Stress and the Police Officer / Edition 2

by Katherine W. Ellison

Overview

During a police career, the men and women of police agencies are exposed to distressing events that go far beyond the experiences of the ordinary citizen, and there is increased need today to help police officers deal with these stressful experiences, especially as police work becomes increasingly complex. The goal of this timely second edition is to provide law enforcement administrators and officers with the most current information and skills in identifying and dealing with personnel facing police stress and its subsequent counterproductive behaviors. A discussion of the nature of stress and stress in policing opens the text. The author then discusses recognizing stress reactions and examines organizational and supervisory strategies for stress management, including techniques that minimize pressure and improve performance. Techniques and cognitive strategies for individual stress management, such as physical fitness, relaxation, time and money management, and changing beliefs that are stressful and irrational are also described. Chapters include: The Nature of Stress, Stress and Coping, Stress in Policing, Stressors for Special Groups, Recognizing Stress Reactions, Techniques for Individual Stress Management I, Techniques for Individual Stress Management II: Cognitive Strategies, Support Strategies, Organizational Strategies for Stress Management, and Suggestions for Training. Written for trainers, decision makers, administrators, supervisors, officers, and social scientists, this text will assist the reader to better understand and overcome the challenges of stress faced in law enforcement.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780398074593
Publisher:	Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Limited
Publication date:	01/28/2004
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	238
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)

Table of Contents

	Preface	vii
1.	The Nature of Stress	3
	Introduction	3
	Definition	5
	Research on Stress	6
	Pressures	8
2.	Stress and Coping	23
	Introduction	23
	Physiological Responses to Stressful Events	25
	Psychological Responses to Stressful Events	30
3.	Stress in Policing	48
	The Nature of Police Work	48
	Stress in Policing-Problems with the Evidence	49
	The Evidence-Stressors	51
	The Evidence-Stress Reactions	54
	Categories of Stressors	61
	Summary	70
4.	Stressors for Special Groups	71
	Introduction	71
	Ethnic Minority Officers	72
	Women Officers	73
	Civilian Personnel	76
	Gay and Lesbian Officers	77
	Small and Rural Departments	78
	The Family	79
	Higher Education	81
	Special Assignments	82
5.	Recognizing Stress Reactions	88
	Introduction	88
	Recognizing Stress Reactions in Others	89
6.	Techniques for Individual Stress Management I	94
	Introduction	94
	A Note About Self-help	95
	Goal Setting	96
	Time Management	97
	Financial Planning	99
	Physical Fitness	101
	Nutrition	104
	Rest	105
	Meditation	105
	Progressive Relaxation	107
	Biofeedback	108
	Hypnosis	109
7.	Techniques for Individual Stress Management II: Cognitive Strategies	110
	Introduction	110
	Irrational Thought Patterns	112
	Alternative Ways of Thinking: Guidelines for a Low-Stress Life-Cognitive Style	118
	Stress Inoculation Training	121
	Anger Management	123
	Differential Effectiveness of Strategies	124
8.	Support Strategies	126
	Introduction	126
	Informal Support	127
	Formal Peer Support Programs	128
	Debriefing	130
	Professional Help	132
	Psychoactive Medication	135
	The Chaplaincy	135
	Conclusion	136
9.	Organizational Strategies for Stress Management	137
	Introduction	137
	Prevention	139
	Selection	142
	Training	143
	Officers "At Risk"	143
	Mental Health Professionals	144
10.	Suggestions for Training	147
	Introduction	147
	Notes on Training Methods	150
	Curriculum Core	151
	Command Personnel	153
	First-line Supervisors	155
	Especially Stressful Assignments	156
	First-line Officers	156
	Recruit Training	158
	The Family	159
	Case Materials	159
Appendix A	Introduction to Research Methods	167
Appendix B	Resources, Tips and Gimmicks	172
	Bibliography	179
	Name Index	203
	Subject Index	209