Buy-In for Police Early Intervention Systems: An Initial Exploration of What Works

• In Event: The Evolution Accountability: EIS, Police Reform, and Incident Characteristics

Abstract

Early Intervention Systems (EIS) are becoming more prevalent in law enforcement agencies across the US. However, to-date, scant empirical research has evaluated sworn members’ perceptions of EIS and the degree of “buy-in” sworn members have for these systems. The current research conducts an initial exploration for best achieving buy-in, ultimately leading to greater acceptance of interventions by sworn members. Using sworn personnel survey data (n = 553) from five US police departments, the present research uses regression analyses to explore sworn members’ buy-in for EIS as predicted by their views of their department’s EIS, including their familiarity with EIS and views on whether the system is disciplinary or wellness oriented. Our analysis indicates that buy-in of EISs is influenced by members’ familiarity with the EIS and whether members believe the EIS is related to wellbeing (as opposed to discipline). We also find that the variables included in the model explain a substantial proportion of the variance in buy-in. This research provides important insights in the concept of buy-in for EIS, primarily that other factors can modulate buy-in. We discuss these findings in light of developing policy and training to foster the success of EIS within law enforcement agencies.

Authors

• Thomas Christoff, CNA Corporation

• Benjamin Carleton, CNA Corporation