David J. Thomas, Ph.D., LMHC

The Union Institute

Ph.D.

Forensic Psychology and Criminology

2001

National Louis University

M.Ed.

Education

1998

Mercy College of Detroit

B.A.

Clinical Psychology

1980

Fight, Flight or Freeze - The Psychological impact of a Critical Incidents

National Conference on Active School Shooters  Orlando, FL., October 4, 2018

Training

21st Century Policing: Professionalism in Policing Series  Alachua, FL., April 3 & 5, 2018

Confidentiality Agreements & Department Safety Plan

Consult, University of Florida Counseling Center  Gainesville, FL., March 8, 2018

The state of American policing

Thomas, D.J.

2017

American policing is under siege today in a way like never before. The questions that many have is has it always been this way or is this an anomaly? This research project examines the history of law enforcement from 1967 through today including the Black Lives Matter Movement and how law enforcement has responded to citizens challenging police actions. The examination of history details how little as changed over time. It provides the reader with issues associated with the use of force and police perception of the minorities during encounters. The data was collected from 90 officers in the state of Florida. Finally, this research project offers insight into police socialization, culture and suggestions to affect positive change.

Mental health triage: A tool for law enforcement officers

Thomas, D.J.

2017

In the world of law enforcement, the most noted form of trauma is an officer involved shooting but from a psychological standpoint that may not necessarily be the case. What officers fail to recognize is the impact of normal or routine calls for service. The profession recognizes that exposure to major traumatic events requires some form of psychological triage. Most law enforcement agencies provide Employee Assistance Programs; Critical Incident Stress Management or Debriefing after such incidents; and/or have a contract with a mental health provider. However, most often agencies limit the nature and type of mental health services they provide for officers. From an organizational standpoint and amongst officers, mental health is not seen as problem. There is an old adage in policing: “To see the shrink is a sign of weakness. Warriors can handle anything”. This statement still holds true today. Braziel, Straub, Watson, & Hoops (2016) completed an analysis of the San Bernardino, CA terrorist attack and the law enforcement response. In that analysis, the authors noted mental health counseling varied depending on the agency, a stigma is associated with those who seek therapy, and a co-worker openly teased those who sought therapy. Finally, a supervisor stated: “It’s almost seen as a ‘badge of discourage’ if you speak out and have problems. We need to show some degree of empathy for these people” (Braziel, Straub, Watson, & Hoops, 2016, p. 48).

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Dissecting the Perfect Storm: Law, Policy, and Violent African American Juveniles

Thomas, D. J.

2013

The African American male has been demonized in American Society. From an African American perspective, the proof is in the pudding African Americans are only thirteen (13%) of the U.S. population yet they make up fifty percent (50%) of the adult prison population. Richard Pryor the famous black comedian once stated the following regarding the Criminal Justice System and African Americans: “Is it criminal justice or just us in the criminal justice system” [1]. The perfect storm can best be described as a series of individual events which by themselves are rarely harmful however when they come together they create a cataclysmic event. The African American community has faced many challenges in the U.S. however the series of events that it has not been able to overcome since the 1960s are: failed economic policies, the heroin epidemic of the 1960s and 1970s, the Crack Cocaine epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s, incarceration of adult black males (fathers), and the destruction of the two parent household in the African American community. The end result of these policies created a void for African American juvenile male with many believing their only option is drugs and violence as a means of survival. This article explores theory, science, and provides some insight as to the complexity associated with African American male juveniles and violence in the African American Community.

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