1. CJ422 Unit #8 Bill Forbes, MPA Stress and Related Hazards of the Job

2. Unit #8 Readings –Chapter 12, “Stress and Related Hazards” Discussion –List of stressors & how to handle them Quiz –10 T/F or Multiple Choice Seminar

3. Unit #8 Written Assignment –Essay –Four (4) questions about how to handle an employee’s crisis situation

4. QUESTION How would you define stress?

5. Stress Defined Tension, anxiety, strain or pressure The body’s internal response to a situation a person perceives as threatening Eustress = helpful Distress = harmful –Acute/traumatic stress –Chronic/cumulative stress

6. Causes of Stress Change and uncertainty Lack of control Pressure

7. Sources of Stress for Police Officers Internal, individual stressors Stressors inherent to the police job Administrative and organizational stressors External stressors: –Criminal justice system –Citizens police serve –Media

8. QUESTION Describe some stresses you can think of that are particular to police work.

9. Stress Related to Police Work Death notifications Line-of-duty deaths Critical incidents Fear of a lawsuit Fatigue and shift work Change

10. Administrative and Organizational Stressors Feeling of inadequate support Unfair or unequal treatment Decisions overruled Civil suits Mixed messages Department policy vs. discretion

11. Administrative and Organizational Stressors The administrator as an adversary Hiring standards lowered Differing goals Miscommunication Punitive transfers Lack of input

12. External Stressors The criminal justice system Society at large The media and the entertainment industry Family life and other personal pursuits

13. Personality Types Type A Personality –Aggressive –Workaholic –More likely to experience high stress levels Type B Personality –Opposite of Type A

14. Law Enforcement Personnel with Additional Stressors Women officers Minority officers Rural and small-town officers Investigators Managers/supervisors

15. QUESTION What types of changes in a person can stress cause?

16. Physical Effects of Stress Heart problems Hypertension Cancer Ulcers Diabetes Chronic headaches Anxiety-related disorders

17. Physical Effects of Stress Asthma Excessive eating Decreased sex drive Fatigue Dizziness Muscle and back aches Tics

18. Psychological Effects of Stress Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) –Debilitating condition suffered by Vietnam War veterans –Likely candidates for PTSD: Officers in larger law enforcement departments Officers assigned to violent tasks or narcotics teams

19. Behavioral Effects of Stress Accident-proneness Anger Argumentativeness Blaming others Drug and/or alcohol abuse Excessive violence Irritability Inability to concentrate

20. Behavioral Effects of Stress Lack of control Neurotic behavior Nail biting Obsession with work Rage Rapid behavior changes Uncontrollable urges to cry Withdrawal

21. Other Possible Major Effects of Stress Alcoholism and substance abuse Higher rates of domestic abuse and divorce Depression Suicide

22. On the Job Effects of Stress Symptoms of burnout –Lack of enthusiasm and interest –Decreased job performance –Temper flare-ups –Loss of will, motivation or commitment Avoiding burnout –Keep the work interesting –Give recognition –Provide R and R

23. QUESTION Describe some things a person can do to reduce stress.

24. Ways to Reduce Stress Levels Physical exercise Relaxation techniques Good nutrition Taking time for oneself Making friends

25. Ways to Reduce Stress Levels Learning to say no Staying within the law Changing one’s mental attitude Keeping things in perspective Seeking help when it is needed

26. Individually Coping with Stress Enemy #1: Isolation. Resiliency factor: support systems. Enemy #2: Negative worldview, cynicism. Resiliency factor: sense of optimism. Enemy #3: Overuse of stimulants and depressants. Resiliency factor: Healthy diet. Enemy #4: Giving up on exercise. Resiliency factor: Fitness.

27. Individually Coping with Stress Enemy #5: Tying self-worth to position or assignment. Resiliency factor: Finding meaning in life. Enemy #6: Taking oneself too seriously. Resiliency factor: A sense of humor. Enemy #7: Lack of sleep. Resiliency factor: Sleep and rest.

28. QUESTION What are some things an organization can do to help employees with stress levels?

29. How the Organization Can Reduce Stress Testing and selection Training Establishing and supporting fitness standards Ongoing psychological support

30. Programs to Prevent/Reduce Stress Peer support groups Critical incident stress debriefing Chaplain corps Other stress management programs

31. The Critical Role of the Manager/Supervisor Keep in close touch with subordinates. Recognize the symptoms of stress. Provide counseling if needed. “Walk the talk.”

32. Unit #9 Reading –Ch. 15: “Hiring Personnel and Dealing with Unions” Seminar Discussion –8 qualities you’d look for in a new hire in law enforcement an why Quiz

33. Unit #9 Written Assignment –4 – 5 pages –Suggested changing to a hiring process to reflect the agency’s philosophies –12 point font –Double spaced –Answer all questions, but write it as an essy

34. Questions? wforbes@kaplan.edu AIM: ForbesTeaching