Blog post 5: Police burnout

-Feel the burn

          Throughout history, the impact of occupational stress on law enforcement officers has led many to burnout and often times commit suicide.  Police work can be an exciting and fulfilling profession for officer’s first starting out; however, the novelty soon fades and the reality of police work sets in. Dealing with lowest members of society on a daily basis can prove to be mentally and physically draining. In fact, it is not uncommon for a lot of officers to bring home some of the hostility acquired though their profession. In addition, it has been documented on numerous occasions that police officers suffer from higher rates of job dissatisfaction, substance abuse, divorce, suicide, cynicism, and burnout compared to any other profession (Schaible, 2010). However, other officers will attempt to mask their anguish which in many cases leads to police. According to author Don Ivie, the process of burnout occurs when a negative overgrowth of ill-managed stress overwhelms an officer and interferes with their occupational duties (Ivie, 2011)”.

Many factors associated with police burnout can have tremendous impact on officers. For instance, police officers are under constant scrutiny by the public. The media recognizes this and as a result can directly impact the opinions of the public on the effectiveness of law enforcement. Often times, news media is the primary, if not only source for citizens to develop their perceptions of the police (Chermak, 2006). In addition, many members of the community expect police officer to enforce laws and maintain order, but often resent them for doing so. According to Webster and Webster (2005), the levels of police satisfaction among low income communities remains  low  because the majority of policing takes place within these communities (Webster, 2005). Furthermore, additional research also indicates that minorities in low income communities are far more likely to watch mass media coverage of police incidents which directly results in the development of negative perceptions of the police (Chermak, 2006). Many officers find it difficult to except that they are often times viewed negatively by members of the communities in which they serve. As a result, this can lead to some of the factors consistent with burnout among police officers.

To try and combat increasing levels of police turnover, many law enforcement agencies turn to the recruitment process. Many agencies believe that by recruiting individuals with military experience, individuals will be better suited for the rigorous demands of police work (Garland, 2011). However, more recent studies indicate that levels of stress and burnout in officers where similar regardless of one’s military background (Garland, 2011). The reality is that no matter what an officer’s background entails or how much training an officer receives, nothing will prepare them for the horrors they will experience while on duty. Consequently, many officers are unable cope with some of these experiences and often times succumb to the occupation stress of their profession.

While some officers choose to cut their careers short by leaving the force, others tragically do so by their own hand.  Officer’s are around death on a regular basis and as a result, view death differently from the rest of us.  According to author of Understanding Police Suicide, “approximately every 17 hours, a peace officer ends his or her own life (Larned, 2010)”. Sadly, these suicides are a direct result of the precursors associated with occupation stresses of policing. Moreover, alcohol consumption is synonymous with police work. In fact, many officers will turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication as means of coping with the stress acquired from the job (Larned, 2010).  Often times, alcohol can produce serious adverse effects on officers and ultimately cloud their judgment only further exasperating the precursors of police burnout. As a result, studies indicate that alcohol is shown to be present in nearly 95% of all police suicides (Larned, 2010).

Occupation stress and the correlation to police burnout is a serious threat facing anyone in law enforce or considering entering law enforcement. Moreover, the presents of stress is a part of policing and always will be (McDonough, 2008). However, there are many resources available to officers which effectively reduce the chances for an onset of police burnout. For example, many officers are able to reduce their chances of developing the precursors of police burnout by  maintaining relationships with other officers. Support groups are essential for officers to cope with the acute stresses of their occupation (Larned, 2010). In addition, it is absolutely imperative that officers reframe from alcohol use as a way coping with their occupational stress (Larned, 2010). Moreover, officer must be aware of what’s ahead of them as well as recognize many of the signs synonymous with police burnout in order to effetely eliminate their chances of falling victim to feeling the burn of policing.

References

Larned, J.. (2010). UNDERSTANDING POLICE SUICIDE. Forensic Examiner, 19(3), 64-71,125.  Retrieved May 6, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals.

