David J. Thomas, Ph.D., LMHC
Expert in policing in America | Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL, UNITED STATES
David Thomas is a veteran police officer specializing in mental health, police and minority relations, active shooters and mass casualties.
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Biography
David Thomas is a professor of forensic studies and criminal justice at Florida Gulf Coast University. Before receiving his Ph.D., Thomas served as a police officer, and retired from the Gainesville Police Department after 20 years of service. As a police officer, his assignments included: patrol, detective, street crimes, SWAT, hostage negotiations, as well as community policing and training.
Areas of Expertise (9)
Psychology of School Shooters
Law Enforcement Mental Health
Policing in America
Police Psychology
Use of Force by Police
Police Operations
Police Decision Making
Law Enforcement Training
Psychology of Mass Casualty Incidents
Education (3)
The Union Institute: Ph.D., Forensic Psychology and Criminology 2001
National Louis University: M.Ed., Education 1998
Mercy College of Detroit: B.A., Clinical Psychology 1980
Affiliations (4)
- Police Counseling Services, LLC. : CEO
- Alachua Police Department : Consultant/Mental Health Service Provider
- Santa Fe Police Department : Consultant/Mental Health Service Provider
- University of Florida Police Department : Consultant/Mental Health Service Provider
Links (2)
Selected Media Appearances (82)
St. Pete police chief speaks to 'hot spot' special units and community policing
WTSP tv
2023-02-01
David Thomas discusses community policing following the death of Tyre Nichols.
Southwest Florida set to host vigil for Tyre Nichols
Fox 4 tv
2023-02-01
David Thomas discusses the case surrounding the death of Tyre Nichols.
Congress struggles with police reform: Politics Weekly America podcast
The Guardian online
2023-01-31
David Thomas discusses why lawmakers find police reform a difficult issue to legislate on.
Calls for police reform after Tyre Nichol's death
Fox 35 Orlando tv
2023-01-30
David Thomas explains the importance of releasing the videos to the public.
Memphis’ question: Can we have tough policing without brutality?
Christian Science Monitor online
2023-01-30
David Thomas discusses community policing following the death of Tyre Nichols.
Denver law enforcement reacts to Tyre Nichols
KKCO Denver
2023-01-30
David Thomas reacts to the death of Tyre Nichols.
A closer look at the training on Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement
9 News Denver tv
2023-01-28
David Thomas discusses the death of Tyre Nichols.
‘Culture of policing’ and ‘ancient’ procedures were on display in Tyre Nichols videos, ex-officers say
NBC News online
2023-01-28
David Thomas discusses community policing following the death of Tyre Nichols.
Southwest Florida community reacts to mass shooting in Monterey, CA
Fox 4 tv
2023-01-24
David Thomas discusses hate crimes.
Swift firing of police is rare, but could become more common
Associated Press online
2023-01-23
David Thomas comments on the swift firing of five Memphis police officers after the death of Tyre Nichols.
FBI warns teen boys at risk of "sextortion" scheme
Fox 4 tv
2023-01-10
David Thomas share tips for parents to keep children safe online.
Well-being checks from Hurricane Ian still under investigation in Lee County
NBC2 tv
2022-10-12
David Thomas explains how well-being check work.
Arrest report: Florida 10-year-old texted picture of AR-15 rifles, said 'get ready'
WESH tv
2022-06-02
David Thomas discusses a case where Lee County deputies arrested a 10-year-old fifth-grade student accused of threatening to shoot up a school.
Biden signs police reform executive order
CBS 4 tv
2022-05-26
David Thomas discusses President Biden's police reform executive order.
How to talk to your kids about mass shootings
Fox 4 tv
2022-05-25
David Thomas discusses Florida's mental health crisis.
Former Florida law enforcement agent discusses response to school shootings
WKMG tv
2022-05-25
David Thomas discusses law enforcement's response to the Uvalde school shooting.
Parkland parent, experts say mental health at center of school safety debate
WFTS tv
2022-05-25
David Thomas discusses expanding Florida's mental health resources in wake of the Uvalde school shooting.
Addressing Florida’s mental health crisis
NBC2 tv
2022-05-25
David Thomas discusses Florida's mental health crisis.
Minneapolis Police have pattern of racial discrimination: report
NewsNation tv
2022-04-27
David Thomas discusses reports of race discrimination against the Minneapolis Police Department.
Winter Park police release body cam video after officer fatally shoots man at wedding reception
WTSP tv
2022-03-30
David Thomas views body camera video from a February night when an officer shot and killed a Polk County man at a wedding reception.
