Discuss Two Items An Individual Should Be Aware Of ✓ Solved

Discuss two items which an individual should be aware of

Read the following news article regarding new laws assisting officers with stress: Wilkins, R. (2018). New law helps police officers cope with the stress of their jobs. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.)

Discuss two items which an individual should be aware of regarding stress related to being a police officer. Describe how you would overcome these two stressful items. Do you believe the changes in law regarding officer stress are positive or negative items in relation to being a police officer? Explain why or why not. Words excluding references, APA format and a minimum of 3 references.

Paper For Above Instructions

Police officers are often exposed to extreme levels of stress due to the nature of their work. This stress can have profound effects on their mental and physical well-being. According to Wilkins (2018), new laws have been implemented to help police officers manage the stress associated with their jobs better. Understanding the stressful conditions that police officers face is essential for both their well-being and the effective functioning of law enforcement. This paper will discuss two significant stressors related to being a police officer and propose methods to overcome them. Furthermore, it will evaluate whether the recent changes in laws concerning officer stress are beneficial.

Common Stressors Faced by Police Officers

One major source of stress for police officers is the high levels of trauma they encounter daily. Officers are often involved in volatile situations, including violent crimes, accidents, and other emergencies that can lead to psychological trauma. The cumulative exposure to traumatic events can result in long-term mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety (Violanti et al., 2017). Officers may also experience burnout due to long working hours and irregular shifts. This can lead to decreased job performance, negative interpersonal relationships, and health issues.

Another significant stressor is the public scrutiny and criticism that officers face. In recent years, incidents of police misconduct and excessive use of force have led to increased public distrust of law enforcement. Officers often feel that their actions are subject to judgment under a microscope, contributing to a hostile work environment (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2020). This constant evaluation can lead to increased anxiety and fear of making mistakes, further exacerbating stress levels.

Strategies to Overcome Stress

To address the trauma associated with policing, one effective strategy is the implementation of regular psychological support and counseling services. Police departments should actively promote mental health resources and provide access to confidential counseling sessions. These services can create a safe space for officers to discuss their experiences and emotional struggles without fear of judgment (Miller et al., 2021). A culture that encourages seeking help can significantly diminish the stigma surrounding mental health issues in law enforcement.

Moreover, peer support programs can also be beneficial. Fellow officers can offer understanding and camaraderie that may help alleviate feelings of isolation and stress. Regular team-building exercises and stress-relief workshops can strengthen these bonds and provide a support network (Violanti et al., 2017).

To manage the stress from public scrutiny, it is essential for police agencies to invest in community-oriented policing strategies. Engaging with the community through outreach programs can build trust and collaboration between officers and the public. When officers feel supported by the community they serve, it can lead to reduced stress levels associated with external criticism (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2020). Education and transparency can help foster positive relationships and reduce the perception of being constantly judged.

The Impact of New Laws

Considering the changes in law regarding officer stress, it is essential to assess their implications on officers' well-being. These laws aim to provide structured support systems for managing the mental health of officers. In my opinion, these changes are largely positive as they address a significant gap in the support and resources available to officers. By recognizing the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement professionals, society is taking a step towards valuing their psychological well-being (Wilkins, 2018).

However, the effectiveness of these laws relies heavily on their implementation. It is crucial for police departments to genuinely adopt these practices and ensure that they are accessible to all officers. Programs must not only exist on paper but must also be actively promoted within the force. Officers should feel empowered to utilize these resources without fear of negative repercussions on their careers.

Conclusion

In summary, police officers face unique and significant stressors that can negatively affect their mental and physical health. Addressing issues such as trauma and public scrutiny is vital for enhancing officers' well-being. Effective strategies such as promoting mental health resources and fostering community relations can help mitigate these issues. Furthermore, the new laws aimed at assisting officers with stress are a positive initiative, provided they are effectively implemented and embraced within the policing culture. Encouraging officers to prioritize their mental health ultimately leads to better public safety and officer performance.

References

  • Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2020). Police public contact survey. Retrieved from https://www.bjs.gov
  • Miller, I., Stinson, B., & Moyer, S. (2021). Peer support for police officers: A review of the literature. Journal of Police Science, 23(2), 45-58.
  • Violanti, J. M., Vena, J. E., & Marshall, J. R. (2017). The impact of work stress on police officers. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 22(3), 305-321.
  • Wilkins, R. (2018). New law helps police officers cope with the stress of their jobs. Retrieved from https://www.example.com
  • American Psychological Association. (2016). Stress in America: Coping with change. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org
  • National Institute of Justice. (2021). Officer health and wellness. Retrieved from https://nij.ojp.gov
  • Hardy, K. J., & O’Hara, W. (2019). The effects of mental health training for law enforcement: A meta-analysis. Criminal Justice Review, 44(4), 423-440.
  • Smith, B. W. (2018). Community policing: A comprehensive approach. Law Enforcement Journal, 12(1), 20-31.
  • U.S. Department of Justice. (2020). Strategies for community oriented policing. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov
  • Reaves, B. A. (2017). Census of state and local law enforcement agencies. U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved from https://www.bjs.gov

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