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Chapter 12
STRESS AND RELATED HAZARDS OF THE JOB
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Chapter 12 Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, students will know
• Whether stress must always be negative
• What common sources of stress are
• What the four categories of stress are
• What a major source of stress may be
• Which law enforcement officers face stress from additional sources
• What physical problems stress is related to
Chapter 12 Outline
Introduction
Stress Defined
Sources of Stress
Internal, Individual Stressors
Stress Related to Police Work
Death Notifications
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Law Enforcement Personnel with Additional Stressors
Women Officers
Minority Officers
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Behavioral
On the Job
Burnout
Other Possible Major Effects of Stress
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
Training
Establishing and Supporting Fitness Standards
Ongoing Psychological Support
Programs to Prevent/Reduce Stress
Peer Support Groups
Summary
Chapter 12 Summary
Stress can be helpful (eustress) or harmful (distress), depending on its intensity and
frequency, as well as how it is managed. Stress commonly arises from change and
uncertainty, lack of control and pressure. Sources of stress for police officers include
Instructor’s Manual
Stress affects people in numerous ways: mental, physical, emotional and psychological.
Stress is related to heart problems, hypertension, cancer, ulcers, diabetes, chronic
headaches, depression, anxiety-related disorders, asthma, excessive eating, decreased sex
drive, fatigue, dizziness, muscle aches and tics and backaches.
Police officers’ stress may cause alcohol and substance abuse problems, higher rates of
domestic abuse and divorce, depression and even suicide. Stress levels can be reduced
through 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 and seeking help when needed. Alcohol, drugs and
smoking increase stress over time and also can seriously affect physical health.
Chapter 12 Key Terms
acute stress severe, intense distress that lasts a limited time, and then the person
returns to normal; sometimes called traumatic stress.
afterburn a stressful incident that greatly affects an officer’s family and leaves
damaging emotional scars.
blue flame the symbol of a law enforcement officer who wants to make a difference
in the world.
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circadian system the body’s complex biological timekeeping system.
critical incident any event, such as a mass disaster or a brutally murdered child, that
elicits an overwhelming emotional response from those witnessing it and whose
emotional impact goes beyond the person’s coping abilities.
distress negative stress.
diurnal day-oriented; humans are by nature diurnal in their activities.
employee assistance program (EAP) may be internally staffed or use outside
referrals to offer help with stress, marital or chemical-dependency problems.
eustress helpful stress, stress necessary to function and accomplish goals.
homeostasis the process that keeps all the bodily functions in physiological balance.
split-second syndrome a condition that affects police decision making in crisis.
Asserts that if a person has intentionally or unintentionally provoked or threatened a
police officer, at that instant the provoker rather than the police should be viewed as
the cause of any resulting injuries or damages.
stress tension, anxiety or worry; can be positive, eustress, or negative, distress.
Instructor’s Manual
80
Classroom Discussion Questions
1. Define stress. Explain some of its possible emotional and physical effects. How
does it affect you? What actions can you take to relieve it?
2. What kinds of lifestyles choices are within each individual’s power to reduce
stress and extend his or her life span?
3. What do you see as some of the benefits of various stress related assistance
programs? Are there disadvantages to any of these programs?
8. Have you taken any psychological tests? Which ones?
9. Are you a type A or a type B personality? What significance might that have to
your career choice?
Student Activities
2. Nobody escapes stress. Make a list of the things and conditions that are most
3. Select a topic related to stress in law enforcement and find a recent article dealing
with the topic. Summarize the main ideas of the article and include the full
reference citation. Be prepared to share your summary with the class.
Challenge Twelve
Lieutenant Smith is meeting with Detective Smug to discuss several complaints
concerning Smug’s rude behavior toward citizens and other detectives. Smug has been
with the department for 15 years and a detective for 10 years. He has a good service
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Before the meeting, Lieutenant Smith learned that Detective Smug’s wife left him six
months ago for an officer in a neighboring department. Smug has not shared this with
other officers, but the rumors spread quickly. Smug was also recently passed over for
detective sergeant. A younger female detective with less experience was promoted.
Challenge Twelve Questions and Suggested Answers
1. As a skilled manager, Lieutenant Smith should be cognizant of potential signs of
stress. What indicators are apparent in Detective Smug?
Smug’s recent change in behavior is a red flag. The rude, angry and condescending
2. Identify three obvious sources of stress in Detective Smug’s life.
Detective Smug’s marital situation is probably the major source of stress in his life.
The change in relationship is difficult enough, but his situation also involves
Instructor’s Manual
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3. If Lieutenant Smith suspects that stress is the root cause of Detective Smug’s problem
behavior, should he excuse it?
No. Stress is a cause of problem behavior, but not an excuse for it. Lieutenant Smith
4. How can Lieutenant Smith and the department help Detective Smug deal with his
stress?
Lieutenant Smith can’t do much to repair Detective Smug’s marriage, but he can offer
professional resources and peer support to help Smug cope. Most police departments
have counseling programs and other confidential employee support programs
5. Police officers face a variety of job-related stressors. Discuss one that is unique to
Detective Smug’s job.
Detectives seldom have a feeling of closure. They are assigned new cases each day
regardless of the outcome of the previous day’s cases. Their caseloads build, and they
