![#1517 - Nancy Panza cover](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo/8046488/8046488-1707153496849-6307488243525.jpg)
#1517 - Nancy Panza
NaN minutesEpisode #1517
Nancy Panza, Ph.D, is a Professor of Psychology at Cal State Fullerton. She has also worked within county, state, and federal facilities providing clinical and forensic services for juvenile and adult offenders and has provided services for police departments in New York City, Alabama, and Southern California.
Watch the full episode of #1517 - Nancy Panza.
Episode Timestamps
Role of Police Psychologists in Current Events
- Introduction to the role of a professor in the Psychology Department at Cal State Fullerton also working as a forensic and police psychologist
- Discussion on the challenges faced by police officers in the current climate and the need for wellness support
- Exploration on the impact of recent events like the George Floyd murder on the field of police psychology
Training and Wellness Initiatives for Law Enforcement
- Debate on the need for increased training for police officers, referencing insights from Jocko Willink and Ben Shapiro
- Emphasis on the importance of ongoing training in areas such as de-escalation and communication skills
- Insight into the psychological toll of law enforcement work, including strategies for post-incident support and wellness programs
Mandatory Psychological Evaluations and Critical Incident Debriefings for Law Enforcement
- Discussion on the importance of standardized operational procedures nationwide for police departments
- Importance of pre-employment psychological evaluations and critical incident debriefings in law enforcement agencies
- Challenges officers face in seeking psychological help due to fear of stigma and impact on their jobs
Returning to Work and Mental Health Support for Police Officers
- Factors considered in evaluating officers' readiness to return to work after critical incidents
- Short-term mental state assessment and follow-ups post-incidents to ensure officer well-being
- Challenges in addressing mental health in law enforcement due to stigma, control concerns, and fear of job loss
Challenges of Establishing National Standards for Police Departments
- Discussion on the absence of a national standard for police training and regulations
- Variability in training standards across states and police agencies in the U.S.
- Importance of regular mental wellness checks and debriefings after incidents for police departments
Importance of Individual Officer Wellness and Departmental Culture
- Emphasis on the impact of departmental culture on officer behavior and ethics
- Need for better oversight and tracking to prevent misconduct
- Advocacy for regular mental wellness checks to address burnout and psychological well-being of officers
Challenges Faced by Police Officers and Concerns About Defunding the Police
- Joe Rogan expresses appreciation for the difficult path of being a police officer and the lack of discussion about their psychological troubles.
- Concerns about defunding the police and its impact on public safety and trust in law enforcement.
- Discussion on the need for better training, increased funding, and addressing the consequences of defunding the police.
Importance of Effective Policing Strategies and Community Engagement
- Emphasis on the importance of funding police, improving training, and differentiating between good and bad cops.
- Discussion on community-oriented policing and the need for positive interactions between police and communities for better safety.
- Consideration of mental health check-ins, firearms training, and the continuum of non-lethal force to enhance policing effectiveness.
Importance of Training and Skills for Law Enforcement Officers
- Discussion on the critical importance of being prepared for handling weapons in law enforcement scenarios
- Exploration of the necessity of mastering de-escalation techniques and communication skills to prevent escalation to lethal force
- Mention of the value of extensive training in hand-to-hand combat and self-defense, including the suggestion for police officers to attain a purple belt in jiu-jitsu or higher
Issues of Control, Unpredictability, and Mental Health Challenges in Policing
- Conversation on the challenges officers face in maintaining control over situations, illustrated by a real-life incident of inept handling of a suspect resulting in tragedy
- Insight into the mix of tedium and intensity in police work and the psychological preparedness required for the job
- Reflections on the impact of societal shifts in perceptions of law enforcement, from respect to criticism, and the mental toll on officers amidst heightened scrutiny and the need to balance support for law enforcement with opposition to racism
Challenges in Reporting Misconduct and Police Culture
- Discussion on the challenges faced by new officers in reporting misconduct by senior officers
- Exploration of the paramilitary culture within police departments and its impact on reporting abuse
- Consideration of the code of silence and the implications of reporting fellow officers
Impact of Body Cameras and Accountability
- Analysis of the potential impact of body cameras on police behavior and accountability
- Reflection on oversight mechanisms for reviewing body camera footage
- Case study highlighting issues of accountability and abuse of power in law enforcement
Challenges in Implementing Change and Reforms
- Discussion on the challenges faced in implementing changes and reforms based on past recommendations
- Concerns about the effectiveness of random and haphazard changes in addressing real problems
- Emphasis on the need to follow through on comprehensive recommendations to address issues
Impact of Stress and Hypervigilance on Law Enforcement Officers
- Explanation of the psychological impact of stress and hypervigilance on police officers' mental health
- Description of the cycle of high alertness and emotional exhaustion experienced by officers
- Importance of maintaining a balance between professional and personal life to prevent burnout and negative consequences
Importance of Recognizing Physiological Impact on Cops and Proposed Reforms
- Discussion on the physiological impact on cops post-incidents and the comfort of understanding it's not a sign of weakness
- Exploration of the allure of overtime for cops and the need to balance work-life dynamics
- Proposed nationwide reforms including screening, mental health support, and better training programs for officers
The Debate on Defunding Police and the Need for Community Solutions
- Analysis of the complexity of defunding the police and redirecting resources to community services
- Advocacy for specialized police training for handling mental health situations and domestic violence
- Calls for collaborative efforts between police and communities to find common ground and humanize interactions
Challenges of Implicit Bias and Diversity Training in Police Work
- Discussion on the challenges related to implicit bias in the evaluation of police officers
- Exploration of the limitations of implicit bias tests and their applicability in predicting behaviors
- Concerns regarding the effectiveness and impact of diversity training within police departments
Addressing Implicit Bias and the Need for Deep Exploration
- Analysis of implicit bias assessments and the difficulty in measuring and addressing biases
- Importance of in-depth exploration and awareness in overcoming implicit biases
- Identification of the shortcomings of traditional diversity seminars and the need for more effective approaches
Challenges Faced by Police Officers
- Discussion about the negative climate and anti-law enforcement sentiments affecting officers' mental health
- Concern over the rising rates of suicide among police officers
- Importance of providing support and breaking down barriers for officers to seek help
Importance of Mental Health Support and Intervention
- Emphasis on the role of therapists in helping individuals struggling with mental health issues
- Challenges in getting officers to seek help and addressing issues like depression, PTSD, and substance use
- Suggestions for promoting open dialogue and support within police departments for mental health services