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Section IV Managing Problems

Section IV Managing Problems. Chapter 12 Stress and Related Hazards of the Job. Stress Defined. Tension, anxiety, strain or pressure The body’s internal response to a situation a person perceives as threatening Eustress = helpful Distress = harmful Acute/traumatic stress

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Section IV Managing Problems

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  1. Section IVManaging Problems Chapter 12 Stress and Related Hazards of the Job

  2. Stress Defined • Tension, anxiety, strain or pressure • The body’s internal response to a situation a person perceives as threatening • Eustress = helpful • Distress = harmful • Acute/traumatic stress • Chronic/cumulative stress

  3. Causes of Stress • Change and uncertainty • Lack of control • Pressure

  4. Sources of Stress for Police Officers • Internal, individual stressors • Stressors inherent to the police job • Administrative and organizational stressors • External stressors: • Criminal justice system • Citizens police serve • Media • Family

  5. Personality Types • Type A Personality • Aggressive, hyperactive “driver” • Tends to be a workaholic • More likely to experience high stress levels • Type B Personality • Opposite of Type A

  6. Internal, Individual Stressors • Stress related to police work • Administrative and organizational stressors

  7. Stress Related to Police Work • Death notifications • Line-of-duty deaths • Critical incidents • Fear of a lawsuit • Fatigue and shift work • Change

  8. Administrative and Organizational Stressors • Feeling of inadequate support • Unfair or unequal treatment • Decisions overruled • Civil suits • Mixed messages • Department policy vs. discretion • The administrator as an adversary • Hiring standards lowered • Differing goals • Miscommunication • Punitive transfers • Lack of input

  9. External Stressors • The criminal justice system • Society at large • The media and the entertainment industry • Family life and other personal pursuits

  10. Law Enforcement Personnel with Additional Stressors • Women officers • Minority officers • Rural and small-town officers • Investigators • Managers/supervisors

  11. Physical Effects of Stress • Heart problems • Hypertension • Cancer • Ulcers • Diabetes • Chronic headaches • Anxiety-related disorders • Asthma • Excessive eating • Decreased sex drive • Fatigue • Dizziness • Muscle and back aches • Tics

  12. Psychological Effects of Stress • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • A clinical name associated with a debilitating condition suffered by Vietnam War veterans • Likely candidates for PTSD: • Officers in larger law enforcement departments • Officers assigned to violent tasks or narcotics teams

  13. Behavioral Effects of Stress • Accident-proneness • Anger • Argumentativeness • Blaming others • Drug and/or alcohol abuse • Excessive violence • Irritability • Inability to concentrate • Lack of control • Neurotic behavior • Nail biting • Obsession with work • Rage • Rapid behavior changes • Uncontrollable urges to cry • Withdrawal

  14. On the Job Effects of Stress • Symptoms of burnout • Lack of enthusiasm and interest • Decreased job performance • Temper flare-ups • Loss of will, motivation or commitment • Avoiding burnout • Keep the work interesting • Give recognition • Provide R and R

  15. Other Possible Major Effects of Stress • Alcoholism and substance abuse • Higher rates of domestic abuse and divorce • Depression • Suicide

  16. Individually Coping with Stress • Enemy #1: Isolation. Resiliency factor: support systems. • Enemy #2: Negative worldview, cynicism. Resiliency factor: sense of optimism. • Enemy #3: Overuse of stimulants and depressants. Resiliency factor: Healthy diet. • Enemy #4: Giving up on exercise. Resiliency factor: Fitness. • Enemy #5: Tying self-worth to position or assignment. Resiliency factor: Finding meaning in life. • Enemy #6: Taking oneself too seriously. Resiliency factor: A sense of humor. • Enemy #7: Lack of sleep. Resiliency factor: Sleep and rest.

  17. Ways to Reduce Stress Levels • Physical exercise • Relaxation techniques • Good nutrition • Taking time for oneself • Making friends • Learning to say no • Staying within the law • Changing one’s mental attitude • Keeping things in perspective • Seeking help when it is needed

  18. How the Organization Can Reduce Stress • Testing and selection • Training • Establishing and supporting fitness standards • Ongoing psychological support

  19. Programs to Prevent/Reduce Stress • Peer support groups • Critical incident stress debriefing • Chaplain corps • Other stress management programs

  20. The Critical Role of the Manager/Supervisor • Keep in close touch with subordinates. • Recognize the symptoms of stress. • Provide counseling if needed. • “Walk the talk.”

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