NCJ Number
201992
Date Published
2002
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This research aimed to develop a proactive risk management framework to guide police agencies in protecting officers from the detrimental impact of stressors associated with their work.
Abstract
The risk management framework presented was developed primarily from the findings of an Australasian workshop attended by representatives from all jurisdictions in the region. The primary goals of the workshop were to identify and discuss the problems or barriers perceived to be inflicting psychological harm on police officers in the course of performing their duties, as well as to identify and discuss strategies for addressing these problems. The risk management framework developed from the workshop and other sources is composed of 16 strategies that are grouped under the headings of recruit selection, training, specialist units, support services, measurement and accountability, cooperation and collaboration, and future directions. Recruit selection strategies focus on the selection of officers best suited for police work and coping with chronic and acute stress. The training of officers should include information on stress management techniques, and the training of managers should address supervisory skills that can help mitigate and facilitate the management of stress among officers they supervise. Specialist units whose members are involved in particularly high-risk and stressful operations should limit tenures of service in the unit and monitor the reactions and psychological states of officers regularly. Strategies for support services focus on the accessibility of resources that can mitigate and minimize stress reactions in officers exposed to traumatic situations. Health and welfare services are recognized as key components of personnel management and performance reviews. 47 references and appended literature review