Stress: A Major Enemy of Law Enforcement Professionals

• NCJ Number: 109310
• Journal: FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 57 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1988) Pages: 11-14
• Author(s): L Colwell
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Reprinted from the February 22, 1987, edition of the 'Arkansas Democrat.'

Annotation

Good police managers recognize their potential to enduce stress in their subordinates, and they use education, evaluation, and self-imposed change to minimize such stress.

Abstract

Police executives' assessment of the emotional, behavioral, and physical patterns of subordinates is important in determining the level and extent of stress subordinates are experiencing. Some signs of stress are prolonged apathy, restlessness, low self-esteem, mental fatigue, overcompensation, alcohol abuse, gambling, sexual promiscuity, antisocial behavior, and sickness. Means of preventing and reducing police occupational stress include the development of support systems such as the employment of professional counselors, the use of a formal physical fitness program for officers, diet guidelines, and meditation. Friendly, informal communication with subordinates by police executives can ease the stress of the work environment. This may include handwritten notes of commendation and appreciation. Police managers must constantly evaluate their relationships with their subordinates and be open to changing patterns of interaction so as to reduce stress.