Changes in Physical and Mental Health Indicators of Law Enforcement Officers in the Process of their Professional Activities

Abstract

Aim: To study the level and dynamics of physical and mental health indicators of officers-in-charge of police organizations in the process of their professional activities. Materials and Methods: The research which was conducted in the period from 2019 to 2021 and involved 155 law enforcement officers (men) of different age groups, who held superior positions in various police departments. The physical health of law enforcement officers was assessed according to the method of H.L. Apanasenko, mental – using a mix of psychodiagnostic methods. Results: It was found that the level of physical health of the officers-in-charge of police organisations is significantly deteriorating with increase in their age and professional experience. The level of health of the majority of superior law enforcement officers is below average and low. The negative dynamics of health indicators of law enforcement officers was revealed during the research period. It was found that the law enforcement officers with a high level of physical fitness have significantly better indicators of mental health than the ones with a low level of physical fitness. Conclusions: One of the main reasons for the low level of physical and mental health of superior police officers is the lack of effectiveness of physical training sessions and, as a result, their low level of physical fitness. All this requires the improvement of physical training with this category of law enforcement officers in order to strengthen their physical and mental health and improve the indicators of their professional activities.