McDonough, T.. (2008, January 17). Stressed-Out Cops. Salt Lake City Weekly,p. 18.  Retrieved May 6, 2011, from Alt-Press Watch (APW).

Don Ivie, & Brett Garland. (2011). Stress and burnout in policing: does military experience matter? Policing, 34(1), 49-66.

Schaible, L., & Gecas, V.. (2010). The Impact of Emotional Labor and Value Dissonance on Burnout Among Police Officers. Police Quarterly, 13(3), 316.

Brandon K Webster, & Jennifer Webster. (2005). Perspectives on policing. Policing, 28(3), 567-571.

Patrik Manzoni, & Manuel Eisner. (2006). VIOLENCE BETWEEN THE POLICE AND THE PUBLIC: Influences of Work-Related Stress, Job Satisfaction, Burnout, and Situational Factors. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 33(5), 613-645. 

Steven Chermak, Edmund McGarrell, & Jeff Gruenewald. (2006). Media coverage of police misconduct and attitudes toward police. Policing, 29(2), 261-281.

Larned, J.. (2010). UNDERSTANDING POLICE SUICIDE. Forensic Examiner, 19(3), 64-71,125.

Blog post 4: The side effects of policing

         It is widely known that law enforcement officers aren’t quite the healthiest individuals. For example, many people conjure images of police officers with a cup of coffee in one hand and a donut in the other. Though this sort of depiction of our local law enforcement officers may be comical, the reality is that officer health is a serious matter. In addition to poor diets and doughy physics, officers are also known for having numerous health complications in direct correlation with the stress of their occupation. As a Criminal Justice major, I have always been fascinated by the notion that police officers are at s risk for developing a plethora of health condition as a result of their day to day shift work. Additionally, officers are also believed to live a shorter lifespan resulting from a career spent policing our communities. A recent 40-year study concluded that the average age of death for police officers were 66 years which is a full 10 years sooner than the national average which is around 77 years (Vila, 2009). Law enforcement officers are routinely exposed to acute stress which surpasses the realm of any normal human experience (Gregory, 2002). In addition, policing has been recognized as being one of the top five most stressful occupations in the world (Noblet, 2009).

            The majority of criminal activity occurs during late night hours; therefore, officers must work shifts to combat such criminal behavior. As a result of working these long and late shifts, officers often become sleep deprived.  According to Bryan Vila, author of Sleep Deprivation, “Sleep deprivation is dangerous on any level and can have tremendous adverse effects on the health of officers (Vila, 2009)”. In addition, fatigue and health related issues cost the U.S. economy a total of $136 billion dollars annually (Vila, 2009). Moreover, new studies indicate that more than half of all officers fail to get the sufficient amount rest necessary to maintain adequate job performance (Vila, 2009). Compared to the general public, police officers are also shown to have 44% higher levels of obstructive sleep apnea induced by the very nature of their occupation (Vila, 2009). The fact is that officers are needed in our communities on a 24 hour basis in order to maintain peace and balance the needs of our communities. Officers often work long and strenuous shifts only to return home and attempt to maintain a normal lifestyle on minimal amounts of sleep.

             When officers begin the long road of sleep deprivation certain acute health implication begin to arise. For instance, studies reveal a direct correlation between small durations of sleep and the onset of obesity in police officers (National Sleep Foundation, 2005). In addition, decreasing amounts of sleep is also associated with increased risks for hypertension and heart disease (Luenda, 2007). However, the reality is not every police officer is overweight and out of shape. Many officers refuse to partake in fast food diets and effectively neglecting their overall health. Many officers, especially young male officers recognize the importance of their appearance and how it dictates their perception by the public. Some officers believe that by displaying a more intimidating appearance it will reduce their venerability to bigger more aggressive criminals (Humphrey, 2008). New studies are showing that many officers looking for such advantages will often resort to the use of anabolic steroids. Although traditionally used to improve athletic performance, anabolic steroids often appeal to officers looking for an intimidating appearance as well as an improvement in job performance (Humphrey, 2008). However, abuse of the performance enhancing substances can often produce serious adverse health effects that will resonate with officers long after their careers have ended (Humphrey, 2008). 

