There are numerous causes of stress on law enforcement officers. Police stress is the negative pressures involved in police work. Stress on police officers comes as a result of their daily exposure to various societal problems. Some of the common problems faced by law enforcement officers include human indecency and pain and hostile public. Shift changes, boredom, and the ever-present danger also form part of the stressors in police work. They experience challenges in dealing with both internal and external pressures. These stressors in police work could lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, ulcers, headaches, and even digestive disorders. The police also face conflicts of having to deal with serving the public, enforcing the law, and upholding ethical standards.
causes of stress on law enforcement officers
IMPACT OF STRESS AND FATIGUE ON LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
Law enforcement officers must recognize that stress is part of the profession and working conditions. The failure to manage this stress often leads to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety. Most police officers fail to recognize that stressors in police work lead to long-term mental and physical health problems. They should make efforts to rest more and eat properly to reduce the effects of fatigue. This will help them to make better decisions and live healthy lives. Understanding the causes of stress and fatigue, law enforcement officers can become more productive. This is because they use less sick time, manage time efficiently, and make lesser errors on departmental and court paperwork.
impact of stress and fatigue on law enforcement officers
FIGHTING THE STRESSORS IN POLICE WORK
Fighting the stressors in police work mainly entails dealing with the ‘tough guy’ mentality of most law enforcement officers. These stressors cause a wide range of problems like alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, and divorce. For most police officers, talking about these problems openly is a sign of weakness. They believe it to have a negative impact on their careers. Usually, law enforcement officers say “I’m going to control it and not let it control me.” We must protect the people who protect us by helping them address the challenges that affect their productivity. This means addressing the causes of stress and coming up with viable solutions to counter the problems.
fighting the stressors in police work
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