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Clarify your understanding of stress and law enforcement. Why are law enforcement officers with psychological personal problems reluctant to seek assistance from internal departmental services? What services are provided to assist law enforcement officers with psychological issues?
Textbook-Territo, L., & Sewell, J.D. (2019). Stress management in law enforcement (4th ed.). Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. ISBN: 9781531015756.
Stress is a normal reaction to excessive demand and can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the individual’s level of control. For law enforcement officers, stress can manifest itself in many forms including physical, psychological and interpersonal issues. Physical signs such as fatigue, headaches, elevated heart rate and muscle tension are common. Psychological symptoms include depression, irritability and difficulty concentrating are also common among those dealing with chronic stress levels. Interpersonal issues include strained relationships with partners and family members due to the officer’s demanding job duties.
Law enforcement officers are often reluctant to seek assistance from their departments for psychological issues due to job protection concerns or fear of stigma. Many agencies provide services such as employee assistance programs (EAP) that offer counseling services as well as peer support groups which allow officers to speak openly about their stresses without fear of repercussion in a confidential setting. In addition, some departments have implemented behavioral health teams made up of mental health professionals who meet with officers on-site at roll calls or other locations within the department so they may receive help immediately following an incident or before they return home after shift work while still maintaining confidentiality if requested by the officer(s)