9 - PTSD and other operational stress injuries among police officers: empirical findings and reflections from clinical practice

Abstract

Given the multitude of psychological stressors experienced by police officers, including repetitive trauma exposure, cumulative stress and fatigue, grief, moral injury, and organizational strain, they are at risk for development of operational stress injuries. Operational stress injury (OSI) is a broad term used to describe persistent psychological difficulties resulting from activities performed in the course of or related to one's job. Several OSIs associated specifically with policing have received empirical attention and support. Among others, these include posttraumatic stress, depression, alcohol use disorders, and relatedly, suicide. Both empirical evidence and clinical experience are drawn upon in this chapter as we review the risks for posttraumatic stress disorder among police officers, as well as the prevalence, etiology, and trajectory of this condition in the context of the police role. We also discuss evidence-based treatments for PTSD. In addition, we outline other types of OSI commonly experienced in this population. Finally, we present a discussion of posttraumatic growth as it relates to police officers and its implications for clinical contexts.