Police stress

Police officers experience frequent and ongoing stressors in their work. These stressors range from cumulative stress (constant risk on the job, the need for adherence to often restricting and conflicting regulations, and public perceptions that may be inaccurate) to critical incidents such as violent crimes, shootings and mass disasters. While these stressors are inherent and accepted by officers, they need not necessarily lead to burnout or other psychological problems, including substance use, marital problems, anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Stress can go unrecognized and unacknowledged. Officers are under constant stress and often do not take the time to seek help. They often deny the stress they are experiencing for fear of being viewed as weak or unable to handle their job. 

It is critical for officers and supervisors to understand the causes and effects of stress on the job and to allow for open acknowledgment and discussion of the subject.  

Common police stressors

  • Within the organization: 

    • Limited supervision

    • Lack of positive reward

    • Restrictive policies

    • Excessive paperwork

    • Poor equipment 

  • Criminal justice practices: 

    • Unfavorable court decisions

    • Recidivism

    • Court delays and continuances

    • Adversarial nature of the justice system 

  • Public practices: 

    • Distorted press accounts of police work

    • Allegations of brutality and racism

    • Adverse local government decisions such as funding 

  • Police work itself: 

    • Role conflict (e.g. apprehension of criminals while needing to maintain their rights)

    • Irregular work schedule

    • Danger inherent in the profession

    • Inability to resolve many problems in the community

    • Witnessing human suffering

    • Seriousness of the consequences of one’s actions

    • Critical incidents such as shootings or mass disasters

    • Cumulative nature of stress 

Common reactions to a critical incident 

Critical incidents are a unique source of police stress. No one who responds to a critical event is untouched by it. The following are common reactions to a critical incident:  

  • Profound sadness, grief and anger are typical reactions to an abnormal event 

  • Not wanting to leave the scene until the work is finished 

  • Trying to override stress and fatigue with dedication and commitment 

  • Denying the need for rest and recovery time 

  • Finding it difficult to stop thinking about the event 

  • Nightmares about the event or difficulty sleeping 

  • Wanting to be alone or only with others involved in the event 

  • Physical complaints are very common; the body keeps the score 

Ways to help manage your stress 

Not all stress is bad. In fact, it can be positive. It can help officers get out of dangerous situations, and it can also motivate individuals to achieve. However, too much stress can affect your emotional and physical wellbeing and cause significant problems at home, work and school. Fortunately, if you are experiencing negative stress in your life, there are ways in which you can effectively manage it. The following are ways to help reduce police stress: 

  • Planning meals and making healthy eating choices 

  • Scheduling vacations and personal downtime 

  • Seeing your doctor regularly for checkups 

  • Sharing the workload and reducing the amount of overtime 

  • Living within your financial means so that “moonlighting” with a second job is not necessary 

  • Creating a realistic exercise program and forming healthy habits to get regular exercise 

  • Creating a “Patrol Buddy” program and making time to check on each other 

  • Keeping your civilian friends to help you get away from the job; if you socialize with police friends, make a point not to talk about work in your downtime together 

  • Taking the time to work out a plan to ensure there is a balance in your life 

  • Setting aside specified times for your responsibilities 

  • Setting goals for yourself and avoiding procrastinating 

  • Ensuring you get enough sleep and limiting your use of caffeine 

  • Being conscious of your limits and only setting realistic goals 

  • Setting aside time for exercise and leisure activities 

  • Having a good attitude and finding the upside to whatever situation life might throw at you 

  • Seeking help from professional counselors when you need it 

Your situation is different and as unique as you are. There are some circumstances where this might seem impossible, but the key is to keep moving forward and remain as positive as possible. 

Signs that you may need assistance 

Below are some of the most common signs that you may benefit from professional stress management assistance: 

  • Difficulty communicating thoughts 

  • Difficulty remembering instructions 

  • Difficulty maintaining balance 

  • Uncharacteristically argumentative or angry 

  • Difficulty making decisions 

  • Limited attention span 

  • Unnecessary risk-taking 

  • Tremors/headaches/nausea 

  • Tunnel vision/muffled hearing 

  • Colds or flu-like symptoms 

  • Disorientation or confusion 

  • Difficulty concentrating 

  • Loss of objectivity 

  • Easily frustrated 

  • Unable to engage in problem-solving 

  • Unable to let down when off-duty 

  • Refusal to follow orders 

  • Refusal to leave the scene 

  • Increased use of drugs/alcohol 

  • Unusual clumsiness