Law Enforcement Trauma: Phenomenological Study - Protecting the U.S. Capitol on January 6th
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.1209.19243Abstract
This qualitative study analyzes the public testimony of four law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. Using thematic analysis of their statements presented to the House Select Committee, the research unmasks four themes: contested identity and ideas of patriotism (Who’s a Traitor); existential vulnerability (Being Killed by My Own Weapon); prolonged psychological suffering (Recovery from Trama); and institutional abandonment (Betrayal by Congressional Authorities). The findings illuminate concepts of ethical harm embedded within law enforcement, revealing how institutional neglect and politized aggression can exacerbate post-traumatic stress. This study advocates trauma-informed care, public acknowledgement, and ethical accountability as essential components of recovery and reform. These officer’s lived experiences offer a humanizing lens through which to reassess core democratic values and the treatment of those who take oaths to protect and serve our nation.
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Ziegler, S. (2021, January 28). Police union: Over 140 officers injured in Capitol siege. Police1. https://www.police1.com/officer-safety/articles/police-union-over-140-officers-injured-in-capitol-siege-NSi5xcpt1sIELYvJ/Role of the Researcher As a qualitative African American male sis gendered researcher, I acknowledge that my prior years in law enforcement could influence some perspective aspects of the research. In the best of intent, I approach these topics with a neutral and empathic stance, while acknowledging firsthand experiences of the trauma experienced by law enforcement. With the stated potential of occupational bias, I remain evermore mindful of ethical considerations in all aspects of the study. In this regard, officer and participant voices are captured so that accuracy is maintained in a non-judgmental manner. Further, I am aware of the emotional impact that this event had on matters of race. For example, law enforcement responses to George Floyd’s death and other th social injustice matters were handled much differently than January 6 protests at the U.S. Capitol.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Geoffrey Johnson
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