This study relied on two distinct research phases. Phase I employed a repeated measures survey design to assess the impact of two use of force trainings, ICAT and ABLE, on officers’ knowledge and attitudes. All officers were surveyed at four points in time: (a) immediately before training (pre-training), (b) immediately after training (post-training), (c) one year after training (initial follow-up), and (d) two years after training (second follow-up period).

Phase II supplemented the survey work by considering additional factors (e.g., changes in UOF policies, data collection, training, and other statewide and local efforts) to determine the overall impact on individual officer and agency behavior (i.e., uses of force, officer/community member injuries, civilian complaints, etc.) at the state and local levels. The research team assessed the impact of the suite of reform changes on the following outcomes: (a) the frequency of UOF incidents; (b) racial/ethnic differences in UOF incidents; and (c) officer and community member injuries. Statistical analyses employed a range of multivariate regression modeling techniques, including hierarchical linear modeling, group trajectory modeling, and interrupted time-series analyses.

Finally, the research team conducted qualitative interviews, systematic document coding, and a cross-sectional survey of law enforcement executives to assess the implementation, including experiences and challenges, and perceived impacts of the reform efforts in New Jersey.