            In order to reduce many of the health concerns associated with police officer’s, many changes need to occur regarding department policies for officer fitness. One way to effectively reduce obesity rates in police officers is to regularly test their physical abilities. Another simple method for reducing many of the fatigue related issues is by simply encouraging officers to get more sleep (Vila, 2009). As easy as it sounds, the task of acquiring more quality sleep for officers proves to very difficult (Vila, 2009). According to Murtagh C, author of Police stress and alcohol abuse, “Police officers are twice as likely as the rest of us to suffer heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular disease (Murtagh, PhD)”. Furthermore, police agencies need to promote healthier occupational environments. Although law enforcement work undoubtedly transfers into a way of life, the side effects of policing is an aspect that all officers could do without. By encouraging officers to maintain healthier lifestyle in conjunction with health conscious stress coping skills, officers will be better suited to survive law enforcement and live longer, fuller lives.

References

Mattos, D.. (2010, October). The Need to Promote Career-Long Vitality and Wellness in the Police Profession. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, 79(10), 18-25. 

Gregory S Anderson, Robin Litzenberger, & Darryl Plecas. (2002). Physical evidence of police officer stress. Policing, 25(2), 399. 

Humphrey, K., Decker, K., Goldberg, L., Pope, H., Gutman, J., & Green, G.. (2008, June). Anabolic Steroid Use and Abuse by Police Officers: POLICY & PREVENTION. The Police Chief, 75(6), 66.  Retrieved May 2, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals. (Document ID: 1506258521).

Murtagh, C.. Police stress & alcohol abuse. Ph.D. dissertation, Brandeis University, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, United States -- Massachusetts.

A.J. Noblet, J.J. Rodwell, & A.F. Allisey. (2009). Police stress: the role of the psychological contract and perceptions of fairness. Policing, 32(4), 613-630.

Vila, B.. (2009, July). SLEEP DEPRIVATION: What Does It Mean for Public Safety Officers? Corrections Forum, 18(4), 54,56.

Luenda E. Charles, York University, Canada, Cecil M. Burchfiel, York University, Canada, Desta Fekedulegn, York University, Canada, Michael E. Andrew, York University, Canada, John M. Violanti, York University, Canada, & Bryan Vila, York University, Canada. (2007). Obesity and sleep: the Buffalo Police health study. Policing, 30(2), 203-214.

Blog post 3: Undercover Police Work

One of the most thrilling and exciting aspects of law enforcement is undercover operations. However, according to Lloyd F Dumont, “undercover work is exciting, extremely useful, and dangerous, extremely dangerous (Dumont, 2000)”. Dealing with criminals on any level is dangerous, but to masquerade as one in attempts to earn their confidence to eventually expose them is far more dangerous (Dumont, 2000). In addition, undercover work is a paradox; it is the process of doing right by doing wrong (Dumont, 2000). Undercover officers are essentially actors who get to engage in such conduct they would otherwise never do. According to George I. Miller, author of Observations on Police Undercover Work, “undercover police work is the instances when a sworn officer, for organizationally approved investigative purposes, adopts an encompassing but fictitious civic identity and maintains it as a total identity over a defined and considerable period of time (Dumont, 2000)”. In spite of the immense risk, undercover operations hold an extensive and valued history within the field of law enforcement (Dumont, 2000).

