Office Support Research Articles

Is the police service still a long-term career choice? Perspectives of new recruits

PurposeThis article is timely due to the current high attrition of officers (National Police Chiefs Council, 2023) and will explore the literature surrounding retention and attrition of officers, the impact of this on trust and confidence, and the need to understand the reasons why officers join the service coupled with their expectations of the police as a long-term career (>10 years).Design/methodology/approachThis research will describe a study using a survey that examined views of 120 new recruits from 3 UK police forces on why they joined the service.FindingsIt notes that many still see the police service as a long-term career and indicate little intention of leaving, raising further questions surrounding the reasons for the current high attrition rates. It concludes with where police forces could focus to improve retention, suggesting some reasons for the attrition such as low job satisfaction, poor welfare and organisation culture, and some practical suggestions as to where police forces could focus to improve retention.Research limitations/implicationsAlbeit this research was sent to a small sample (n = 127) and did not address shift work issues or welfare support, it will serve as a foundational pilot. The research initial findings can inform future studies with more detailed analyses and targeted strategies to enhance officer retention and public trust in the police force.Practical implicationsThe research aims to provide insights into how recruitment motivations and job satisfaction impact long-term retention.Social implicationsThis research highlights the significance of examining the reasons for new recruits joining the service, and of implementing retention strategies prioritising stability, officer support, and community engagement to cultivate a trusting relationship between the police and the public.Originality/valueThis study was designed to examine if current new police officers still view the police as a long-term career choice and to identify if their reasons for joining the service have changed with the current political climate of policing in the UK.

To protect and serve: a review of initiatives to support of police officers to better meet the needs of older adult

PurposePolice officers increasingly respond to incidents involving aging-related issues, where older adults are vulnerable and require tailored approaches. This scoping review aims to map initiatives aimed at enhancing interactions between older adults and police and evaluates outcomes. Findings inform the development of a geriatrics-focused police training curriculum to support age-friendly policing. A literature search across major databases and grey literature yielded 20 relevant publications. Three main initiatives were identified: geriatrics-oriented training programs, specialized geriatric police units and geriatrics-oriented policing guidelines. These insights highlight effective strategies for improving police responses to aging-related challenges and guide future research and policy in this domain.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a scoping review methodology guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual and PRISMA-ScR checklist. A comprehensive search strategy was developed and executed across multiple databases and grey literature sources. Screening and selection of relevant studies were conducted in duplicate, with data extraction focusing on key elements such as study objectives, design, interventions and outcomes. Thematic analysis was employed to synthesize findings from included studies, highlighting three principal initiatives: geriatrics-oriented training programs, specialized geriatric police units and geriatrics-oriented policing guidelines. This approach aimed to map existing evidence, inform the development of a geriatrics-focused training curriculum and identify best practices for age-friendly policing.FindingsThe scoping review identified 28 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Findings highlighted varied approaches to enhancing police interactions with older adults, emphasizing training as pivotal. Effective strategies included specialized units, tailored training programs and guidelines integrating geriatrics principles. Key outcomes encompassed improved officer knowledge, communication skills and attitudes toward older adults, fostering enhanced service delivery and community relations. Evidence underscored the importance of ongoing education and collaborative partnerships in optimizing policing responses to aging populations, advocating for sustainable, age-friendly policing practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe review’s limitations stem from primarily English-language studies, potentially overlooking non-English literature. Variability in study designs and outcomes poses challenges to synthesizing findings comprehensively. Limited generalizability may result due to geographic and cultural differences in policing practices. Future research could benefit from longitudinal studies assessing long-term impacts and broader inclusion of diverse policing contexts and perspectives, enhancing applicability and depth of understanding in optimizing police interactions with older adults.Practical implicationsPractical implications include informing policy makers and law enforcement agencies about effective strategies to enhance interactions with older adults, emphasizing communication skills and de-escalation techniques. Training programs should integrate age-sensitive approaches to improve officers’ awareness and response to older adults’ needs and vulnerabilities. Implementing community engagement initiatives can foster trust and cooperation, contributing to safer and more supportive environments for older adults in policing interactions. These efforts can ultimately promote enhanced well-being and reduced conflicts between law enforcement and older adults.Social implicationsSocial implications highlight the need for broader societal awareness and education regarding the challenges faced by older adults in interactions with law enforcement. Addressing ageism and promoting respectful treatment can enhance community trust and reduce misunderstandings. Improved interactions between older adults and law enforcement can foster a more inclusive and supportive society, ensuring that older adults feel valued and protected. This can contribute to overall social cohesion and a more equitable experience for older adults in their interactions with law enforcement agencies.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in its focus on the intersection of age-related issues and law enforcement interactions, a relatively underexplored area in both gerontology and criminal justice research. By examining the perceptions and experiences of older adults and law enforcement officers, it provides valuable insights into mitigating ageism and improving interactions. The study’s findings contribute to enhancing understanding of how to promote respectful and effective communication between these groups, thereby offering practical implications for policy and training initiatives aimed at fostering better relationships and outcomes for older adults in law enforcement encounters.

