NCJ Number
111847
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1987) Pages: 257-261
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study empirically examines stress among civilians employed as police dispatchers in the Tallahassee Police Department (Florida).
Abstract
Each of the 31 communications workers received study materials at the start of the shift and was requested to complete and return the materials by mail to ensure anonymity. Eighteen of the dispatchers and four of the complaint takers complied, yielding an overall return rate of 71 percent. Study materials included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form, a self-administered instrument consisting of 40 questions designed to distinguish trait anxiety from state anxiety. Trait anxiety indexes individual general tolerance to stress in general. State anxiety, on the other hand, is more transitory and reflects immediate stress reaction. The study materials also included several probe questions. Results indicate that nonsworn police dispatchers are not a pathologically stressed group, although they do exhibit elevated stress scores. They typically view themselves as service providers to the public and to officers. Dispatchers generally experience job satisfaction. Civilian employees are frustrated with organizational barriers, which they perceive as thwarting efficient and effective service delivery. Respondent concerns reflect the same irritants experienced by nonsworn employees elsewhere. 3 tables and 15 references.