Stress and Its Effects
on Police Officers
Fantasia Taylor
Liberty University
Power Point Teaching Lesson
Focus Points
Causes of
Police Stress
Organizational
Stress
The effects of
stress
Ways to reduce
stress levels
Biblical
Worldview
References
Kirschman (2017) defines
stress as the wearing out of a
person's body and mind as
they respond to environmental,
psychological, and
physiological adjustments
(Kirschman, 2017).
As a result of the severity of critical incidents officers
respond to, they are susceptible to high-stress levels. In an
article by Soomro & Yanos (2018), the authors suggested that
police officers experience a variety of stressors that are directly
related to the adverse events they encounter on the job (Soomro
& Yanos, 2018). The stress experienced by law enforcement
officers can pose negative effects on both the mental and
physical wellbeing of officers. The threat of detrimental effects
on an officer’s wellbeing exists for both active duty and retired
officers. According to Ward et al. (2018), stressors experienced
can become an impairment on an officer’s work performance
causing the health and safety of society to be in jeopardy (Ward
et al., 2018).
“There is a dark underside to the
heroics shown by rescue workers
that goes unnoticed by the very
citizens they protect. After the
smoke clears and bodies are
retrieved, massive disasters and
terrorist attacks routinely claim
additional casualties among the first
responders who rush in to help, only
to succumb to alcoholism, broken
families and post-traumatic stress
disorder” (Witt, 2005).
Causes of Police Stress
•As a result of the severity of critical incidents officers respond
to, they are susceptible to high-stress levels. In an article by
Soomro & Yanos (2018), the authors suggested that police
officers experience a variety of stressors that are directly
related to the adverse events they encounter on the job
(Soomro & Yanos, 2018). The stress experienced by law
enforcement officers can pose negative effects on both the
mental and physical wellbeing of officers. The threat of
detrimental effects on an officer’s wellbeing exists for both
active duty and retired officers. According to Ward et al.
(2018), stressors experienced can become an impairment on
an officer’s work performance causing the health and safety of
society to be in jeopardy (Ward et al., 2018).
•
Long
Hours
Level of
Danger
Pressure
From
Society
Lack of
Coping
Mechanisms
Fatigue
Poor
Management
G Courtesy of: Millard (2020)
G Courtesy of : Tuckey et al.,2012
•Police subculture refers to a set of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, that
exist within a law enforcement department. The subculture in police
departments have been identified as being a macho atmosphere.
According to Shane (2019), a macho environment is defined as an
environment in which masculine characteristics are often displayed
(Shane, 2019). The idea that it is necessary to prove oneself to superiors
at work, the community, and their families contributes to the stress that
comes with the job. A macho characterized work environment can create
tension and competition between employees.
•Macho environment characteristics- overconfidence, competitiveness,
and top-down control occur.
Organizational Stress
Physical Effects of Stress Stress can range from mild to severe. High levels of
stress can lead to long-term chronic health issues such as
insomnia, elevated blood pressure, and heart problems
(Baker,2008). Officers often work extended hours in an
ever-changing environment. According to the National
Institute of Justice (2012), fatigue can lead to more severe
health problems that may not improve with rest but instead
continue to cause a decline in psychical health (National
Institute of Justice, 2012).
Effects of FatigueWays to Prevent This
Mental and physical impairment Encourage Physical Activity
Limited Job performanceEncourage Time Away from Work
Break in circadian rhythms.Avoid Mandatory Overtime
Increase in mood swings.Create schedules and policies that minimize
Heightened sense of threat.overtime and shift rotation.
Weight gain
pain (e.g., backaches, headaches).
gastrointestinal problems (e.g., loss of appetite, abdominal
distress, or ulcers).
Damaging the cardiovascular system (e.g., causing heart
disease, arteriosclerosis or congestive heart failure).
