NCJ Number
83184
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 30 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1982) Pages: 56-63
Date Published
1982
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A police officer explains the nature of the stress experienced in police work and presents a sample stress reduction program that can be adapted to most police departments.
Abstract
Police work is one of the most difficult jobs in the United States in terms of stresses, pressures, and personal emotional impact. Among internal stressors involved in police work are the emotional fatigue resulting from the performance of human services, the stress resulting from being constantly in public, and the alertness which must be maintained both on and off the job. External job stressors include the pressures involved in dealing with the courts, the lack of administrative support, job pay, moonlighting, shift work, and inadequate resources. These stresses produce the behavior patterns described by Hans Selye as the general adaptation syndrome. This syndrome begins with a reaction of alarm, continues with resistance, and ends with burnout. During the burnout stage the diseases of maladaptation, such as chronic alcoholism, ulcers, or suicide become apparent. A stress reduction program can be adapted to most police departments, usually with little time, effort, and expense. The program's first step should be awareness training. The sessions should cover the general adaptation syndrome, stress-adaptation tests, and maladaptations to stress. Relaxation techniques, diet, exercise and the need for a code of behavior should also be covered as means for dealing with stress. The police department administrator must encourage and motivate action, since few officers will realize the need for personal stress reduction. Administrators should arrange with local public and private organizations for services in the areas of physical fitness, marital communication, psychological services, and religious counseling. Other steps which administrators must take to reduce stress are mentioned.