Project Double Barrel: Crime Rate and Experiences of the Implementers in the Municipality of Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay

This study aimed to determine the crime rate in the Municipality of Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay in the calendar years 2013-2015 and 2016-2018. Specifically, this study described the index and non-index crimes prior to and during the implementation of the project double barrel and whether significant differences existed on the crime profiles prior to and during the project. It also aimed to identify the experiences encountered by the imple-menters of the project under CMC 16 2. 2016. Archived data were taken from police blotters and crime statistics given by the PNP Personnel in Diplahan Police Station and employed the qualita-tive design using in-depth interview to generate and explore the experiences of the PNP Personnel and Barangay Captains before and during the implementation of the project. Thematic analysis was then applied to generate codes and themes that described the experiences of the participant-interviewees. Findings re-vealed the decrease in index crimes, which include serious of-fenses like murder, theft, and robbery, suggests an improvement in public safety. The heightened police presence and visibility likely acted as a deterrent to violent and property crimes, con-tributing to a more secure environment in public areas. There is a need for a multifaceted approach to improving law enforce-ment's effectiveness and ethical standards in addressing drug-related crimes. Integration of advanced technologies and en-hanced coordination among agencies to improve operations and monitoring capabilities and collaboration with external organi-zations focuses on rehabilitation and prevention, while inde-pendent oversight mechanisms and regular reviews are also needed to ensure accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement of policies and drug related operations. Stronger collaboration between police, local governments, NGOs, and health organizations is also necessary to reinforce community-based rehabilitation efforts and preventive measures. Providing mental health support for officers is equally important, as it im-proves their well-being, reduces burnout, and fosters ethical de-cision-making under high-pressure situations. Comprehensive training for officers is vital to prepare them for the complexities of the drug campaign, improving operational effectiveness and promoting accountability within the force.

Burning questions: investigating officer support for hot spots policing

Burning questions: investigating officer support for hot spots policing

Unpacking the Group Engagement Model Within a Police Department: Peers, Legitimacy, and Unintended Consequences

The group engagement model (GEM) suggests that a fair internal climate within police departments enhances officer support for fair policing. However, prior work has not considered the role of peers in creating a fair climate, the theoretical positioning of legitimacy perceptions, and the possible unintended effects of internal fairness. Active-duty officers ( n = 292) completed a survey measuring their perceptions of peer and supervisor procedural justice, distributive justice, police identification, legitimacy of both command and supervisors and support for procedurally just policing and intrusive policing. The results showed that peer procedural justice was associated with both support for procedurally just policing and intrusive policing. The implications of the result are discussed in terms of the role of peers in a fair internal climate and the potential for a fair climate to have unanticipated effects on officers’ support for various policing strategies.

Reconfiguring life after a prison sentence. The lived experience of persons on parole in Switzerland

Time on parole is not only marked by the supervision and support of probation officers but constitutes a particular time in the concerned people’s lives. The experience of this transition period has constituted a topic of research, but most studies have neglected a thorough conceptualisation of the notion of experience and relied empirically on oral data such as interviews. We propose a conceptualisation of experience as lived and embodied, reflected and communicated, and, finally, sedimented. To capture these various dimensions, we developed a multisensorial methodology that explores emotions and places as well as narratives on the experience of the time on parole. Our results concentrate on a group of formerly incarcerated people who are rarely discussed in research: people who were well integrated into society before and who manage to organise their lives afterwards fairly well. They experience distinct challenges and encounter obstacles produced by the criminal justice system itself.

