NCJ Number
73639
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 53 Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1980) Pages: 340-352
Date Published
1980
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This survey of the extent to which stress factors and consequent strain are taken into account in the posting of police officers in Great Britain shows the need for training courses to help officers detect and control stress.
Abstract
A survey of 34 police forces was conducted using an 8-point questionnaire mailed to the heads of personnel departments, deputy chief constables and chief constables in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The findings showed that only four forces placed a great deal of weight on the stress factor in their posting policy. In 15 forces, the stress factor was addressed only when problems arose. Three forces attributed more than average importance to the stress factor but isolated work pressure from life's other pressures in their deliberations. The remaining 12 forces appeared to have very little appreciation of stress and stress had little or no bearing on their posting policy. These results indicate that the police are not prepared to deal with the growing incidence of stress-related problems among officers. Training courses should be conducted on the nature of stress, how to measure it, and how to control it. Creating an understanding of stress throughout the service will engender a change of attitude in officers of all ranks, and stress problems will come to light at an earlier stage. The letter and questionnaire sent out to the 34 forces and a bibliography of 10 references are appended.