Alcoholism and Police Officers

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer looks at the correlation between occupational stress and alcoholism. The writer discusses what police departments can do to mitigate the spread of alcoholism among its officers. The writer also looks at how alcoholism among police officers impacts local communities and tears at the fabric of police families. The paper then suggests what educational and diversionary approaches should be put in place in order to thwart alcoholism from becoming an insuperable problem that can ruin lives and drive a wedge between police/community relations.

From the Paper:

"Another thing that Nordlicht's study reveals is just how toxic can be the unreasonable and unhealthy expectations foisted upon police officers by an authoritarian command structure that demands unblinking obedience, a "stiff" facade, and emotional distance in almost all circumstances. Clearly, police administrators who fear that their officers are succumbing to alcoholism need to look closely at how they expect officers to act with one another and with the general public; in other words, if police officers are expected by their superiors to be severe, emotionally withdrawn, fairly unapproachable, and relatively uncommunicative with the public and with each other, then emotional problems can begin to well up as the stresses of the job - stresses which demand that officers confide in someone - start to exact their toll. Consequently, police officials should make every effort to create a collegial atmosphere wherein communication is valued; at the same time, they should also institute community policing programs (if they have not done so already) that bring police officers more nearly into contact with community members. By doing this, by establishing a cooperative relationship with the local neighborhood or precinct, police officers can break down whatever barriers may exist between themselves and the public and make their days a little less stressful simply because they have personal relationships in place now that make their jobs just a little bit easier. Without question, steps such as these will lessen the stresses which can make turning to drink an attractive option."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Beutler, Larry E., Nussbaum, Paul D., and Meredith, Keith E. (1988). Changing personality patterns of police officers. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 19(5): 503-507.
• Lott, Lonald D. Deadly secrets: Violence in the police family. The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. Retrieved December 10, 2006, from <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2194/is_n11_v64/ai_17788995>
• Marshall, J.R., Howe, B., and Violanti, J.M. (1985). Stress, coping and alcohol use: The police connection. Journal of Police Science and Administration, 13(2): 106-110.
• Nordlicht, Stephen. (1979). Effects of stress on the police officer and family. New York State Journal of Medicine, 79(3): 400-401.
• Violanti, John M. (1999). Alcohol abuse in policing. Enforcement Bulletin, 68(1): 16-18.

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