Research Facility
A dedicated research facility at the University of New Haven for studying police decision-making using neuroimaging, simulation technology, and physiological monitoring.
Purpose
The Decision Lab was established to advance the scientific understanding of how police officers make critical decisions — particularly use-of-force decisions — under conditions of threat and uncertainty. By combining neuroscience methods with controlled simulation environments, the lab produces empirical evidence that can directly inform training, policy, and accountability frameworks.
Equipment & Methods
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy to image prefrontal cortex activity during decision-making tasks in real-time.
Controlled simulation environments that replicate realistic threat scenarios for studying officer responses under pressure.
Integrated measurement of heart rate, galvanic skin response, and other physiological indicators during experimental trials.
High-resolution recording and coding of behavioral responses, reaction times, and decision patterns during experimental conditions.
Research Projects
NSF Grant Pending ($224,957)
Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to image the prefrontal cortex of police officers making shooting decisions while under threat. This study extends the contagion shooting research by examining the neural mechanisms underlying the phenomenon. With David Myers and Crum.
NIJ ($600,000)
Using electroencephalography to examine brainwave patterns of police officers during use-of-force decision-making scenarios. This NIJ-funded study complements the fNIRS work by providing temporal resolution of neural activity.
In Process (2024)
Identifying human perceptions utilizing eye-tracking technology to understand semiotic interpretation of error response in policing contexts. Manuscript in process.
Published 2024
The first randomized controlled trial testing the contagious fire thesis. The study quantified the phenomenon and provided an explanatory framework for understanding how shooting behavior spreads among officers in group engagement scenarios. Published in the Journal of Criminal Justice.
The Decision Lab welcomes inquiries from researchers, agencies, and funding organizations interested in advancing the science of police decision-making.