NCJ Number
109311
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 57 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1988) Pages: 11-14
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Police managers' stress is due to organizational pressures, administrative frustrations, psychological tension, and nonviolent interpersonal conflict; steps should be taken to reduce this stress.
Abstract
Some sources of stress for the police manager are dependence on others, concerns for personnel and their needs, lack of resources, increased community demands and pressures, impact of the external bureaucracy, politics, and the sedentary nature of the job. Stress may also be due to lack of preparation for the job, conflict with employee organizations, the difficulty of effecting lasting change, and alienation from line-officer subculture. The first step in addressing managerial stress is to recognize the problem, and the second step is to develop a stress management program for managers. This should focus on proper diet, physical fitness, and psychological fitness. Regular scheduling of rest and relaxation is crucial to preventing and reducing stress. Preparation for management positions is also critical, since failure to deal effectively with job demands is a significant source of stress. Such training should focus particularly on time management. The development of managerial peer groups is important for the sharing of problems and concerns that enhance stress. 11 footnotes.