NCJ Number
85945
Journal
Police Chief Dated: (June 1982) Pages: 49-53
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The article discusses burnout among police officers with respect to its definitions, causes, symptoms, and potential remedies.
Abstract
Burnout often includes psychological withdrawal from work in response to excessive stress or dissatisfaction, the loss of enthusiasm or sense of mission in work, and a change from an attitude of empathy to one of apathy. A transactional definition of burnout emphasizes its three stages: an imbalance between resources and demands (stress); an immediate, short-term emotional response to this imbalance (strain); and changes in attitude and behavior (defensive coping). Among the stressors contributing to burnout are the public expectations of police; the constant contact with the worst manifestations of human behavior; and substantial changes, such as increased legal liabilities, in police work in recent years. Symptoms of burnout can include apathy, irritability, social isolation, insomnia, and headaches. The officer's self-esteem drops, and cynicism often develops. Managers should counsel officers to enable them to move from helplessness to active participation in dealing with burnout. Possible remedies can include a change in duties to training or other functions and the development of outside activities or hobbies. Counseling should begin with an initiation interview and continue with clarification of the problem, determining possible solutions, and deciding on possible goals and objectives. Managers should remember that personal growth is the best defense against burnout.