NCJ Number
144508
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 60 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1993) Pages: 96-99
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Police officers are often reluctant to admit that they suffer from occupational stress or that they are increasingly unable to cope with stress because they fear losing the respect of their peers or losing the competitive edge for departmental promotion.
Abstract
The most important factor related to treatment of police officer stress is the establishment of a trusting relationship between the officer and the psychotherapist, peer, employee assistance program officer, or friend who is trying to help. Two primary approaches have proven effective in modifying an individual's level of stress. The self-directed approach emphasizes being aware of the problem, monitoring stress levels, communicating emotional pain to a significant other, evaluating one's attitude toward the stressor, adjusting self- expectations, getting rid of psychological baggage, and ensuring good physical health through diet and exercise. The primary treatment interventions for reducing police officer stress, categorized as community-based resources, including individual psychological counseling, temporary or permanent change of shift or assignment, use of time off, and medical referral.