Trauma in Law Enforcement
Trauma in Law Enforcement
ABSTRACT
All police officers experience a critical incident at one point in their careers. Each person handles the stress from these situations differently. For some officers, the traumatic incident causes minimal disruption in their daily routine and is considered nothing short of an unfortunate situation they have gained valuable knowledge from. For many others, however, the stress of these events becomes debilitating and intervention is necessary.
This paper researched the stress police officers and other first responders are faced with as a result of critical incidents, particularly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The method of obtaining information involved primarily researching data from books, professional journals and government sources. It was concluded that the toll on the physical and emotional health of officers experiencing stress and stress related illnesses such as PTSD is enormous and probably avoidable if the proper pre-incident and post-incident services are available. It was also determined that how law enforcement agencies approach critical incidents can prevent or lessen significant stress reactions in its personnel.
It is incumbent upon police administrators to prepare for critical events and provide their personnel with the training and services necessary for a positive outcome of the situation.
INTRODUCTION
It is widely acknowledged that all first responders will be exposed to circumstances and incidents of a critical nature, which could evoke adverse emotional reactions and affect their job performance, health, decision-making and family life. It is also recognized that most responses to the potentially detrimental effects of stress induced by traumatic incidents can be dealt with successfully when identified early and referred to the appropriate care.
Incredible amounts of time and effort are spent on background investigations by Law Enforcement agencies during the hiring process. Police
ABSTRACT
All police officers experience a critical incident at one point in their careers. Each person handles the stress from these situations differently. For some officers, the traumatic incident causes minimal disruption in their daily routine and is considered nothing short of an unfortunate situation they have gained valuable knowledge from. For many others, however, the stress of these events becomes debilitating and intervention is necessary.
This paper researched the stress police officers and other first responders are faced with as a result of critical incidents, particularly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The method of obtaining information involved primarily researching data from books, professional journals and government sources. It was concluded that the toll on the physical and emotional health of officers experiencing stress and stress related illnesses such as PTSD is enormous and probably avoidable if the proper pre-incident and post-incident services are available. It was also determined that how law enforcement agencies approach critical incidents can prevent or lessen significant stress reactions in its personnel.
It is incumbent upon police administrators to prepare for critical events and provide their personnel with the training and services necessary for a positive outcome of the situation.
INTRODUCTION
It is widely acknowledged that all first responders will be exposed to circumstances and incidents of a critical nature, which could evoke adverse emotional reactions and affect their job performance, health, decision-making and family life. It is also recognized that most responses to the potentially detrimental effects of stress induced by traumatic incidents can be dealt with successfully when identified early and referred to the appropriate care.
Incredible amounts of time and effort are spent on background investigations by Law Enforcement agencies during the hiring process. Police
References: Barnhill, John, M.D. & Rosen, R. K. (1999). Why Am I Still So Afraid? New York: Dell. Flannery Jr., Raymond B. Ph.D. (1999). Psychological Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Review. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 2, 77-82. Gilmartin, Kevin M. Ph.D. (2002). Emotional Survival For Law Enforcement. Arizona: E-S Press. Kureczka, Arthur W. Critical Incident Stress In Law Enforcement. 2003 Mitchell, Jeff, Ph.D. & Bray, Grady, Ph.D. (1990). Emergency Services Stress. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall. National Institute of Mental Health (2007). Facts About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.