations are based on the long accepted model of critical incident stress debriefing in which focused talking and reflection is central. CIOSE, however, offers more. It is a multi disciplinary inquiry in some instances utilizing testing to give a definitive picture of the officer’s reaction to the traumatic incident and post incident adjustment. This is done in a context of caring and support.