Human-Machine Function Allocation Method for Submersible Fault Detection Tasks

The operation and support (OS) officer is responsible for buoyancy regulation and fault detection of onboard equipment in the civil submersible. The OS officer carries out the above tasks through the human-machine interface (HMI) of a submersible buoyancy regulation and support (SBRS) system. However, the OS officer often faces uneven task frequency produced by fault tasks, which leads to an unbalanced mental workload and individual failures. To address this issue, we proposed a human-machine function allocation method based on level of automation (LOA) taxonomy and submersible task complexity (STC), aimed at improving human-machine cooperation in submersible fault detection tasks. Based on this method, we identified the LOA2 as the optimal human-computer function allocation scheme. In this study, three measurement techniques (subjective scale, work performance, and physiological status) were used to test 15 subjects to validate the effectiveness of the proposed optimal human-machine function allocation scheme. The GAMM test results also indicate that the proposed optimal human-machine function allocation scheme (LOA2) can improve the work performance of the operating system officials under low or high workloads and reduce the subjective workload.

University Technological Entrepreneurship Projects: Factors of Success

The paper presents the results of an empirical analysis of the success factors in university technological entrepreneurial projects, based on a unique empirical dataset created with the support of the project office and the office for promoting the federal project «University Technological Entrepreneurship Platform». The dataset includes a ranking of over 1,000 university projects from 2023, each of which contains information on approximately 35 characteristics, both financial and non-financial. The success indicators selected for analysis are the «final ranking position» and «investment attractiveness of the project». Statistical methods, implemented through Python libraries, were used to examine the relationships between different forms of project support and the aforementioned characteristics. The results highlight the critical role of the university environment in supporting entrepreneurial projects, while also revealing that specific support measures can exhibit varying degrees of association with project success. Two key findings are noteworthy. First, there is no positive correlation between the project’s strong embeddedness in the university environment (e.g., a team assembled within the university or a project initially started as an academic exercise) and the project’s success. Second, among the support measures implemented within the current federal project «University Technological Entrepreneurship Platform», the strongest association with the success of entrepreneurial initiatives is found in participation in startup studios. Considering contemporary discussions on the need to seek new solutions to enhance the educational and life experiences of modern students, bringing them closer to the realities of a dynamically changing labor market, the university startup studio model may serve as a source for developing new models of university organization.

Qualitative Insights into School Improvement Practices: Stakeholder Perceptions in Ghanaian Junior High Schools

This study aims to explore diverse perspectives on strategies for enhancing academic performance in Ghanaian Junior High Schools (JHSs). Recognizing the importance of context and stakeholder input, the research investigates the perceptions of teachers, headteachers, and school improvement support officers (SISOs) regarding effective school improvement practices. The study examined two Ghanaian districts using a qualitative case study design within an interpretive paradigm. Purposive sampling with maximum variance was used to target 20 participants, including 10 teachers, five headteachers, and five SISOs. Semi-structured interviews were used for data gathering, and the results were subjected to thematic analysis to find trends and common viewpoints. JHS performance thrives on a four-pronged approach: well-equipped schools, empowered teachers, engaging lessons, and a supportive community. Inadequate funding, limited technology, and community challenges, however, pose hurdles to progress. This study surpasses static analyses of JHS performance by amplifying stakeholder voices and advocating for context-specific solutions. Recognizing the unique needs of individual contexts, it champions tailored interventions – not one-size-fits-all approaches. This study promotes an "ecosystem of action" for sustained growth across different JHS environments by providing school leaders with practical solutions for stakeholder collaboration, parental involvement, and teacher motivation.

Assessment of the Viability of Community-Based Health Insurance Schemes in the Ziguinchor Department from 2016 to 2018 in the Context of Universal Health Coverage (Senegal)

<i>Introduction</i>: This study examines the viability of community-based health insurance schemes in the Ziguinchor department of Senegal from 2016 to 2018, within the context of universal health coverage. Health insurance schemes have emerged as a promising solution to extend social health protection to informal sector workers and rural populations. However, despite political support, these structures face persistent challenges in terms of enrollment, member retention, and management. The study aims to assess the viability of these schemes, as well as the perceptions of various stakeholders on mutual health insurance. <i>Methodology</i>: The study adopted a mixed approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods, based on the theoretical framework developed with the support of the International Labor Office (ILO). This framework evaluates the viability of health insurance schemes according to four dimensions: institutional, technical, functional, and financial/economic. A questionnaire with 87 questions was used to collect quantitative data on these aspects from the seven health insurance schemes in the Ziguinchor department. For the qualitative component, focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with various actors, including beneficiaries, non-beneficiaries, community leaders, scheme managers, and healthcare providers. <i>Results</i>: The study's findings reveal a complex situation for the health insurance schemes in the Ziguinchor department. Institutionally, the schemes have a solid foundation with legal status, internal regulations, and affiliation to a departmental union. Technically, membership is voluntary and family-based, with control mechanisms in place, although their effectiveness is limited. Functional viability shows positive signs with a membership growth rate of 20.18%, but the overall penetration rate remains low at 16.99%, and the premium collection rate is very low, averaging 26.78%. The financial situation is particularly of concern: no scheme can meet its short or long-term debts, and the average claims ratio is excessively high at 282%. As for stakeholder perceptions, they are mixed: while the schemes are generally considered beneficial, significant practical difficulties are identified, including lack of information, funding problems, and procedural complexity. <i>Conclusion</i>: The study highlights the complexity of the role of health insurance schemes in the quest for universal health coverage. Despite undeniable strengths, the schemes face considerable challenges in terms of functional and financial viability. Corrective measures are necessary, including strengthening management capacities, innovating premium collection methods, and improving communication. An evolution of the model is also suggested, potentially towards greater integration into a national social protection system or the development of innovative public-private partnerships.

