NCJ Number
131662
Date Published
1990
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Using interviews with police officers and portrayals of police work, this video first provides an overview of the nature and effects of police occupational stress and then describes the equipment and services of the mobile Police Care-A-Van, a police van equipped to provide stress-management education and testing when it travels to police departments throughout the Nation.
Abstract
The overview of the nature and effects of police occupational stress notes that stress stems from the duties, structure, management styles of police organizations. Stress effects include physical illness, consequent absenteeism, poor job performance, substance abuse, marital difficulties, and suicide. The Police Care-A-Van aims at preventing police stress by traveling to police departments to educate officers about stress management. The van is designed and equipped to provide a relaxation experience for officers while they are being taught stress-management techniques and having their blood pressure and cholesterol measured. Care-A-Van services include a quarterly newsletter, counseling, and career and retirement planning. An 800 number is provided officers so they may receive referral information. All activities of the Care-A-Van are confidential.