Different Types of Stress Experienced by Police Officers

Police work and its environment produce stress that plays physically or mentally on the individual. Four categories of stress confront officers’ external stress, organizational stress, personal stress, and operational stress.

External stress is produced by the dangers and threats that officers face in the line of duty (Dempsey, 2005). Examples of external stress would be high-speed chases or a “gun run” where a person is in possession of a gun. This kind of stress would produce a high strung attitude which could make the officer more apt to respond in a suspicious manner. Socially, the officer is more suspicious of erratic behavior. With all this “on the edge” feelings, an officer would start having high blood pressure and heart problems leading to overall health problems.

Organizational stress is produced by elements inherent with the military character of the police service (Dempsey, 2005). Examples would be the odd working hours, working holidays, and the impact strict discipline. This type of stress affects how the police would work through their day. They could have an attitude of not wanting to be there because they are away from their families. Officers would have more of a tendency to call off. Socially, they would be depressed and not wanting to spend time with others from those they see at work. Personally, this stress would interfere with their family life and put stress on their marriages and any other relationships.

Personal stress is produced by the interpersonal characteristics involved in police organization (Constant, 2005). Examples would include poor training, fear of job competence, lack of job satisfaction, and getting along with other officers. On the job, this can cause critical response on the job, become the stressor for other officers, and reduce their efficiency as an officer. Socially, they become isolated and distant. Personally, they become ill or suicidal. Police have one of the highest suicide rates in the U.S. (Constant, 2005).

Operational stress is produced by the need to confront the tragedies of urban life. Examples are the dealings with criminals, mentally disturbed drug addicts, and expectations of the community (Dempsey, 2005). This kind of stress would effect the officer in that lack of interest in performing 100 percent for those who are unappreciated. Socially, they become more distant and care less for other’s welfare. Personally, the officer becomes more aggressive and moody towards others (Constant, 2005).

Police work is a very high-stress occupation. Police departments should institute stress management programs that identify the type of stress and proper counseling offered to the officers. Examples of proper counseling would be peer counselor training to deal with suicidal feelings, psychological services, physical fitness training, and mental health counseling (Dempsey, 2005).







References

Constant, Terry (2005). Not so obvious police stress. Retrieved on March 9, 2009, from
http://www.tearsofacop.com/police/articles/constant.html
Dempsey, J.S. & Forst, L.S. (2005). Introduction to policing (3rd ed.).
Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth. ISBN: 0-534-64290-X