NCJ Number
198221
Journal
Les Cahiers de la Securite Interieure Issue: 47 Dated: 2002 Pages: 79-106
Editor(s)
Anne Wuilleumier
Date Published
2002
Length
29 pages
Annotation
The use of a weapon in the work of the police officer is discussed here as it impacts his or her life critically.
Abstract
This article discusses the fact that for some people the use of a weapon may be experienced as a catastrophe, unexpected and exceptionally emotionally disturbing and can lead to a state of pathological psychiatric trauma. Also, the political, media, and institutional repercussions on the work of a police officer are reviewed. It is noted that stress can be positive as a fundamental feature of their work enabling them to carry out difficult assignments. However, the negative aspects of excess stress leading to the use of a weapon should be viewed as a critical event and treated as a priority matter.