Exploring the Intersection of Mindfulness, Race-Related Threat Perception Failure, and the Use of Deadly Force

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of mindfulness, race, and the decision to use deadly force in a law enforcement shooting simulation. A sample of 41 college students completed a mindfulness measure and then assumed the role of a police officer in a deadly force-related training scenario. Participants armed with a simulated firearm were directed to assess and respond as a law enforcement official to a male suspect (Black or White) holding an object (cell phone or weapon) within a short time frame. There was no significant difference in the number of unarmed Black and White targets that were shot; however, armed Black targets were shot significantly more than armed White targets. Notably, all participants fired on the armed Black targets. Mindfulness was associated with reduced likelihood of shooting unarmed targets. Participants who shot the unarmed Black target displayed significantly lower mindfulness than those who shot the unarmed White target or those that did not shoot at all. Mindfulness did not vary across groups when the target was armed. Mindfulness was associated with improved decision making in simulated deadly force-related scenarios.