Session Submission Summary

On the Front Lines: Mental Health and Stress in Policing and Emergency Dispatch

Fri, Nov 14, 12:30 to 1:50pm, Marquis Salon 14 - M2

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

This panel explores the multifaceted impacts of occupational stress, compassion fatigue, and organizational pressures on emergency dispatchers and police officers. Drawing on data from a 9-1-1 district as well as multiple law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad, it highlights how both the urgency of crisis response and the influence of organizational and community factors shape mental health outcomes. Findings reveal that repeated exposure to high-stakes incidents and emotional labor contribute to burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and reduced resilience. By examining these shared stressors and cross-cultural differences, the panel underscores the critical need for targeted interventions that support well-being and promote more effective coping strategies in high-pressure public safety environments.

Sub Unit

Individual Presentations

Discussant