N I o J , "O W H , S a F ," J 31, 2012, . .go : :// .oj .g / / /o - -ho - - -fa
Psycnopnysiological
ecrects
orAcute
otress
By
aeet
eet
lia
decision-making/
Increase
cognitive
errors
OF
-
Auditory
Occlusion/Decrease
in
Pupil
Dilation
increasing
ait
1
sound
orientation
aperture/
Tunnel
vision/Blurred
“>
ie
ae
syeai|
alate
Mele
Inhibition
of
Salivation
Increase
ple
ee
Bronchial
Dilation
/
Tieorott
metas)
leit
leln
a
Glycogen
conversion
to
_
glucose
—
Stimulation
of
adrenal
gland
i
for
release
of
stress
hormones
(i.e.
cortisol)
recor:
tee
tee
ee
activity,
decrease
blood
flow
and
digestive
enzymes
Bladder
Relaxation
Increase
blood
pressure
and
blood
flow
to
the
working
De
b=
oa)
G courtesy of :
S et al., 2002
Mental Effects of Stress
•Post traumatic
Stress disorder
(PTSD)
•Depression
•Anxiety
•
•
Suicidal Thoughts
Alcohol Abuse
Law enforcement officers are a key component in
maintaining peace and order in society, but doing so often
exposes officers to traumatizing and life-changing incidents. In
an article by Hartley (2013), the authors stated that the
necessities of policing often tell law enforcement officers about
traumatic and horrific events that often lead to increased risks
of developing post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental
health issues (Hartley, 2013). A few trauma stressors involved
in police work include a fellow officer being killed, being
psychically attacked, incidents involving children, and high-
speed chases (Schutte, 2012). According to the National
Alliance on Mental Illness, an estimated 35% of officers have
reported that, at some point, they experienced PTSD due to the
job (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2021). In a study
consisting of 150 law enforcement officers, 24% reported
having PTSD, 9% suffered from depression, and 19% abused
alcohol as a result of mental health complications (Fox et al.,
2012).
American Psychological
Association Definitions
•Trauma – an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident,
crime or natural disaster. Reactions such as shock and denial are typical
•PTSD- psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have
experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of
circumstances.
•Depression- Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and
serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you
think and how you act
•Anxiety- anticipation of a future concern and is more associated with
muscle tension and avoidance behavior
M Health Resources
•
•
•***B H.E.L.P is an organization specifically designed to help eliminate the mental
stigma attached to law enforcement. Through their advocacy and education
for others this organization is working to bring awareness to untreated
law enforcement officers suffer in silence with.
• ://bluehelp.org/contact-us/ or email: [email protected]
•
T Law Enforcement and Mental Health Act of 2017 emphasizes the importance of
additional support to police officers with any psychological illnesses they
develop while performing their jobs (Velazquez & Hernandez, 2019). While
stress may be impossible there are ways to help reduce it….
•
•
I -traumatic
adapt to stressful incidents (Linebach & Kovacsiss, 2016).
M and voluntary debriefing after service calls
H & G (2015)
emotions and thoughts
B
W
M 11:28-30, “T Je said,
‘C to , all you wh are
an carry h burd , and I
gi you res . Take m yoke up
. Let teach , bec I am
a gentle heart, you
fi rest fo your so . For
is to b , and burde I
you light’” (M 11:28-30,
NLT).
P for police officers and staff – for their
and families. Pray that they would
opportunities to spend quality time with
families, and that they would be able to
their work/life balance effectively.
P for support and healing for those who
experienced traumatic situations in their
and find it hard to deal with them. Pray
there would be spiritual protection over
as they face some of the darkest aspects
human nature. Ask God to give them the
they need to be able to do their job
not to become hardened and cynical. Pray
they would find hope and peace in Jesus.
-C Police Association
This
afternoon
|
went
to
Chick-fil-A
for
lunch.
3
police
officers
came
in
behind
me.