Tulsa police, mayor respond to criticism of officers' conduct during mental health call
KTUL tv
2022-03-30
David Thomas weighs in on an incident in Tulsa, OK, and discusses if officers violated police policies.
Police release body cam video of bride's uncle being shot, killed at Winter Park wedding
WESH tv
2022-03-30
David Thomas views body camera video from a February night when an officer shot and killed a Polk County man at a wedding reception.
Victim of stabbing in Cape Coral says he has no idea why his neighbor attacked him
Fox 4 tv
2022-03-30
David Thomas discusses erratic behavior.
Family of TikTok star speaks out following stalker incident last year
NBC2 tv
2022-03-28
David Thomas discusses the stand your ground law.
Charlotte County man claims he’s being held hostage in 911 ‘prank’
NBC2 tv
2022-03-15
David Thomas discusses the misuse of 911.
AR-15 stolen from Fort Myers police officer’s unlocked car
NBC2 tv
2022-02-27
David Thomas weighs in on a case where an AR-15 stolen from Fort Myers police officer’s unlocked car.
Local retired police officer weighs in on recent Polk County dating app drug bust
ABC7 tv
2022-01-31
David Thomas weighs in on a recent Polk County dating app drug bust.
As coronavirus cases mount and vaccine mandates spread, holdouts plague police and fire departments
The Washington Post print
2021-10-03
David Thomas discusses law enforcement and the COVID-19 vaccine.
Cuban protests potentially offer first test of Florida's new "anti-riot" law
Fox 4
2021-07-14
David Thomas discusses Florida's anti-riot law.
Louisiana releases footage of Ronald Greene's arrest that ex-officers say further erodes trust in police
NBC News online
2021-05-21
David Thomas comments on the case of Ronald Greene.
Deputies still looking for suspect in Labelle pawn shop robbery
Fox 4 tv
2021-05-20
David Thomas explains how to identify a person impersonating a police officer.
Recording a cop in Florida could get you arrested
ABC7 tv
2021-05-11
David Thomas discusses a ruling regarding a woman's arrest for recording a police officer in Florida.
Qualified Immunity and Police Reform
WGCU radio
2021-05-10
David Thomas discusses qualified immunity.
Alameda Leaders Weigh Police Reforms After Death of Mario Gonzalez
KQED online
2021-05-08
David Thomas discusses the case of Mario Gonzalez.
Derek Chauvin’s Murder Conviction Is Trouble for the 3 Cops Who Watched It Happen
VICE News print
2021-04-23
David Thomas discusses the trial of Derek Chauvin.
Cops Keep Shooting Black Men With Cell Phones Assuming They’re Guns
Vice News online
2021-03-04
David Thomas discusses the phrase, "Hey, I feared for my life," when it comes to law enforcement-involved shootings.
Louisville and beyond: Calls for reform on ‘no-knock’ police raids
The Christian Science Monitor print
2020-10-01
David Thomas discusses no-knock warrants.
How Breonna Taylor's death led to calls for no-knock warrant bans
KARE 11 tv
2020-09-23
David Thomas talks about no-knock warrants and the Breonna Taylor case.
Lee County Sheriff announces new mapping initiative
NBC2
2020-07-09
David Thomas explains the importance of a new mapping system instituted by the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
The duty and burden of the black police officer
The Washington Post print
2020-07-07
David Thomas discusses the culture of policing.
Controversial traffic stop escalates community tension
Fox 4 tv
2020-07-06
David Thomas discusses the seatbelt violation law and community policing.
Deeper Dive: What are citizens review boards? Which local agencies have them?
Fox 4 tv
2020-06-24
David Thomas explains what citizen review boards are.
The return of community policing
Axios print
2020-06-18
David Thomas discusses community policing.
We Break Down the Details of President Trump's Policing Executive Order
WGCU radio
2020-06-17
David Thomas breaks down the details of President Trump's policing executive order.
Analysis: Most Florida officers disciplined for excessive force kept their jobs
USA Today print
2020-06-08
David Thomas discusses the difference between use of force and excessive force.
Videos often contradict what police say in reports. Here's why some officers continue to lie
CNN print
2020-06-06
David Thomas explains why officers lie in police statements.
Dr. David Thomas Joins Arlene Bynon
CanadaTalks SiriusXM 167 radio
2020-06-03
"Dr. David Thomas (Retired police officer, current forensics professor at Florida Gulf Coast University & author of The State of American Policing) joined the Arlene Bynon Show to discuss ongoing protests across the globe."
Former Police Officer-Turned Justice Studies Professor Weighs in on Nationwide Protests
WGCU radio
2020-06-02
David Thomas weighs in the protests happening nationwide.
