Memory Under Fire: Police Officers Use the SAI to Recall a Stressful Virtual Reality Simulation

• In Event: Advancing Police Research II

Abstract

Law enforcement officers document their daily experiences as part of their job. These reports may play essential roles in investigations, making their accuracy critical. One factor that may affect reporting memory is stress, and officers experience stress in varying degrees on a daily basis (Anderson et al., 2002). One method to record memories is the Self-Administered Inventory (SAI; Gabbert et al., 2009). The current study induced stress by putting law enforcement officers through a virtual reality active shooting simulation. They were then randomly assigned to complete either the SAI or a free recall response. The accuracy of event and perpetrator details were coded from interviews conducted immediately and after a delay. Results are forthcoming. The outcome of this study will provide insight into the impact of stress on officer memory and the best methods for eliciting accurate memories encoded under stress.

Authors

• Elizabeth Quinby, Texas State University

• Angela Jones, Texas State University