Preliminary efficacy of the Public Safety Employees Treatment Court (PSETC): The first justice-involved program in the United States for first responders.

Abstract

Objective: Veteran Treatment Courts (VTCs) were established in response to veterans’ increased involvement in the criminal justice system, which was caused in part by comorbid mental health disorders after returning from combat. First responders, similar to their veteran colleagues, are more likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and generalized anxiety compared to the general population, which can subsequently lead to choices that might contribute to them becoming involved in the criminal justice system. To address this, Tarrant County, Texas, created the first Public Safety Employees Treatment Court (PSETC) in the United States, with authority from the Texas state legislature. Method: For this initial evaluation of the PSETC, there were (N = 22) participants who completed the program. We included measures of trauma exposure, attachment, resilience, depression, generalized anxiety, PTSD, and suicidality to evaluate constructs that may prove important to future jurisdictions that wish to start a similar program. Also, a qualitative component was developed to garner additional information not captured by the standardized assessments. Results: The qualitative findings suggested that surveyed participants acknowledged the program’s successful features while noting improvements needed regarding program access, program content, and frequency of required supplementary meetings. Since the program has clinical requirements, we calculated the reliable change index (RCI), which revealed that half (n = 11) of the participants had clinically significant reductions in PTSD. Conclusions: This initial study of the PSETC demonstrates that it is efficacious and provides a template for other jurisdictions seeking to start their own program. First responders are routinely exposed to potentially traumatic events over the course of their career which can lead to involvement with the criminal justice system. Our preliminary results suggest that posttraumatic stress symptoms are significantly reduced as a result of participation in the Public Safety Employees Treatment Court, underscoring its efficacy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)

Department(s)

School of Criminology

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.1037/tra0001915

Keywords

arrest, first responder, posttraumatic stress disorder, public safety personnel, resilience

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Journal Title

Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy

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