NCJ Number
54544
Date Published
1977
Length
23 pages
Annotation
SOURCES OF STRESS AMONG MIDDLE-LEVEL MANAGERS IN THE BRITISH POLICE SERVICE ARE IDENTIFIED AND EVALUATED ON THE BASIS OF INTERVIEWS WITH 12 OFFICERS, ALL STUDENTS AT THE NATIONAL POLICE COLLEGE.
Abstract
THE STUDY WAS UNDERTAKEN BY THE CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT OF A LARGE METROPOLITAN POLICE FORCE IN BRITAIN AS PART OF HIS WORK AT THE NATIONAL POLICE COLLEGE. THE OFFICERS INTERVIEWED INCLUDED SIX INSPECTORS AND SIX SUPERINTENDENTS AND CHIEF SUPERINTENDENTS. ALL WERE ASKED ABOUT THE ASPECTS OF THEIR JOBS THAT TROUBLED THEM, THEIR REACTIONS TO THESE PROBLEMS, AND THEIR METHODS OF COPING. A THEMATIC ANALYSIS OF THEIR RESPONSES INDICATES THE PRESENCE OF THE FOLLOWING SOURCES OF STRESS (IN ORDER OF SEVERITY): FEAR OF MAKING A MISTAKE, DOMESTIC PRESSURES, STRAIN EXHIBITED BY COLLEAGUES, PRESSURES OF WORK, LACK OF SUPPORT FROM COLLEAGUES, UNCERTAINTY, PEER GROUP PRESSURES, AND LACK OF SUPPORT FROM THE PUBLIC. THE OFFICERS REPORTED EXPERIENCING SLEEPLESSNESS, NERVOUSNESS, IRRITABILITY, ANXIETY, WITHDRAWAL, AND A NUMBER OF OTHER PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF STRAIN. THE FOLLOWING COPING MECHANISMS WERE NOTED: BECOMING AGGRESSIVE TOWARD THE PERSON CAUSING THE PROBLEM, GOING TO SLEEP, ENGAGING IN PHYSICAL EXERCISE, GOING FISHING, CONCENTRATING VERY HARD ON SOMETHING UNRELATED TO THE STRESSFUL PROBLEM, LISTENING TO MUSIC, AND WALKING ALONE. THE FINDINGS INDICATE THAT MIDMANAGEMENT OFFICERS COMMONLY EXPERIENCE STRESS AND STRAIN, OFTEN OF A SERIOUS NATURE. MANY OF THE STRESSORS CITED BY OFFICERS ARE RELATED TO THE POLICE CULTURE. OFFICERS ARE RELUCTANT TO DISCUSS THEIR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR SUPERIORS, AND THEIR COPING MECHANISMS ARE PURELY REACTIVE. RARELY IS AN ATTEMPT MADE TO UNDERSTAND AND DEAL WITH THE STRESSFUL PROBLEM. SUGGESTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL RESEACH ARE OFFERED. A BIBLIOGRAPHY AND DIRECT QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEWS ARE INCLUDED.