Critical-incident trauma and crime scene investigation: A review of police organizational challenges and interventions

Authors

Richard D. Clark, John Carroll UniversityFollow
Catherine Distelrath, The University Of Michigan
Gloria S. Vaquera, John Carroll UniversityFollow
Daniel Winterich, John Carroll University
Ernest DeZolt, John Carroll UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Forensic Identification

Publication Date

2015

Abstract

It is hypothesized that exposure to critical-incident trauma affects crime scene investigators. Individual and organizational attribution factors are analyzed through the use of self-report data collected from crime scene investigators working in a large Midwestern state. This paper analyzes key variables in the job of a crime scene investigator in an effort to determine the level of stress related to CSI work and the nature of organizational support available to the investigator. Although initial findings suggest a high level of satisfaction with the job, the nature of the job can lead to high levels of both professional and personal stress, with work-related stress often driving personal stress. Policy implications for reducing officer stress as well as future research questions are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Clark, Richard D.; Distelrath, Catherine; Vaquera, Gloria S.; Winterich, Daniel; and DeZolt, Ernest, "Critical-incident trauma and crime scene investigation: A review of police organizational challenges and interventions" (2015). Sociology. 32.
https://collected.jcu.edu/soc-facpub/32