Video shows protester colliding with a Collier County deputy
NBC2 tv
2020-06-02
David Thomas discusses use of force.
Derek Chauvin: Despite murder charge, FBI inquiry could be more serious for ex-officers in George Floyd killing, experts say
The Independent print
2020-05-30
David Thomas discusses the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
FGCU Professor and retired police officer shares reaction to the death of George Floyd.
Fox 4 tv
2020-05-30
David Thomas share his reaction to the death of George Floyd.
A closer look at police use of force
MPR News radio
2020-05-26
David Thomas discusses police use of force in relation to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Store owner says controversial t-shirt is not racist
Fox 4 tv
2020-05-05
David Thomas discusses why the meaning behind a controversial t-shirt could be misconstrued.
What makes a Florida Man?
NBC2
2019-11-08
David Thomas discusses theories behind the making of a "Florida Man."
Sergeant accused of sex misconduct keeps certification
Fox 4 tv
2019-12-19
David Thomas discusses why a sergeant was able to keep his law enforcement certification after being accused of having sex while on duty.
Former FMPD employee sues Fort Myers for discrimination
Fox 4
2019-10-17
David Thomas discusses discrimination within a police department.
Cracking the Case: Why sex assault victims don't come forward
Fox 4 tv
2019-07-09
David Thomas discusses the shame associated with sexual assault and the historic police response to victims.
Cracking the Case: Police suicides outnumber line of duty deaths
Fox 4 tv
2019-07-01
David Thomas points to the pressure, heartbreaking cases and personal issues that could weigh on an officer.
Some calling for independent probe of fatal Texas drug raid
Associated Press online
2019-06-28
David Thomas discusses the use of a third-party investigator to review the Houston Police Department’s narcotics division.
$1 million bail set for Fort Myers man allegedly threatening to kill minorities
Fox 4 tv
2019-06-17
David Thomas: There's a thin line between exercising freedom of speech and putting people in danger.
Florida's Good Samaritan Law expands to include reporting of under-age drinking
ABC7 tv
2019-06-13
David Thomas offers his thoughts on the change in a law that could save lives.
Florida voters could get the chance to ban assault style weapons in 2020
NBC2 tv
2019-06-11
David Thomas doubts Florida will ban assault-style weapons.
Cracking the Case: Viral videos highlighting possible police misconduct
Fox 4 tv
2019-05-03
David Thomas: Video "holds the agency accountable to the public."
New laser mapping tech used at scene where 8-year-old girl was killed by hit-and-run driver
Fox 4 tv
2019-04-05
David Thomas discusses the use of FARO to investigate the hit-and-run death of an 8-year-old girl.
Florida deputy on leave after video shows him striking handcuffed teen
The Huffington Post online
2019-02-16
David Thomas reviews an officer's action during an arrest.
Official 2020 FBI data shows highest single-year murder increase in recorded history
KARE 11 tv
2021-09-29
David Thomas discusses violent crime trends.
Deputies: Body believed to be of Miya Marcano found
WESH tv
2021-09-29
David Thomas comments on the Miya Marcano case.
Gabby Petito case gains national attention, but not all missing person cases do
ABC7 tv
2021-09-25
David Thomas explains why some missing person cases gain national attention, but not all.
Brian Laundrie search: North Port police under fire as Gabby Petito person of interest remains elusive
Fox News print
2021-09-24
David Thomas discusses the Gabby Petito case and the search for Brian Laundrie.
Retired police officer shares take on Gabby Petito’s missing person case
NBC2 tv
2021-09-23
David Thomas discusses the Gabby Petito case.
Police would benefit from assistance of mental health professionals on calls, legislative study shows
The Oklahoman print
2021-09-22
David Thomas talks about mental health and law enforcement officers.
Brian Laundrie disappearance: did police make a mistake?
CBS 12 tv
2021-09-21
David Thomas discusses the Gabby Petito case.
Forensic expert gives insight into what could be happening in Laundrie home
Fox 4
2021-09-20
David Thomas discusses the Gabby Petito case and the search for Brian Laundrie.
Why Gabrielle Petito's disappearance receiving national attention
Fox 4 tv
2021-09-17
David Thomas explains why some missing person cases gain national attention, but not all.
WATCH: Lehigh homeowner catches loud ‘pops’ on Ring camera
ABC7 tv
2021-07-31
David Thomas explains the difference between gunshots and fireworks and when to report an incident to law enforcement.
Do Black Women Have to Save the Police, Too?
VICE News print
2021-07-20
David Thomas discusses the lack of representation in police departments.
