Support in assessing threats
In 2022, nearly 400 citizens reported individuals displaying concerning behavior in their neighborhoods. This number is expected to rise in the future due to cuts in mental health services and the growing trend of self-reliance among citizens. However, there is still no clear definition of what constitutes "worrying behavior," what it looks like, or how to categorize it. This lack of clarity makes it challenging for first responders to assess the risk of a situation accurately.
This project aims to develop an ethogram (a list of observed behaviors and their definitions) for identifying worrying behavior. The ethogram is based on bodycam footage from police-citizen interactions after both emergency and non-emergency calls. The research uses discourse analysis, video observations and psychological models like influence strategies to build a clearer understanding of what is said, how it’s said and why it’s said.
The goal is to help practitioners make more accurate threat assessments. Researchers also plan to develop a skills training course for emergency responders and host discussions on the role of police and the ethical use of bodycam footage. Additionally, they aim to extend the research through multiple PhD projects.
Researchers involved
Miriam Oostinga (Contact)
Virginia Pallante
Fleur van der Houwen
Lenneke van Lith
Nick van der Klok (student assistant)
Tahnee Otten (student assistant)