Moreover, because this type of police work involves so many dangerous risks, the likelihood for occupation stress increases drastically. For instance, officers in deep undercover operations are at the highest risk for developing a stress disorder (Miller, 2006). Officer engaging in deep, long term undercover operations are aware that eventually their role within the operation will come to an end. Psychologically, the core of all undercover operations is the same; officers will consciously and purposefully form relationships where betrayal is inevitable (Miller, 2006). Many undercover officers discover this dual betrayal a difficult path to travel which only adds to the stressors synonymous in undercover work (Miller, 2006). In furtherance of developing a new lifestyle and new relationships, officers are also required to sacrifice additional aspects of their lives. For example, undercover officer must be able and willing to spend long period of time away friends and family (Miller, 2006). This in turn can have disastrous effects on the officer’s marriage as well as the relationships with younger children.

As a result of long time intervals spent away from friends and family in convergence with the demanding dynamics of the mission only further exasperate the stress felt by undercover officers. Furthermore, undercover officers are nearly ten times more likely to be shot or shoot at someone else compared to uniformed officers (Miller, 2006). While the exact targets of undercover operations handled by law enforcement may vary, drug trafficking, money laundering, and so on, the primary goal is to develop prosecutable evidence by accessing these subjects and their activities while on the inside (Miller, 2006). Moreover, undercover operation is a critical aspect of gathering evidence to prosecute serious crimes through the skillful infiltration of criminal groups by specially trained officers (Miller, 2006). Moreover, allowing officers to infiltrate and extinguish illegal operations is a crucial element for protecting our communities. For instance, one undercover investigator of the Los Angeles Police Department made an illegal weapons buy from a suspect, which in turn lead searchers to discover a total of 388 firearms similar to those used in violent street crimes (California, 2004).

A common trend utilized by law enforcement to combat the stress associated with undercover work is the assistance of psychologists. Moreover, many agencies believe that steady contact as well as regular psychological monitoring is the best assurance that such stresses and other psychological problems won’t boil over to a point that would compromise the mission or put the officer in any eminent danger (Miller, 2006). In addition, many law enforcement agencies use tactics allowing officers to properly reintegrate back into the traditional police role and their family life. However, because undercover work is so dangerous and unique, choosing the right officer is crucial. In order to insure the stress of undercover work is kept to a minim, officer selection and close monitoring of undercover officers is essential. Local law enforcement agencies must remain diligent and stay current regarding safety procedures of those officers selected to execute undercover operations. 

References

Lloyd F Dumont.  (2000, October). Minimizing undercover violence. Law & Order, 48(10), 103-109.  Retrieved April 1, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals. (Document ID: 63376620)

Laurence Miller.  (2006). Undercover Policing: A Psychological and Operational Guide. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 21(2), 1-24.  Retrieved April 3, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals. (Document ID: 1174205981).

Laurence Miller.  (2006). Undercover Policing: A Psychological and Operational Guide. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 21(2), 1-24.  Retrieved April 2, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals. (Document ID: 1174205981).

California: UNDERCOVER WORK FINDS NEST OF 388 GUNS. (2004, September). Crime Control Digest, 38(37), 6.  Retrieved April 2, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals. (Document ID: 723635111).

Blog post 2: Street Solders

-U.S gangs are now infiltrating the U.S military for weapons and combat training for use against police and rival gangs.

           One of the most controversial as well as newest forms of occupational stress for law enforcement is the emergence of military trained gang members. The United States military is one of the most elite and strategic forms of defense in the world currently. The finest weapons coupled with unparalleled combat training is the reason why our military continues to be the dominate force among the top militia. However, our national security and our communities are facing a new threat. U.S. street gangs are now infiltrating the U.S military. Gang leaders now want their members to enlist for military duty to obtain urban combat tactics (Baez, 2005). This could pose a major concern for law enforcement agencies dealing with gangs on a daily basis (Chicago Tribune, 2006). Local law enforcement agencies of all size are now faced with the emergence of newly developed stresses associated with military trained street gangs (Eyler, 2009).

