NCJ Number
160109
Journal
Gazette Volume: 57 Issue: 11 & 12 Dated: (1995) Pages: 2-16
Date Published
1995
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) verified the existence of police occupational stress but looked further into stressors associated with being part of the RCMP organization.
Abstract
A sample of 101 RCMP officers, both male and female who ranged in rank from constable to superintendent, and 72 of their spouses returned study questionnaires, for a return rate of 31.1 percent. Study questions focused on the need for stress management training, the level of interest in police officer and spouse joint training, the stage in a police officer's career when stress management training would be most valuable, and specific areas of police stress. Occupational, organizational, and family stress areas were evaluated. Findings revealed that the RCMP officer reporting the most stress was a uniformed, male senior constable. Spouses of these officers also reported more stress than other spouses. The top stressor for RCMP officers was identified as working within the judicial system. Other stressors concerned heavy workloads, raising children, finances, and promotion opportunities. The need for stress management training was identified by 93.1 percent of respondents. Almost half of RCMP officers (48.5 percent) rated themselves in the moderately high stress category or higher. Respondents indicated that stress management training should focus on surviving critical incident stress and on coping with grief and loss. The most stress was encountered during 9 to 12 years of police service. Recommendations are offered to ensure stress management training is relevant to police officers and their families. 8 tables, 2 figures, and 4 photographs