Treating Stress in the Police Force
| Published date | 01 January 1999 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X9907200109 |
| Author | L.F. Lowenstein |
| Date | 01 January 1999 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
L.F. LOWENSTEIN, Ph.D
Psychologist; Director
of
Allington Manor Therapeutic
Community, Hampshire UK
TREATING STRESS
IN THE POLICE FORCE
Introduction
This article indicates some of the stress-related problems facing the
police, and how a number of police officers respond to such problems.
It further delineates some of the procedures that could be employed in
preventing and dealing with stress within the police service. There is
also a review of recent research.
The following dialogue between psychologist and police officer
illustrates the issue.
Police Officer (PO):
I've
come to see you because
I'm
feeling anxious
and full of stress as a result of a number of things that have happened to
me recently.
Psychologist: Please do tell me what is on your mind and how I can
help.
PO: I must say that it is important to me that none of this information
goes back to my headquarters or to anyone else within the police
department.
Psychologist: Are there people to whom you can talk within your own
police force, such as counsellors or psychologists?
PO: We do have people with whom we could discuss matters, but I
realize for anyone suffering from stress such information could be used
against us at some point in time, especially when seeking promotion.
Anyone employed by the police department has to keep accurate
records and this is put on your own record form.
Psychologist: Are you trying to say that this is not confidential to
yourself and the psychologist or counsellor involved?
PO: Yes,
I'm
afraid that is so
...
This is a typical conversation mirroring others held with police officers.
Following assurances of confidentiality, police officers allowed
themselves to express their concern and anxiety. A number cited
specific incidents, such as being assaulted or physically injured whilst
attempting to arrest a perpetrator. Frequently, the offender would be
physically powerful and under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both.
In addition, numerous police officers revealed they had marital
problems due to the long or unsocial hours that they workedand the fact
that they found it difficult not to be affected by things that happened
January 1999 The Police Journal 65
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