            One of the biggest contributors to this escalating issue facing law enforcement is the recruitment process. Gang membership does not automatically disqualify individuals from enlisting into the military (Chicago Tribune, 2006). Moreover, when recruiters conduct police record checks, they are likely to miss crucial information and warning signs due to miscommunication (Eyler, 2009). The majority of recruiters lack the proper skills to recognize gang association and unknowingly recruit gang members, especially if individual has no criminal record or any visible tattoos (NGIC, 2007). However, reports have also shown that military recruiters under immense pressure to meet recruitment goals have engaged in criminal violations such as overly aggressive recruiting techniques, and falsification of legal documents (NGIC, 2007). In addition to the shortcomings of the recruitment process, there is also major lack of preventative and disciplinary measures available commander wishing to protect their units from unwanted gang activity (Eyler, 2009).

           To further escalate this growing issue facing law enforcement, Andrew Blankstein connotes that, "US criminal courts have allowed gang members to enter the service as an alternative to incarceration (Behreandt, 2010).” As a result of alternative incarceration for gang members in conjunction with poor recruitment practices, the situation regarding military trained gang members has only further exasperated the stresses concerning local law enforcement. Many gang members simply join the military to escape their dangerous neighborhoods and deadly gang lifestyles. However, other gang member enlist in the military as an alternative to incarceration in order to receive combat and weapons training; to learn essential medic skills for their gang and to exploit further opportunities to commit crimes against society (NGIC, 2007).

Once these individuals are discharged back onto the streets, these militarized gangsters can present an even larger and more dangerous threat to both civilians and law-enforcement (Behreandt, 2010). For instance, both current and former gang-affiliated soldiers transfer their military training and knowledge back to their communities and utilize them against law enforcement officers, who are typically not trained to deal with gangsters with military expertise (NGIC, 2007). Officers serving our community are trained to use force in order to control situation and keep the community safe, not do battle. For instance,  the Ceres Police Shooting, where Lance Corporal Marine and Norteño gang member, Andres Raya 19, shot and killed an officer while using marine combat tactics (May, 2005). These officers were simply out matched tactically and not trained to deal with a situation of such magnitude. The reality is that most officers will go an entire career without ever having to draw their firearm. However, these small town police officers were ambushed in military fashion which subsequently led to an officer being gunned down and another wounded.

Improving military recruitment efforts as well as the communicational aspects during the recruitment process is a critical aspect for ensuring this threat to both the military and law enforcement officials is eliminated. Military trained street gangs could potentially result in more sophisticated, organized and deadlier gangs, as well as increase the possibility for deadly assaults on police officers (NGIC, 2007).Due in part of this proponent, law enforcement officers should be trained for potential military ballistic encounters. The primary focus of law enforcement is to serve and protect the community; therefore, a wider range of training styles will ensure incidents like the Ceres Policing Shooting will not become a common occurrence.  Taking a more innovative approach to police training will allow officers a better chance to develop the proper skills to not only survive, but win any lethal encounter (Marrs, 2011). 

References

Blankstein, Andrew. "Marines sold military assault weapons to L.A. gang members, authorities   

     allege." Los Angeles Times 9 Nov. 2010: 2. Print.

Don Ivie, & Brett Garland. (2011). Stress and burnout in policing: does military experience  

     matter? Policing, 34(1), 49-66.  Retrieved March 15, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals.

     (Document ID: 2296494491).

May, Meredith, and Matthew B. Stannard. "CERES No clear motive in Marine's killing of police 

     officer, San Fransisco Chronicle 12 Jan. 2005, sec. B1: 2. Print.

Marrs, J.. (2011, January). Progressive firearms training. Law Enforcement Technology, 38(1),

     16-21. Retrieved March 11, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals. (Document ID: 2234090841)

Eyler, Gustav. "Gangs in the Military." The Yale Law Journal118.696 (2009): 44. Print.