Impact of motherhood and social support on the wellbeing of UK female police officers and staff

Abstract Background Female officers and staff face gender-specific challenges, particularly, during pregnancy and motherhood. Our study explores whether and how motherhood affects mental health outcomes (e.g., probable depression and anxiety) and return to work following sickness absence (SA), considering mediating role of workplace social support. Methods Logistic regression analysed probable depression and anxiety using Airwave Health Monitoring Study (AHMS) data. Cox proportional hazards models assessed return to work after sickness absence, linking AHMS with sickness absence data from 26 police forces. Exposure variables were created by the interaction of motherhood status and social support, while covariates included sociodemographic, lifestyle, and work-related factors. Results Mothers with low social support from superiors had higher odds of probable depression (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.81-2.54) and anxiety (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.62-2.14) compared to non-mothers. Moderate and high social support reduced odds of depression (Moderate: OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.85-1.11; High: OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.57-0.73) and anxiety (Moderate: OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.12-1.36; High: OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.75-0.9) for mothers, but the impact varied when adjusted for covariates. Mothers with lower levels of social support were less likely to return to work after SA compared to non-mothers, as indicated by the survival analysis (Low social support: HR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.95-1.13; High social support: HR = 1, 95% CI = 0.96-1.04). These trends persisted across social support sources-colleagues and combined support-emphasising the complex interplay between workplace social support, motherhood, mental health, and sickness absence in policing. Conclusions Our study emphasises boosting workplace social support for female police officers and staff, to aid them in navigating motherhood demands. This improvement can lead to better mental health, retention, job satisfaction, and organisational effectiveness, ultimately promoting community safety. Key messages • Highlighting the importance of workplace social support for female police officers and staff, informs policy makers and practitioners to prioritize social support initiatives within policing. • Lower social support was associated with a reduced likelihood of returning to work after sickness absence, particularly among mothers compared to non-mothers.

Analysis Of The Relationship Between Social Support Of Correctional Officers And The Subjective Well-Being Of Inmates In Class IIA Correctional Institution Kotabumi

This study aims to analyze the relationship of social support provided by correctional officers to the subjective well-being of inmates in the Class IIA Kotabumi Correctional Institution. The social support received by the inmates, whether in the form of emotional, instrumental, informational, or reward support, is thought to have a significant effect on their subjective feelings of well-being. This study uses a quantitative approach with survey and questionnaire methods as data collection instruments. The sample of this study is inmates in the Class IIA Kotabumi Prison who are randomly selected. Data analysis was carried out using the Pearson correlation test to test the relationship between social support variables and subjective well-being. The results of the study are expected to provide insight into the importance of the role of correctional officers in improving the psychological welfare of inmates and provide recommendations for more humane correctional institution management policies.

Evaluating the Availability and Accessibility of Agricultural Extension Services Under the Single Spine System in Uganda. A Case of Smallholder Crop Farmers in Buhweju District

Purpose: This study evaluated the availability and accessibility of agricultural extension services under the Single Spine System, with a specific focus on smallholder crop farmers in Buhweju District. Methodology: The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, employing both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Structured questionnaires were administered to a sample of 393 smallholder crop farmers and key informant interviews with district agricultural officers and extension workers provided in-depth insights into the delivery of services. Findings: The results indicate that education was positively and significantly (P<0.01) associated with knowledge about the availability of extension services. Farmers with more years of schooling had a greater likelihood of being aware of extension providers. Similarly, larger households with more labor resources (median size = 4) had better access to extension services. Moreover, household land size (median = 3 acres) and income (median = UGX 250,000) were significantly correlated with both availability and access to extension services, with wealthier farmers seeking more information to improve agricultural productivity. The study also revealed that proximity to extension service centers was a critical factor; households closer to sub-county offices (median distance = 1.5 km) had higher knowledge of available services. Access to credit and group membership were also major determinants of both awareness and access to extension services. Challenges were also identified, including limited outreach by extension officers, inadequate allowances, and insufficient logistical support for field officers. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study recommends increased sensitization efforts using local leaders, social media, and community networks, alongside greater support for sub-county agricultural officers to ensure effective service delivery.

