Bridging the Gap: Isolating Observable Signs of Cognitive Impairment in Police-Public Interactions

Contact between officers and individuals demonstrating cognitive impairment (IDCIs) has increased in frequency and intensity, often involving use of force. Detecting this impairment and responding accordingly remains a high priority for agencies seeking to improve interactions. This observational study utilizes archived BWC footage accessed in a secure laboratory through a partnership with the police agency. Applying the Clinician-Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity (CRDPSS) to a sample of 446 police-public interactions, this research applies systematic social event modeling (SSEM) documenting observational cues, the duration of those cues, and how officers validate those cues. Results indicate co-occurring cues, dispatch-initiated calls, and contacts involving cues of depression have a higher likelihood of emotion dysregulation and increasing levels of intensity.