Police Officer Stress

1
Police Officer Stress

• Pat Hinkle, MA, LPC, LMFT
• (W) 913-438-2100
• (W C) 913-927-2402
• pat_at_HinkleAssociatesLLC.com

2
Stress Specific to Cop Work

• Human growth development stage
• Work relationships are different!
• Cynicism makes me safe
• It also pays better
• Trauma exposure
• Hypervigilance stress dynamics
• Taking control of personal life

3
Work Relationships are Different!

• Relationships
• Looking for trusted person to rely on aid
• How is that experienced
• What happens when shift-system becomes
  imbalanced?
• Does shift imbalance affect family-systems?
• Priority
• Family, or
• trusted person rely on aid

4
Hypervigilance Stress Dynamics

• Hypervigilance is an enhanced state of sensory
  sensitivity accompanied by an exaggerated
  intensity of behaviors whose purpose is to detect
  threats.
• Hypervigilance is also accompanied by a state of
  increased anxiety which can cause exhaustion.
• Other symptoms include abnormally increased
  arousal, a high responsiveness to stimuli and a
  constant scanning of the environment for threats.
• Hypervigilance is a symptom of posttraumatic
  stress disorder.

5
Taking Control of Personal Life

• Exercise
• Healthy diet
• Stress outlets
• Family support system
• Social support system
• Spiritual support system
• Minimal use alcohol, tobacco caffeine
• Positive work environment
• Acceptance of the event
• Proactive interventions when needed
• INSERT Agency EAP Service contact HERE
• INSERT Agency Mental Health Insurance contact HERE

6
Conclusion

• Lesson Objectives
• The law enforcement environment, culture
  reliance upon our brother/sister officer for
  daily safety is a perfect recipe for stress.
• Recognition, support systems constant
  preventive maintenance are key to success.
• trusted persons who will come to their aid
  should difficulties arise, is who we are right
  here and right now.