NCJ Number
153024
Date Published
1993
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This report attempts to determine the prevalence of alcohol consumption among police officers in all Australian police jurisdictions and to compare these findings with the general Australian population. The report also examines the possible existence of a binge drinking problem among police officers, and officers' smoking and exercise habits.
Abstract
The findings of the report include: (1) Police officers reported drinking less frequently during a typical week than the general population. However, the usual quantities consumed were far greater than those of the population norms. (2) Binge drinking was more prevalent among the police sample than the general population, particularly among female police officers. (3) Regular drinking was more prominent among the male police officers; occasional drinking was more frequent among the female officers. Data from the study indicated that the quantity of alcohol consumed by Australian police officers should be an issue of some concern to the police organization. Officers should receive education on the residual effects of alcohol consumption and the physical, emotional, and financial costs of excessive drinking. Further research is needed to elucidate the reasons why officers drink, who they drink with, when they drink, and what they drink. Tables, figures, references