Skewed World View: How Policing Affects Your Perspective

Bend Don't Break

In this episode, Chief Neil Dubord speaks with retired LAPD Chief Psychologist Dr. Kevin Jablonski. Kevin discusses how, in 25 years with the LAPD, he observed policing distort and skew how police officers view their world - becoming increasingly negative.

Kevin also challenges police officers to explore their own world view and challenge it, noting that while black and white thinking might serve a purpose on the job, life outside of policing has many more shades of grey.

Key Takeaways:

[2:35] Kevin talks about his background and how he became a psychologist working with police officers.

[5:58] Kevin learned in a very short time that his prejudgements and stereotypes about law enforcement officers were not valid.

[6:30] Kevin became the Chief Police Psychologist at LAPD.

[8:35] Kevin talks about the stereotypes regarding policing.

[13:33] Kevin shares an example from a particular consultation a police officer brought to him.

[19:11] How can our worldview be balanced between awareness and hypervigilance?

[22:47] Black-and-white thinking is still really predominant and it is true that on the job this kind of thinking can be life-saving.

[26:51] It is crucially important to connect with a psychologist before a major event happens.

[27:13] How does a psychologist help clients to get perspective around their worldview?

[30:32] Kevin emphasizes the importance of open communication.

[32:04] Kevin talks about organizational stress.

[36:20] Kevin shares a piece of advice to expand a constricted worldview.

Mentioned in this Episode:

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