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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
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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
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Death notifications
Line-of-duty deaths
Critical incidents
Fear of a lawsuit
Fatigue and shift work
Change
Administrative and
Organizational Stressors
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Feeling of inadequate support
Unfair or unequal treatment
Decisions overruled
Civil suits
Mixed messages
Department policy vs. discretion
Administrative and
Organizational Stressors
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The administrator as an adversary
Hiring standards lowered
Differing goals
Miscommunication
Punitive transfers
Lack of input
External Stressors
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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
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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
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Heart problems
Hypertension
Cancer
Ulcers
Diabetes
Chronic headaches
Anxiety-related disorders
Physical Effects of Stress
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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
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Accident-proneness
Anger
Argumentativeness
Blaming others
Drug and/or alcohol abuse
Excessive violence
Irritability
Inability to concentrate
Behavioral Effects of Stress
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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
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Alcoholism and substance abuse
Higher rates of domestic abuse and divorce
Depression
Suicide
On the Job Effects of Stress
• Symptoms of burnout
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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
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Physical exercise
Relaxation techniques
Good nutrition
Taking time for oneself
Making friends
Ways to Reduce Stress Levels
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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
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Peer support groups
Critical incident stress debriefing
Chaplain corps
Other stress management programs
The Critical Role of the
Manager/Supervisor
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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