Expert says state trooper violated policy when he tased teen
Fox 4
2021-07-13
David Thomas discusses a case involving excessive force.
Fort Myers police captain under investigation placed on paid administrative leave
The News-Press print
2019-02-13
David Thomas looks at ethical questions related to police captain's involvement in an undercover sting.
Serving warrants is inherently dangerous, experts say
Associated Press
2019-01-29
David Thomas highlights the risks faced by law enforcement when serving warrants.
Tracing Lois Riess' past, trail of death and the collision course with her alleged victims
The News-Press print
2018-06-10
David Thomas is interviewed about the case of Lois Reiss.
What can we learn about deescalation from Toronto officer?
MPR News
2018-05-01
David Thomas discusses the actions of Toronto Police Constable Ken Lam in arresting Alek Minassian, the Toronto van attacker.
Fight, flight or freeze? Officers rarely fail to confront threat, experts say
NBC News
2018-02-23
David Thomas talks about law enforcements willingness to face potential threats.
Selected Event Appearances (3)
Fight, Flight or Freeze - The Psychological impact of a Critical Incidents
National Conference on Active School Shooters Orlando, FL., October 4, 2018
Training
21st Century Policing: Professionalism in Policing Series Alachua, FL., April 3 & 5, 2018
Confidentiality Agreements & Department Safety Plan
Consult, University of Florida Counseling Center Gainesville, FL., March 8, 2018
Research Focus (1)
Police and the community
All of Dr. Thomas’s research efforts are focused on the examination of: police and the minority community, police training, police practices, police decision making, the use of force, and officers' mental health and well being. Dr. Thomas is a retired police officer who believes that in order for the profession to begin to heal the wounds of the past, it must understand, accept, and implement change to leave the past behind.
Selected Articles (3)
The state of American policing
Law Enforcement Executive ForumThomas, D.J.
2017 American policing is under siege today in a way like never before. The questions that many have is has it always been this way or is this an anomaly? This research project examines the history of law enforcement from 1967 through today including the Black Lives Matter Movement and how law enforcement has responded to citizens challenging police actions. The examination of history details how little as changed over time. It provides the reader with issues associated with the use of force and police perception of the minorities during encounters. The data was collected from 90 officers in the state of Florida. Finally, this research project offers insight into police socialization, culture and suggestions to affect positive change.
Mental health triage: A tool for law enforcement officers
Calibre PressThomas, D.J.
2017 In the world of law enforcement, the most noted form of trauma is an officer involved shooting but from a psychological standpoint that may not necessarily be the case. What officers fail to recognize is the impact of normal or routine calls for service. The profession recognizes that exposure to major traumatic events requires some form of psychological triage. Most law enforcement agencies provide Employee Assistance Programs; Critical Incident Stress Management or Debriefing after such incidents; and/or have a contract with a mental health provider. However, most often agencies limit the nature and type of mental health services they provide for officers. From an organizational standpoint and amongst officers, mental health is not seen as problem. There is an old adage in policing: “To see the shrink is a sign of weakness. Warriors can handle anything”. This statement still holds true today. Braziel, Straub, Watson, & Hoops (2016) completed an analysis of the San Bernardino, CA terrorist attack and the law enforcement response. In that analysis, the authors noted mental health counseling varied depending on the agency, a stigma is associated with those who seek therapy, and a co-worker openly teased those who sought therapy. Finally, a supervisor stated: “It’s almost seen as a ‘badge of discourage’ if you speak out and have problems. We need to show some degree of empathy for these people” (Braziel, Straub, Watson, & Hoops, 2016, p. 48).
Dissecting the Perfect Storm: Law, Policy, and Violent African American Juveniles
Journal of Forensic InvestigationThomas, D. J.
2013 The African American male has been demonized in American Society. From an African American perspective, the proof is in the pudding African Americans are only thirteen (13%) of the U.S. population yet they make up fifty percent (50%) of the adult prison population. Richard Pryor the famous black comedian once stated the following regarding the Criminal Justice System and African Americans: “Is it criminal justice or just us in the criminal justice system” [1]. The perfect storm can best be described as a series of individual events which by themselves are rarely harmful however when they come together they create a cataclysmic event. The African American community has faced many challenges in the U.S. however the series of events that it has not been able to overcome since the 1960s are: failed economic policies, the heroin epidemic of the 1960s and 1970s, the Crack Cocaine epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s, incarceration of adult black males (fathers), and the destruction of the two parent household in the African American community. The end result of these policies created a void for African American juvenile male with many believing their only option is drugs and violence as a means of survival. This article explores theory, science, and provides some insight as to the complexity associated with African American male juveniles and violence in the African American Community.
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