Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback as an Intervention Method for Reducing PTSD Symptoms in Police Officers Exposed to Trauma

PTSD has been identified as a significant occupational hazard among first responders in Canada, associated with negative health and performance ramifications. Less is known about the accumulation of PTSD symptoms among police officers (i.e., partial PTSD [P-PTSD]) and its potential impact on performance, particularly in regards to use-of-force decisions. The current project examined levels of P-PTSD symptoms among Ontarian police officers, and its relationship with occupational performance and heart rate variability (HRV). Data was extracted from an on-going study utilizing an existing HRV biofeedback intervention to reduce lethal use-of-force decision errors. Officers’ self-reported P-PTSD symptoms did not significantly predict use-of-force decision making abilities, proxies of HRV, or significantly change from pre- to 18-months post-receiving HRV biofeedback training. While significant results were not found, this pilot study provides important insight in the potential for gathering P-PTSD symptoms from front-line police officers, as well as improving health and safety in this population.M.A