Stress Management in Police work

Abstract

Police officers are challenged with numerous amount of emotional and physical stress. Long hours, high demands, exposure to death, and a constant threat of danger and physical harm all result in a near constant state of flight-or-fight. Overtime, this stressful state may cause serious health conditions. Unfortunately, many law enforcement officers attempt to hide their stress or downplay the physical and emotional symptoms of stress. Fear of losing trust of their fellow officers, concerns about work demotions, and belief that they will be seen as weak or unable to handle their work responsibilities forces them to remain silent about their symptoms. Untreated stress put law enforcement officers at the risk of developing numerous health problems which will impair their ability to perform their duties.