Right
when
they
got
in
line
the
little
boy
picture
ran
up
to
them
and
asked
them
if
he
could
pray over
them.
He
grabbed
their
hands
and
prayed
the
sweetest
prayer
that
|
have
ever
heard.
He
thanked
the
Lord
for
calling
them
to
be
police
officers
and
asked
for
the
Lord
to
protect
them
while
they
were
busy
protecting
people.
This
brought
tears
to
my
eyes.
|
am
thankful
for
kids
like
this
and
p...
See
more
Conclusion
Law enforcement officers put their lives on every day to ensure the safety of others. Without
any regard for their feelings, we place an expectation on officers to remain resilient no matter
what they encounter. The duties of their jobs and the pressure from society can become
overwhelming, resulting in unhealthy stress levels for officers. As civilians, we cannot always
relate to the experiences officers have, so we may not fully understand the full scope of what
being a law enforcement officer entails. If we put all biases aside and consider the long hours
and daily challenges these officers face, we can begin to understand just how much stress law
enforcement officers are under. The mental health of all officers is a crucial part of their success
and personal health. Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of
God” (Matthew 5:9, English Standard Version).
•
•
Matthew 5:9, “Blessed
are the peacemakers,
for they shall be
called sons of God
References
Baker, L. (2008). Researchers Investigate Impact of Stress on Police Officers' Physical and Mental Health. University at Buffalo.
Kirschman, E. (2017). Cops and PTSD.
Linebach, J. A., & Kovacsiss, L. M. (2016). Psychology in the Justice System.
Milliard, B. (2020). Utilization and Impact of Peer-Support Programs on Police Officers’ Mental Health. Frontiers in Psychology, 11.
National Institute of Justice, "Officer Work Hours, Stress and Fatigue," July 31, 2012, nij.ojp.gov:
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/officer-work-hours-stress-and-fatigue
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Frontline-Wellness/2021/Documenting-the-Traumas-of-First-
Responders https://cpauk.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/One-Hour-Prayer-Guide-2019-v2.pdf
Schütte, N., Bär, O., Weiss, U., & Heuft, G. (2012). Prediction of PTSD in police officers after six months - a prospective study. The Spanish Journal of Psychology,
15(3), 1339-48. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/1439791163?accountid=12085
Fox, J., Desai, M. M., Britten, K., Lucas, G., Luneau, R., & Rosenthal, M. S. (2012). Mental-health conditions, barriers to care, and productivity loss among officers in
an urban police department. Connecticut medicine, 76(9), 525–531.
Hartley, T. A., Violanti, J. M., Sarkisian, K., Andrew, M. E., & Burchfiel, C. M. (2013). PTSD symptoms among police officers: Associations with frequency, recency,
and types of traumatic events. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience, 15(4), 241-254. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/1542295102?accountid=12085
References Continued…..
Shane, J. M. (2019). Stress in police work. Stress Inside Police Departments, 104-130. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429297229-5
The numbers. Blue H.E.L.P. (2021, November 17). Retrieved July 3, 2023, from https://bluehelp.org/the-numbers/.
Tuckey, Michelle & Winwood, Peter & Dollard, Maureen. (2012). Psychosocial culture and pathways to psychological injury within policing.
Police Practice and Research: An International Journal. 13. 224-240. 10.1080/15614263.2011.574072.
Stephenson, M. D., Schram, B., Canetti, E. F. D., & Orr, R. (2022). Effects of Acute Stress on Psychophysiology in Armed Tactical
Occupations: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1802. MDPI AG. Retrieved from
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031802
Soomro, S., & Yanos, P. T. (2018). Predictors of Mental Health Stigma among Police Officers: The Role of Trauma and PTSD. Journal of Police
and Criminal Psychology, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-018-9285-x
Witt H (2005) Jim Ramsey: tragedy haunts the heroes. Chicago Tribune. https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/careers/chi-0504180178apr18-story.html. Accessed 6
Jul 2023
