Examining Predictors, Levels, and Perceptions of Police Officer Stress

• In Event: Wellness and Leadership in Policing: Understanding Stress, Satisfaction, and Burnout

Abstract

Critical incidents, adverse events, and agency demands increase police officers’ risk of stress, which can impact their health and well-being. Thus, officer health and wellness have become a top priority for police agencies. Yet little is known about officers' risk, levels, and perceptions of stress. This current study helps fill this gap by examining survey data collected from a mid-sized metropolitan police agency in the northeastern U.S. Results indicate officers experience organizational and operational stressors across multiple areas, at varying levels, with perceptions differing based on officer risk. Implications for ensuring officers' health and wellness are discussed including supervision and accountability, mentoring, training, and support services.

Authors

• Christi L. Gullion, University of Texas at Arlington

• Yuan Zhou, University of Texas at Arlington

• Victoria C.P. Chen, University of Texas at Arlington

• Chen Kan, University of Texas at Arlington