NCJ Number
27734
Date Published
Unknown
Length
18 pages
Annotation
CERTAIN PARAMETERS OF STRESSORS AND MEDIATING PROCESSES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARE DEFINED, AND CRITERIA FOR PROFESSIONAL, SUPPORTIVE TECHNIQUES OF STRESS MANAGEMENT ARE OUTLINED.
Abstract
PHYSICAL STRESSORS WHICH MAY AFFECT POLICE JOB PERFORMANCE ARE FIRST DISCUSSED. THESE INCLUDE DEMANDS SUCH AS CONSTANT PHYSICAL READINESS, NEED FOR QUICK RESPONSE, AND POOR EATING AND SLEEPING HABITS INDUCED BY CHANGES IN SHIFT. THE PRIMARY AREAS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS ARE THEN INVESTIGATED. AMONG THE STRESSORS DISCUSSED ARE ROLE CONFLICT, PRESSURES OF POLICE DISCRETION, PERSONALITY FACTORS, AND THE NEED FOR SUPPRESSION OF EMOTION IN THE FACE OF UNPLEASANT SITUATIONS. SUCH RESULTS OF PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS AS JOB DISILLUSIONMENT, IMPAIRED PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE, INAPPROPRIATE EMOTIONAL REACTIONS TO SITUATIONS, AND DETERIORATION OF THE OFFICER'S FAMILY AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS ARE EXPLORED. THE AUTHOR SUGGESTS THAT THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR RELIEVING STRESS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT MAY LEGALLY LIE WITH THE POLICE ADMINISTRATION. STRUCTURAL CONSIDERATIONS OF A STRESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ARE EXPLORED, INCLUDING A PRESERVICE ASSESSMENT OF APPLICANTS FOR VULNERABILITY TO POTENTIAL STRESSORS, 'PREVENTIVE' TRAINING IN STRESS RECOGNITION AND MANAGEMENT, AND 'REACTIVE' TREATMENT SUCH AS PHYSICAL STRESS RELEASE ACTIVITIES AND COUNSELING OR PSYCHOTHERAPY.