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CJ422 Unit #8 Bill Forbes, MPA Stress and Related Hazards of the Job Unit #8 • Readings – Chapter 12, “Stress and Related Hazards” • Discussion – List of stressors & how to handle them • Quiz – 10 T/F or Multiple Choice • Seminar Unit #8 • Written Assignment – Essay – Four (4) questions about how to handle an employee’s crisis situation QUESTION • How would you define stress? 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 Causes of Stress • Change and uncertainty • Lack of control • Pressure 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 QUESTION • Describe some stresses you can think of that are particular to police work. Stress Related to Police Work • • • • • • Death notifications Line-of-duty deaths Critical incidents Fear of a lawsuit Fatigue and shift work Change Administrative and Organizational Stressors • • • • • • Feeling of inadequate support Unfair or unequal treatment Decisions overruled Civil suits Mixed messages Department policy vs. discretion Administrative and Organizational Stressors • • • • • • The administrator as an adversary Hiring standards lowered Differing goals Miscommunication Punitive transfers Lack of input External Stressors • • • • The criminal justice system Society at large The media and the entertainment industry Family life and other personal pursuits Personality Types • Type A Personality – Aggressive – Workaholic – More likely to experience high stress levels • Type B Personality – Opposite of Type A Law Enforcement Personnel with Additional Stressors • • • • • Women officers Minority officers Rural and small-town officers Investigators Managers/supervisors QUESTION • What types of changes in a person can stress cause? Physical Effects of Stress • • • • • • • Heart problems Hypertension Cancer Ulcers Diabetes Chronic headaches Anxiety-related disorders Physical Effects of Stress • • • • • • • Asthma Excessive eating Decreased sex drive Fatigue Dizziness Muscle and back aches Tics Psychological Effects of Stress • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – 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 Behavioral Effects of Stress • • • • • • • • Accident-proneness Anger Argumentativeness Blaming others Drug and/or alcohol abuse Excessive violence Irritability Inability to concentrate Behavioral Effects of Stress • • • • • • • • Lack of control Neurotic behavior Nail biting Obsession with work Rage Rapid behavior changes Uncontrollable urges to cry Withdrawal Other Possible Major Effects of Stress • • • • Alcoholism and substance abuse Higher rates of domestic abuse and divorce Depression Suicide 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 QUESTION • Describe some things a person can do to reduce stress. Ways to Reduce Stress Levels • • • • • Physical exercise Relaxation techniques Good nutrition Taking time for oneself Making friends Ways to Reduce Stress Levels • • • • • Learning to say no Staying within the law Changing one’s mental attitude Keeping things in perspective Seeking help when it is needed 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. Individually Coping with Stress • 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. QUESTION • What are some things an organization can do to help employees with stress levels? How the Organization Can Reduce Stress • Testing and selection • Training • Establishing and supporting fitness standards • Ongoing psychological support Programs to Prevent/Reduce Stress • • • • Peer support groups Critical incident stress debriefing Chaplain corps Other stress management programs 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.” Unit #9 • Reading – Ch. 15: “Hiring Personnel and Dealing with Unions” • Seminar • Discussion – 8 qualities you’d look for in a new hire in law enforcement an why • Quiz Unit #9 • Written Assignment – 4 – 5 pages – Suggested changing to a hiring process to reflect the agency’s philosophies – 12 point font – Double spaced – Answer all questions, but write it as an essy Questions? • [email protected] • AIM: ForbesTeaching