Police Officers and Stress

Paper Summary:

This paper briefly discusses several areas of stress related to police work and its effects on police officers. After identifying stress, the paper then discusses some sources of police work stress and the results of stress when managed poorly by police officers. Next, the paper looks at post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in police officers and some of its causes. Finally, the paper points out ways that stress can be reduced, including peer support and critical incident counseling.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Stressors
Effects of Stress
Prevention
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"While enormous emphasis is placed on the need for an educated, professional police force, it is vital that the same type of emphasis be placed upon the well-being of that force. Law enforcement is not going to become easier in a culture which is changing at an incredible rate and becoming more complex with each change. As the demands upon police officers become more complex, his problems are going to become more complex as well. Thus, to perform effectively, it will become ever more necessary for law enforcement agencies to recognize that the stresses encountered by the officer are a major, if not critical, factor in his professional life. If police administrators wish to insure the best performance dy their policeman, they must do their utmost to make that performance as free from unnecessary stress as possible. Likewise, when administrators think police officers have succumb to the ills of stress, the supervisors should be trained how to recognize the early warning signs. Then, the officer should be strongly encouraged to seek help, professionally, and surrounded by a support group. All members of the department needs to be trained in peer counseling and reassure the officer that he is not alone. Instead of being recognized by society as an organization with a code of silence toward misconduct, law enforcement agencies should strive to earn the reputation of being there for the officers that truly need them. It is a small price to pay since the average police officer risks his health, his life and his sanity every day that he is on the job in order to protect and serve his society to the best of his ability."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Baker, T. & Baker, J. (1996,October). Preventing police suicide. The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, p. 24-28.
• Bennett, W. & Hess, K. (2001). Stress. In Management and Supervision in Law Enforcement. (pp. 434 - 462). Wadsworth/ Thomson Learning.
• Burke, R. (1994, October). Stressful events, work-family conflicts, coping, psychological burnout and well-being among police officers. Psychological Reports. pp. 787-789.
• D'Antonio, M.. (1999, November). Men in blue. Men's Health. p. 72.
• Finn, P. & Tomz, J. (1998, May). Using peer supporters to help address law enforcement stress. The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. pp. 10-19.

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