Audio-visual Media Instructional Use and Its Effect on Reading Competences among Grade Two Pupils in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

ABSTRACT The main purpose of this study was to evaluate audio visual media instructional use and its effect on reading competences among grade two pupils in Maara sub county, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The study sought to identify the audio-visual resources available for teaching and learning reading competences, investigate extent to which teachers use the available audio-visual media, examine the challenges faced by teachers and learners in use of audiovisual media in teaching and learning reading competences and assess the learners reading abilities. The French Bell system Theory and a descriptive survey design were adopted in this study. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 330 learners, 30 head teachers and 30 teachers, making a sample size of 390 respondents. The research instruments were questionnaires, interviews schedules, reading examination for grade two learners and classroom observation. Piloting of the research instruments was done in one public primary schools. The reliability of the research instruments was measured using a Cronbach's Alpha statitistic. The collected data was analyzed using Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented using tables, percentages frequencies and other descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics revealed that schools have limited computers (average 2.90 per school) with a low student-to-computer ratio (1:10). Tablets are more prevalent (average 19.17 per school), but functionality issues reduce their effectiveness. Projectors and mobile phones are more commonly available but are still not sufficiently utilized in classroom learning. The data on the competence of learners to read appears to be symmetrically distributed with the competence of learners tapering off at the tail ends. This implies that most of the learners on average could read between 21-69 words per minute. However, there are significant disparities in reading abilities among learners, with a notable percentage performing below expectations. This disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions to support learners who are struggling and to bridge the competence gap across different schools. The reliability statistics for variables testing on teacher’s attitude in the use of Audio-visual media, for variables testing on challenges in the use of audio-visual media and for variables testing on the classroom observation performance indicators, were 0.969, 0.981 and 0.944 respectively. The reliability statistics on all the research instruments was 0.990. A Cronbach's Alpha of 0.70 (70%) or higher reveals a strong internal consistency of a series of questions integrated to form a single scale measured by the coefficient. The study recommends the government to integrate digital learning in schools and ensure schools are fully equipped with an access to electricity and network connectivity. Ministry of Education to develop teachers’ capacity on the use of digital devices. The study also recommends the Kenya institute of Curriculum Development to develop a curriculum in line with competency based curriculum provided in digital devices. Lastly curriculum support officers and head teachers to support teachers to make use of available audio visual resources for teaching and learning.

Influence of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) on Teacher Professional Development (TPD) in Basic Schools in the Tamale Metropolis

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the influence of professional learning communities (PLCs) on teacher professional development in basic schools in the Tamale Metropolis. Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research approach. A case study design was employed, and 20 teachers, head teachers, and school improvement support officers (SISO), were interviewed. This study used a self-constructed semi-structured interview (SSI) guide to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings: The study revealed that professional learning communities significantly enhance skills, knowledge, and collaborative learning in teachers’ professional development. Unique contribution to theory, practice, and policy: The study recommends proactive measures, urging educational authorities, particularly the Ghana Education Service, to enhance awareness and understanding of the need for organizing professional learning communities among basic school teachers in the Tamale metropolis.

Elevated Police Turnover Following the Summer of George Floyd Protests

Police resignations increased by 279% following the George Floyd protests, posing significant challenges for police staffing and operational capacity. Retirements and involuntary separations (e.g., terminations due to misconduct) did not show significant changes, but the elevated resignations are likely to continue. Effective strategies to improve organizational justice (i.e., perceptions of fair treatment of individuals within an organization) and support for officers are crucial to addressing the retention crisis. Follow-up studies support the idea of a policing workforce crisis and its negative effect on agencies’ abilities to serve communities.

