METHODS FOR REDUCING STRESS IN A SMALL POLICE DEPARTMENT (FROM JOB STRESS AND THE POLICE OFFICER - IDENTIFYING STRESS REDUCTION TECHNIQUES - PROCEEDINGS OF SYMPOSIUM, 1975 BY W H KROES, AND J J HURRELL, JR - SEE NCJ-43642)

• NCJ Number: 43655
• Author(s): B B BARKER
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 6 pages
• Corporate Author: Superintendent of Documents, GPO
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: THE SYMPOSIUM WAS HELD IN CINCINNATI, OHIO ON MAY 8 & 9, 1975, AND CHAIRED BY DR WILLIAM H KROES

Annotation

SOURCES OF STRESS FOR POLICE OFFICERS IN SMALL COMMUNITIES ARE DISCUSSED, AND STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING STRESS ARE SUGGESTED.

Abstract

MOST OFFICERS IN SMALL-TOWN POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARE NATIVES OF THE COMMUNITY. OFTEN LINES OF AUTHORITY ARE NOT FORMALLY STATED, BECAUSE EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY KNOWS WHERE EACH OFFICER STANDS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT. THE PATROL OFFICER USUALLY COVERS HIS TOUR ALONE IN A PATROL VEHICLE. WHEN ON DUTY, HE MAY BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTING THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN AND FOR PRESERVING ORDER. BECAUSE POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN SMALL TOWNS ARE HIGHLY VISIBLE, THERE IS GREATER OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO CRITICIZE POLICE ACTION IN SPECIFIC INSTANCES. THE TIME BETWEEN EVENTS REQUIRING POLICE ACTION MAY BE LONG. BOREDOM MAY CAUSE OFFICERS TO OVER-REACT TO MINOR SITUATIONS. SENSITIVE INCIDENTS REQUIRING CAUTIOUS, DELIBERATE APPROACHES MAY BE MISMANAGED. MANY ATTEMPTS TO REDUCE STRESS EXPERIENCED BY POLICE OFFICERS IN SMALL TOWNS ARE SUBCONSCIOUS, SUCH AS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE COMMUNICATION AND TO PROVIDE OFFICERS WITH THE EQUIPMENT THEY REQUEST. CLEAR, CONCISE STATEMENTS OF POLICY AND PROCEDURE, TOGETHER WITH APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND INSTRUCTIONS, CAN HELP TO ALLEVIATE THE ANXIETY EXPERIENCED BY OFFICERS REQUIRED TO RESPOND TO MEDICAL AND OTHER EMERGENCIES. MAKING CERTAIN THAT BACKUP ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR EACH PATROL OFFICER IS IMPORTANT IN RELIEVING ANXIETY. THE CHIEF OF POLICE CAN USE LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH AGENCIES IN DEALING WITH THE PROBLEMS OF INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS AND SHOULD BECOME ACQUAINTED WITH COUNSELING TECHNIQUES HIMSELF.