Examining the Reasons Police Officers Fail to Seek Treatment for Occupational Stress

• In Event: Police, Policing Practices, and Technology

Abstract

Critical incidents and other police work-related stressors, as well as many organizational stressors, often result in officers suffering negative outcomes such as posttraumatic stress injury, alcohol abuse, and depression and other mental health-related issues. While most agencies provide medical services to assist those who recognize the need for mental health assistance, there is a major portion of police officers who choose not to utilize such services in spite of a recognized need to do so. The immediate study provides a qualitative assessment of the major reasons provided by a sample of US officers who report they would not use mental health services provided by their departments. The stigma associated with seeking treatment is the primary reason most officers refuse to utilize mental health services, followed by the perceived lack of confidentiality in such services and a lack of trust in the administration of the agency to assist the officer in need. Policy implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Michael Arter, Penn State Altoona

• Kim Menard, Penn State Altoona