NCJ Number
213450
Date Published
2006
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This chapter presents the findings of the Buffalo Police Health Study, which examined differences in the frequency, nature, and responses to work-related trauma experienced by male and female Buffalo (New York) police officers.
Abstract
The findings showed that of the 9 categories of traumatic events examined, the cumulative frequency of experiencing these events did not differ significantly between male (n=70) and female (n=45) officers over the past year; however, there were gender differences in the frequency of exposure to particular categories of traumatic events. Male officers were twice as likely as female officers to encounter abused children, and male officers were more likely to be involved in cases of severely assaulted victims and homicide victims. Assignments to sexual offenses were more likely for female officers. Female and male officers were equally likely to be exposed to sexually abused children. Female officers tended to have more posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in response to sexual assault cases than did men, perhaps because of women's sense that they are themselves at high risk of sexual assault. Male officers had an increased risk of PTSD after exposure to homicide victims, perhaps because men are more likely to experience life-threatening physical violence. Male officers had a higher risk for PTSD related to the shooting of a fellow officer than did female officers. Regardless of the nature of the traumatic event to which officers were exposed, social interaction following the event significantly affected the risk of suffering PTSD. Female officers tended to have fewer constructive social interactions following exposure to traumatic events. This study suggests that the frequency of exposure to particular types of trauma, gender-related identification with victim types, and the nature of social interactions following the event have gender-related dynamics. 19 references