NCJ Number
215041
Journal
Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2006 Pages: 62-72
Date Published
2006
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This pilot study assessed the existence of traumatic stress in certified law enforcement officers within the State of Delaware.
Abstract
The findings indicated that repeated exposure to traumatic incidents was common among all the respondents. Officers reported experiencing recurring memories of the incidents, easily losing their temper, recurring images or thoughts, sleeping difficulties, jumpiness or restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. Most of these traumatic stress symptomatologies (62 percent) fell under the arousal and re-experiencing criteria for traumatic stress. The findings suggest that the symptoms of police officer stress may be delayed and may resemble the symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A 55-item questionnaire assessing demographic information, traumatic events, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and personality and behavior characteristics was mailed to a sample of Delaware police officers. Participants were mainly Caucasian males and were patrol officers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. Tables, references