NCJ Number
196891
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 71 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2002 Pages: 1-7
Editor(s)
John E. Ott
Date Published
September 2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article discusses ways that police officers reduce stress in their daily activities in order to live healthier lives.
Abstract
This article focuses on the negative effects that stress plays in the lives of police officers. After defining stress as a bodily response to demands placed on it, the authors focus on stresses that police officers face in their daily activities. Presenting a discussion of some of the mental and physical stresses encountered by police officers as described in the book “The Onion Field,” concerning two Los Angeles police officers’ abduction and the murder of one of the officers, this article highlights police victimization, traumatic experiences, and post traumatic stress disorder. Turning to a discussion of Project Shield, a survey of law enforcement officers focusing on negative effects of job stress, the authors describe the alcoholism, physical ailments, and anxiety disorders experienced by many police officers in response to job stress. Arguing that prevention and reduction of the negative impacts of stress improves the health of police officers, this article presents crime and disease prevention models that enable officers to practice healthy lifestyles, improve their mental health, and reduce stress.