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.
The job of a law enforcement officer is one of the most stressful and fast paced jobs in the world. Officer’s continuously put their bodies through the rigorous strain of daily police work. Therefore, as you have said, poor diets and doughy physics are just one of the things that begin to take their toll on the physical health of law enforcement officers. Also, the blood pressure of an officer throughout the day can be compared to something similar to a roller coaster ride. The fact is that police officers continuously have spikes of adrenaline during the work shift. This in turn presents problems dealing with the heart and the cardio vascular system later on in life. Overall your blog has covered a good amount of knowledge and information on the issues dealing with the potential health risk of law enforcement officers.
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