NCJ Number
53238
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 45 Issue: 5 Dated: (MAY 1978) Pages: 73-78
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THIS ARTICLE CONSIDERS INDICATORS OF STRESS SUFFERED BY POLICE OFFICERS, SIGNALS WHICH OFFICERS AND SUPERVISORS SHOULD RECOGNIZE, AND COMMON MANAGEMENT METHODS FOR COPING WITH AND REDUCING STRESS.
Abstract
EVIDENCE OF INCREASING UNRELIEVED TENSION IN POLICE OFFICERS INCLUDES ABRUPT CHANGE IN TYPICAL BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS, RAPID MOOD CHANGE, SUSPICIOUSNESS, EXCESSIVE USE OF ALCOHOL OR OVEREATING, HOSTILITY, DEFENSIVENESS, RECKLESSNESS, DECREASE IN WORK PERFORMANCE, AND BODILY AND SEXUAL DYSFUCTION. SUPERVISORS OFTEN IGNORE THESE PROBLEMS OR HIDE, TRANSFER, FIRE, OR RETIRE THE OFFICER ON DISABILITY. SOME SUPERVISORS HAVE ATTEMPTED TO REHABILITATE OFFICERS THROUGH DEPARTMENTAL SERVICES. THIS APPROACH IS RECOMMENDED AND SHOULD INCLUDE HONEST AND OPEN DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE SUPERVISOR AND EMPLOYEE, PROVISION OF A VARIETY OF SERVICES, AND ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OVERALL ORGANIZATIONAL ATTITUDE OF SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING FOR OFFICERS SUFFERING FROM STRESS. STRESS REDUCTION ACTIVITIES COULD BE ENCOURAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT SUCH AS PHYSICAL EXERCISE, ATTENTION TO PROPER DIET, AND DEVELOPMENT OF SELF-AWARENESS AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES. ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT SHOULD PROVIDE COUNSELING SERVICES, SPOUSE PROGRAMS, AND ALCOHOL REHABILITATION SERVICES. POLICE TRAINING CURRICULUMS SHOULD COVER STRESS-REDUCTION METHODS, UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEM AND ITS EFFECTS, AND TECHNIQUES FOR COPING WITH MARITAL PROBLEMS THAT ARISE IN POLICE WORK. REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. SEE NCJ-53231 FOR THE FIRST PART OF THE ARTICLE. (DAG)