지방의회 정책지원관제도의 운영실태 분석:지방의회 자치법규를 중심으로

In the 30 years since the revival of local autonomy, the Local Self-Government Act has made significant progress through the introduction and supplementation of systems related to resident autonomy and organizational autonomy. In the process, local demands and the transfer of authority from the center were negotiated and struggled for, and were incorporated into the law and system one by one, culminating in the complete revision of the Local Self-Government Act in January 2021. The basis for the operation of local council policy support officers was also laid at this time, and the policy support officer system was introduced in response to the demand for responsibility and authority to 'strengthen local council professionalism' and is currently operating within the range of one in two local council members. Research on local council policy support professionals has been conducted steadily before the introduction of the policy support officer system, and after the introduction of the system, studies have centered on the effectiveness of the system, but comparative studies on the autonomy law, which is the basis for the operation of the system, are rare. Therefore, this study examines the issues surrounding the policy support officer before and after the introduction of the policy support officer system, and draws out the main issues through a comparative analysis of the operation of the policy support officer system based on the autonomy law. The results showed that the main issues surrounding the policy support officer system, which was introduced to improve the professionalism of local councils' legislative activities, are: (i) similar organizations, (ii) the scope of duties, (iii) performance evaluation, and (iv) office management process.

The Impact of Technology Induced Professional Development Model on Coaching and Mentoring of Teachers

The paper assessed the impact of technology-enhanced coaching and mentoring on the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) of teachers. It examined leveraging technology to build mentors’ capacity, support mentees, and improve learning outcomes even with limited resources. The study explored the feasibility and effectiveness of a technology-enhanced training model in promoting CPD for mentors and enhancing teacher competencies in low-performing schools. A cross-sectional survey design was used, with questionnaires collecting data from 500 school improvement support officers (SISOs) in Ghana, selected through quota sampling. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated that technology stimulates teachers’ curiosity, intrinsic motivation, learning quality, and creative thinking. The study also found that technology-induced CPD is cheaper in the long term compared to traditional face-to-face models. However, many teachers face issues with internet connectivity and high data consumption, hindering access to online content despite having smart devices. The study recommends deliberate capacity building for teachers to improve their skills in accessing technology-enhanced CPD. It also suggests collaboration between governments, educational institutions, telecommunication companies, and internet service providers to make internet connectivity accessible and affordable. Exploring zero-rated data for teachers to access relevant content is also recommended. Keywords: Technology, motor learning outcome, teacher professional development, model

Demographic Differences and Potential Bias From Automated Occupation Coding Among Mothers of Babies Born With or Without Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate in the Texas Birth Defects Registry.

To compare maternal demographics based on occupation coding status and evaluate potential bias by excluding manually coded occupations. This case-control study assessed cases with clefts obtained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry. The NIOSH Industry and Occupation Computerized Coding System automatically coded occupations, with manual coding for unclassified cases. Maternal demographics were tabulated by occupation coding status (manual vs. automatic). Logistic regression examined associations between major occupation groups and clefts. Automatic coding covered over 90% of all mothers. Building, grounds cleaning, and maintenance occupations, and office and administrative support occupations were significantly associated with cleft lip with or without cleft palate, even after excluding manually coded occupations. We found consistent associations before and after excluding manually coded data for most comparisons, suggesting that machine learning can facilitate occupation-related birth defects research.

Mitigating SAD States and Maladaptive Coping in Law Enforcement: Enhance Emotional Competence

Mental health is as essential as physical health for law enforcement officers to protect our country and communities. Law enforcement professionals frequently encounter stressors that can lead to maladaptive coping strategies and contribute to elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD). This study aimed to evaluate the emotional competency and coping mechanisms utilized by police officers and their impact on psychosocial challenges within the force. Additionally, the research sought to determine the prevalence and influence of stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD) among Rajasthani police officers. A total of 689 officers participated in the survey. After data cleaning, 681 responses were considered complete and suitable for analysis. The findings reveal a concerning prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among police officers, exacerbated by their use of maladaptive coping mechanisms to navigate these challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the psychological health of law enforcement professionals. It advocates for interventions designed to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD) and encourages police officers to adopt healthier coping mechanisms. The use of emotional coping techniques has been shown to significantly reduce SAD among police officers. These findings underscore the need to address emotional competence as a fundamental component of police officer training and support systems. By equipping law enforcement professionals with the necessary skills to navigate stressors and build resilience, organizations can promote the psychological well-being of officers and enhance overall job performance and satisfaction. This study emphasizes the imperative of investing in the mental health of law enforcement officers and calls for concerted efforts to bolster their overall well-being and optimize their performance in safeguarding communities.