Jeff Thompson, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Associate Research Scientist in the Psychiatry Department at Columbia University Medical Center/New York State Psychiatric Institute.
Dr. Thompson retired in 2022 as a detective in the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and served as their first-ever Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator where he conducted research and outreach on the department’s suicide prevention and postvention efforts, enhancing resilience through evidence-based practices, and raising awareness of resources available to both police officers and the public.
He developed the NYPD’s peer support training, where he was a lead instructor and helped oversee the more than 300-person group of uniformed and civilian members.
Additionally, while at the NYPD he trained personnel of all ranks and titles ranging from recruits to newly promoted supervisors of different ranks. He is also an instructor at the NYPD Commanders College, a leadership development course for executives. Dr. Thompson’s trainings have been given to over 50,000 members of the NYPD. He was also a former hostage negotiator and public information officer.
His research includes hostage negotiation in terrorist incidents, suicide prevention, resilience, and the use of effective communication during crisis incidents. He also develops and teaches curriculum on these topics and his training material has been implemented in various professions across the U.S. and beyond.
Dr. Thompson organizes global events bringing world-renowned researchers together with professionals in order to help people have access to evidence-based practices that can be implemented in their daily lives. This includes organizing the 2020 Resilience Symposium that featured more than 40 speakers with over 3,000 people registering from 30 countries.
His published work includes in research journals, book chapters, and websites including PsychologyToday.com. His resilience book, warr;or21, has been implemented in first responder training in various agencies and universities. He has collaborated and provided his expertise with various organizations including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (the IACP), the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), Crisis Text Line, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and the American Association of Suicidology (AAS).
Dr. Thompson received his doctorate from Griffith University Law School having researched the development of rapport, building trust, and displaying professionalism during conflict situations. He received his M.S. in negotiation and conflict resolution from Creighton University.
Additionally, Dr. Thompson is an adjunct instructor at multiple universities. He is the recipient of the Griffith University Arts, Education and Law’s 2020 Outstanding International Alumnus Award, The New York City Police Foundation’s 2020 Hemmerdinger Award for Excellence for Distinguished Public Service, and the 2015 Creighton University Graduate School Alumni Merit Award.
