AJ 53 – Police Field Operations Chapter 14 – Officer Survival and Stress Reduction

Hazardous Duty Law Enforcement is potentially very dangerous work Each and every contact could be fatal! High-risk situations, arrests, etc. Most officers stay very safe due to… Extensive Training Mental & Physical Preparation Crisis-Management Skills Sometimes Stress is the greatest enemy!

Officer Survival Skills Must be ever alert, but not paranoid Situational-Awareness is key to survival Play the “Crisis-Rehearsal Game” Refer to list on pages 475-476 “Routine” calls/contacts often most dangerous May let down your guard Not expecting trouble Self-preservation is key to helping others!

Rules of Officer Survival Complacency Kills! Expect the unexpected Watch the Hands! Most likely source of danger Use Proper Handcuffing/Search Techniques! Expect resistance/Expect to find weapons Never Give Up! Will to survive is huge advantage Train! Train! Train! As if your life depended on it, because it does!

Stressors in Police Work Unsuitable Personality Not everyone has what it takes Disillusionment The job is not what you expected Isolation From friends, family, etc. Exposure to Death and Violence May become routine part of the job

Stressors (continued) Fear Natural/healthy response (not = cowardice!) Frustration and Anger Dealing with belligerent/disrespectful people Helplessness/Sympathy for Others Efforts to help not always successful Inner Conflict Fear, use of force, unethical practices

Stressors (continued) Bureaucratic/Organizational Problems Budget restrictions, equipment, resources Lack of communication, leadership/decisions Lack of recognition for efforts Limited Opportunities for Advancement Lateral/Promotional, Unfair process Over-worked Insufficient staffing for workload Under-worked Can lead to boredom

Dealing with the Stress Pre-Employment Research Take classes, ask questions, investigate individual departments Positive Family Relationships Maintain open lines of communication! Off-Duty Interests and Activities Sports, hobbies, creative outlets…

Critical Incident De-Briefing Officers likely to encounter very dangerous/traumatic situations Accidents, murders, rapes, molestations… No shame in feeling the effects of emotional trauma May sometimes have delayed onset PTSD Many Departments require some type of post-traumatic intervention Request it if not offered!