The Cumulative Effects of Head Injuries as Unrecognized Precursors for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) In Law Enforcement Officers

Presented by Gary Berte, EdD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
and John Barbieri, MA, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

A perilous concern is the possibility that the cumulative effects from multiple blows to the head may lead to CTE. Do those who enter into the law enforcement profession have a prior history of head injuries? Which personality types and temperaments are attracted to the profession? Do those who enter into the law enforcement profession have a prior history of participation in contact sports? Military service? Do law enforcement professionals as a matter of employment suffer from routine blows to the head during training or in the line of duty?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a “subconcussive head impact is a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that does not cause symptoms. This differs from concussions, which do cause symptoms.” Is the possibility of the cumulative effects from multiple blows to the head an unrecognized and serous concern? Can leadership develop enhanced training protocols and adaptive equipment to prevent and reduce head injuries?

Gary Berte and John Barbieri will explore these questions, and more, in this presentation.

This event is free and open to the Springfield College community.

For more information, contact Kate Dugan at kdugan@springfield.edu or (413) 748-3665.

A Wellness Passport Event