Prevention

The Prevention
There many different strategies to prevent stress in a police officer. Individual coping strategies include: the development of a dependable support system, improved communication skills, a means of ventilating feelings appropriatel, a regular exercise program with a minimal time expenditure of 30 minutes a session, a diet that contains elements necessary for optimal functioning and excludes elements that have negative values (e.g. a high fat diet), the development of other activities that provide for recreation, change of focus, and positive feedback, regular vacations, muscle relaxation exercises, meditation, the use of biofeedback, and participation in self-help groups. (Judith A. Waters, 2009) For the departmental strategies include: realistic job-related training in police functions, open communication channels between officers and supervisors, opportunities for meaningful input into departmental decisions whenever possible, reassessment of shift hours, constructive feedback on job performance, workshops on dealing with marital conflicts, good parenting procedures, and preparation for retirement, training for supervisors in good management techniques, opportunities for "debriefing" sessions at the end of the shift, and stress management training. (Judith A. Waters, 2009)

Judith A. Waters, York University, Canada, William Ussery, York University,
Canada. (2007). Police stress: history, contributing factors, symptoms, and interventions. Policing, 30(2), 169-188. Retrieved April 26, 2009, from Criminal Justice Periodicals database. (Document ID: 1373520491
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Domestic Violence

Domestic violence actually occurs three times more frequently in divorce or separation situations than in intact households. Divorce almost appears to be a catching disease in police families. Another issue may be alcohol and drug abuse. Alcohol and or drugs are frequently involved in cases of domestic violence. However, according to Megan Hubartt (2009) alcohol is a correlative of violence, not the cause. Lowered inhibitions certainly affect the seriousness of the abuse. While cases of domestic violence occur across every segment of society and in every age category, uniformed patrol officers and narcotics officers are reported to have higher rates of domestic abuse than other officers (Megan Hubartt, 2009). One of the problems is that fatigue seems to have a negative effect on self control. Officers working the night or swing shift and/or more than 50 hours per week, and those suffering from sleep deprivation and "burnout" are frequently involved in domestic violence.