National Gang Intelligence Center. (2007) Gang-Related Activity in the US Armed Forces         

     Increasing. Retrieved from March 10, 2011 

Occupational stress

Occupational stress among law enforcement offers is a growing epidemic. Police officers are positioned at the frontline of the criminal justice system. The amount of discretion and responsibility placed in the hands of those enforcing the law is immense. With such a vast amount of responsibility to protect the communities they serve, occupational stress is guaranteed. Policing involves a vast array of work conditions that is by nature far more extreme than any other public service profession. Moreover, no other profession in the public sector requires such a demand for proficiency, equality and honestly as policing does. During any given shift officers may be expected to shoot someone, be shot at, witness the death of a partner, use force, participate in a high-speed pursuit, rescue abused children, and inform parents that their child has been killed in a motor vehicle accident (Page, 2010). However, due to the demanding work environments mental and physical strain intertwined with high divorce rates and a plummeting economy, many officers are beginning to succumb to occupational stresses and in some cases burnout.  Through the course of this blog a clear illustration exploring the correlation between occupational stress and the unique aspects of policing will be established.

The underlying cause for occupational stress among today’s law enforcement officer is the occupation itself. According to John Violanti (1997), in the article Suicide and the police role: a psychosocial model, “policing is psychologically stressful work filled with danger, high demands, human misery and exposure to death (Violanti, 1997)". No other profession in the world requires so much mental strength and physical toughness from its workforce. Furthermore, police officers are always on duty (Waters, 2007). Even though an officer is out of uniform and on their own time, it is not unusual for an officer to continue carrying a concealed weapon. Officers must always remain alert for any potential threats whether on duty or off. Moreover, the individuals whom law enforcement officers protect society against are always on the offense; therefore, officers are practically always on duty.

It is commonly understood that a majority of law enforcement officer use alternative methods for coping with stress associated with their occupation. Furthermore, studies also indicate that nearly one-quarter of all law enforcement officers use alcohol as a result of job related stress (Cross, Ashley, 2004). Moreover, officers must adhere to the expectations of society; however, maintaining this image proves to be a difficult task for some. In addition to alcohol use current studies reveal cardiovascular disease as another factor associated with the occupational stress of policing. Moreover, the daily tensions of police work can have a corrosive effect, eroding away officer confidence and exhausting an individual's hardiness and resiliency (Water, 2007). As the nation’s crippling economy struggles to support many local police agencies, officers policing more violent communities are at an even higher risk for issues associated with occupational stress. For instance, in Oakland California which faces a $31 million deficit recently passed a new budget which includes layoffs for up 80 police officers (McKinley, 2010). If and when these layoffs occur, law enforcement officials will only be left with greater workloads met with less manpower.

In order to combat the issues surrounding occupational stress among law enforcement officers, certain aspects need to be addressed. For example, as more cities continue to reduce the number of officers within police departments, it reduces the overall effectiveness of crime prevention within the community, in addition, putting a greater number of officers at risk for developing occupational related stress. According to John M. Violanti, “police officers are twice as likely to die by their own hand as by that of an assailant (Violanti, 1997)”. It appears legislators are far less concerned with the number of officers in the community, and the effects that will follow. Police work entails a plethora of crimes as well encounters with the public, mostly negative in nature. In order to reduce an ever growing population of officer succumbing to occupational stress, intervention must continue. However, as long as police departments continue to be downsized and stripped of their specialized units, law enforcement official will continue to wrestle with the occupational stress of their profession.

References

1.       Page, D. (2010, February). Surviving law enforcement. Law Enforcement   Technology, 37(2), 26,28-33.  Retrieved February 9, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals

2.       John M. Violanti, (1997) "Suicide and the police role: a psychosocial model", Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, Vol. 20 Iss: 4, pp.698 – 715

3.       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 February 10, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals

4.       Chad L Cross, & Larry Ashley. (2004, October). Police Trauma and Addiction: Coping with the Dangers of the Job. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, 73(10), 24-32. 

5.       McKinley, J. (2010). Facing Deficit, Oakland Puts Police Force on Chopping Block. New York Times