What might an officer feel after an OIS that can lead to nightmares?

An officer involved in an officer-involved shooting (OIS) may experience a range of emotions, with guilt being a particularly common and intense feeling. This guilt can stem from various factors, including the loss of life, the moral implications of having taken a life, the consequences of their actions for their family and community, and questioning whether there were alternative actions that could have been taken. This complex emotional response can manifest as nightmares or intrusive thoughts about the incident.

The nature of law enforcement work often involves making split-second decisions in life-threatening situations; however, after such events, officers may reflect on their choices and the outcomes, leading to a sense of guilt if they feel their response was either excessive or unnecessary. This emotional turmoil can significantly impact their mental health, resulting in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can further manifest through disturbing dreams or vivid flashbacks related to the traumatic event.