ALCHOHOLISM AND THE POLICEMAN - IDENTIFYING AND DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM

• NCJ Number: 55998
• Journal: FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 48 Issue: 3 Dated: (MARCH 1979) Pages: 20-23
• Author(s): J G STRATTON; D B WROE
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 4 pages
• Corporate Author: Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THIS ARTICLE EXAMINES THE POLICE OFFICER WITH A DRINKING PROBLEM AND EXPLORES THE VARIOUS ALTERNATIVES AVAILABLE TO THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE DEPARTMENT TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM.

Abstract

OFTEN THE VICTIM OF ALCOHOL IS REGARDED WITH CONTEMPT AND IS CONSIDERED A MORAL WEAKLING, LACKING IN WILL POWER. THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, HOWEVER, RECOGNIZED ALCOHOLISM TO BE A CHRONIC, PROGRESSIVE DISEASE WHICH, IF LEFT UNTREATED, CAN CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE, PHYSICAL INCAPACITIES, OR DEATH. POLICE OFFICERS OFTEN ARE RELUCTANT TO REPORT THAT A FELLOW OFFICER HAS A DRINKING PROBLEM, AND OFFICERS MAY FIND THEMSELVES RETIRED AFTER 20 TO 25 YEARS OF TENSION-PROVOKING FIELD ASSIGNMENTS TO A FUTURE OF INACTIVITY AND ALCOHOL. THE VICTIM OF ALCOHOL OFTEN DEVELOPS JOB-RELATED PROBLEMS, AND SUPERVISORS BECOME CONFUSED AS TO THE CAUSE OR NATURE OF THESE PROBLEMS. MANY COMPANIES IN PRIVATE INDUSTRY HAVE ESTABLISHED PROGRAMS TO REHABILITATE ALCOHOLICS AND CLAIM A 70 TO 85 PERCENT SUCCESS RATE. SOME PROGRESSIVE POLICE DEPARTMENTS HAVE IMPLEMENTED SIMILAR PROGRAMS. THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAM ESTABLISHED BY THE SHERIFF OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIF., ARE CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL: (1) CONFIDENTIALITY FOR ANYONE SEEKING ASSISTANCE FROM THE PROGRAM; (2) EMPLOYEE AWARENESS OF THE PROGRAM AND THE ASPECTS OF ALCOHOL; AND (3) SUPERVISORY TRAINING REGARDING THE PROGRAM AND APPROPRIATE METHODS OF SUPERVISION. THE LOS ANGELES PROGRAM IS OPEN TO ALL ACTIVE AND RETIRED PERSONNEL IN THE AREA, AND IT IS CONDUCTED BY THE POLICE OFFICERS THEMSELVES ON A FREE AND VOLUNTARY BASIS. AWARENESS AND INFORMATION CONCERNING SUCH PROGRAMS CAN BE PROMOTED THROUGH ANNOUNCEMENTS IN DEPARTMENT NEWSPAPERS, EXPLANATIONS AT STATION MEETINGS OR INSERVICE TRAINING SESSIONS, AND CLASSES AT VARIOUS MANAGEMENT LEVELS. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES IN THIS AREA AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WORKING WITH PROBLEM EMPLOYEES ARE LISTED. (KJM)