Stress Syndrome of the Modern Police Officer (From Law Enforcement Bible, Number 2, P 22-31, 1982, Robert A Scanlon, ed. - See NCJ-95077)

• NCJ Number: 95079
• Author(s): K W Ellison
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Stoeger Publishing Co
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Characteristics, precipitators, and prevention of stress syndrome are discussed within the context of modern police work.

Abstract

Physical responses to stress include an alarm reaction in which resistance falls below normal, a resistance stage in which blood pressure and possibly temperature and blood volume rise in response to hormone release from the adrenal gland, and a stage of exhaustion in which resistance symptoms and other symptoms may occur. Prolonged stress can cause psychologic reactions, which tend to occur in stages. In the acute crisis phase, normal coping mechanisms fail, and the person feels anxious, threatened, out of control, and often guilty. The second phase involves coping and recovery, a period during which the individual begins to integrate the stressful experience into his/her life. This process is often interrupted by flashbacks which may alternate with integration processes over a period of time. A special reaction to chronic job stress is called burnout. It is the tendency to cope with stress by distancing. In the police officer this may be characterized by cynicism and negative feelings about everything outside the police world. Factors contributing to stress in policing include those external to the police organization, those inherent in the police role, those in the organizational structure and supervisory role, and those resulting from individual personality factors. Danger signals of stress include changes in personality, work habits, and appearance. Although stress is inevitable in policing, it need not lead to long-term damage or burnout. Organizational changes can lessen role conflict and role ambiguity. Individuals can be taught to recognize the buildup of tensions and to adopt strategies for coping with them. Professional counseling may be helpful. Prevention of stress-related disorders requires an organizational concern with officer needs and increased officer understanding of his/her potential and limitations.