NCJ Number
76362
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 49 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1980) Pages: 22-26
Date Published
1980
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The impact of occupational stress upon police performance and ways in which police departments can help reduce such stress are discussed.
Abstract
Since stress is directly attributable to the police working environment and the effects of stress can adversely influence police performance, departments must make provision for relieving occupational stress. Although monetary compensation is often used to attract persons to an retain them in hazardous and stressful occupations, this is not an effective compensation, since it neither ensures the hiring of qualified persons nor deals with the effects of stress that cannot be measured nor compensated by financial remuneration. A department's most effective response to occupational stress is the provision of counseling and training services that will help relieve debilitating reactions to stressful situations while increasing officer job satisfaction. The hiring of a full-time clinical psychologist to provide counseling, evaluation, and training for officers is recommended. This permits officers to receive professional help from one familiar with unique stresses faced by officers in a given department. Should limited finances make the hiring of a full-time psychologist impossible, the use of a part-time psychologist and trained peer counselors can help. Spouse orientation should be included in any program designed to relieve occupational stress, since spouses' understanding of the stress encountered by police can aid in their providing needed support for their police spouses. Footnotes are provided.