NCJ Number
102935
Date Published
1986
Length
46 pages
Annotation
This manual examines types of police occupational stress, and discusses why individuals react differently to intense stress. Sources of stress and coping techniques are reviewed.
Abstract
After exploring positive as well as negative effects of stress, the manual examines stress within these categories: job-related, nonjob-related, sudden event, and long-term. It discusses four indicators that help explain why some officers break while under stress and others do not: physical health, social support, pre-employment experience, and current personality traits. To be more stress-resistant, the manual urges officers to develop habits of challenge, commitment, and control. Common sources of stress are identified as the personality of the individual officer himself, the officer's job or position within the agency, the officer's personal problems, and the atmosphere and working relationships of the agency. Methods that police managers can use to reduce stress are outlined. Personality and stress tests are included. Diagrams, footnotes, and nine references.