NCJ Number
95073
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1984) Pages: 333-338
Date Published
1984
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Rural police like their urban counterparts, experience much job stress.
Abstract
Unlike urban police, however, they are highly visible members of their communities and are in fact never off duty. Thus, they have difficulty developing personal identities apart from their official roles. They cannot disengage from this role, seek comfort in their occupational peer group, and find relief from anxiety privately. Their lack of peer companionship requires that their families play an important and sensitive role. Study data came from 194 law enforcement officers of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, whose responsibilities are to enforce all game laws and regulations, to ensure the perpetuation of Pennsylvania's wildlife resources, and to apprehend and prosecute violators. The respondents included 139 game conservation enforcement officers, 26 land managers, and 29 law enforcement division supervisors, representing about 95 percent of the Division of Law Enforcement. A total of 46 percent of the land managers, 25 percent of the supervisors, and 67 percent of the game conservation enforcement officers scored in the high stress range. The officers clearly have a sense of danger, anxiety, hostility, and estrangement. They also perceive that management gives them little opportunity to participate in decisions affecting their role. Their families may serve either as supports against stress or as sources of it. Law enforcement research needs to give more attention to rural policing. Data tables and a list of 15 references are supplied. (Author summary modified)