Hidden Danger: The Impact of Stress on Cops

In most cases, police officers conduct themselves with stoic professionalism. But stress in law enforcement may be the job’s worst-kept secret.

Studies show what officers already know: the profession is physically and mentally demanding, with a traumatic front-row seat to society’s horrors. Rates of alcoholism, divorce, post-traumatic stress, and suicide in law enforcement (especially urban agencies) are significantly higher than national averages.

Police departments frequently offer annual physicals in their employee health insurance program but rarely include mental health screenings. Most agencies order psychological evaluations only in cases of new applicants, misconduct, or police-involved fatalities. Officers get annual cholesterol reports, but are likely to serve their entire career without getting their heads checked.

This is a recipe for disaster. High blood pressure is cause for concern, but an officer’s mental state has a much greater impact on citizens. Police departments must serve the community and officers by providing tools for emotional survival.

Incorporating mental health screening into officers’ annual physical evaluations is a good start. Agencies should also provide voluntary access to counseling and mental health services. Such efforts are likely to improve employee performance and reduce the frequency of misconduct and complaints.

What’s your take on this? How does your organization address this issue? Tell us what is (or isn’t) working.

Indy_317_ is a 15-year law enforcement veteran and contributor to The White Hat Syndicate. You can follow Indy_317_ on Twitter: @Indy_317_

Indy_317_ is part of The White Hat Syndicate, a Medium account launched on October 26 that aims to publish thought-provoking articles about cutting-edge homeland security topics. The six authors come from a diverse array of professional and personal backgrounds: legal, fire, environmental health, federal transportation security, and law enforcement.

The Syndicate invites you to engage us in conversation, either here on Medium or via twitter. We look forward to the discussion.

The ideas expressed in this story do not reflect the opinion of, or endorsement by, any public or private agency.