Optimal Psychophysiological States During Police Tactical Driving: a Multiple Case Study Analysis

Abstract

The current study represents an exploratory application of Kamata et al. (J Sport Exerc Psychol 24:189–208, 2002) probabilistic methodology for ascertaining the optimal psychophysiological performance state of officers during police tactical driving. An optimal psychophysiological state represents the level of psychophysiological affect associated with the highest probability of performing successfully. Specifically, the psychophysiological profiles of three officers associated with optimal and non-optimal performance during police training was determined. Participants included two cadets and one veteran officer aged 23, 24, and 47, respectively. Introspective (e.g., self-report) and objective (e.g., heart rate) data were collected during tactical driving exercises and three simulated high-risk scenarios in which the participants had to pursue perpetrator vehicles and make appropriate arrests and use-of-force decisions. Results indicated that (a) officers possessed idiosyncratic differences in optimal psychophysiological states characterized by variations in optimal and non-optimal performance zones and probabilities for success, (b) cadets fluctuated between optimal and non-optimal performance states during high-risk training scenarios, and (c) self-awareness of arousal levels varied across participants. Results are discussed regarding the implementation of this methodology for mental resiliency training within law enforcement, particularly with the need to promote self-awareness and self-regulation strategies.