Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Stress and CrimeIts effect on the Police Officer
Law Enforcement in the 90’s
Peak of “Crack wars” Highest Murder rate in History of
U.S. NYC had record 2,245 Murders LOD deaths dropped to an average of 160 a year down
from 229 in 1970
How did crime affect the police?
Returning vets from the Gulf war High rate of traumatic incidents PTSD Crime added high rates of stress
What is Police related stress? Child ejected from vehicle Witnessing a firefighter fall from a
building Shootout where a cop is shot or killed? Marriage problems Alcohol problems A combination of the above
Job Stress
A harmful and physical emotional response that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, needs or resources of the worker
PTSD experiencing a trauma or life threatening event and having symptoms such as hyperawareness or nightmares
Normal reactions to abnormal situations
Police Officers and Agencies
Sick days Cardiovascular disease Musculoskeletal disorders Psychological disorders Workplace injury Impaired immune deficiency,
cancer, ulcers Suicide
How can stress be prevented and treated?
St Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Co.
Stress Management Positive Organizational change
1. I.D. the problem2. Design and implement
interventions3. Evaluate the Intervention
What are long term affects of stress and PTSD?
High rate of work related accidents
Work errors that are attributed to stress and PTSD
Alcoholism, DV, mental illness and suicide
Police Suicide Statistics Dept. Dates years size suicides Chicago 90 – 98 9 13,500 22 NYPD
85 – 98 14 40000 87
Third leading cause of death 15 – 24 year olds Firearms leads cause of death with 55% Veterans account for 20% of suicides according to the
VA Police Officers are two to three times more likely to
commit suicide than be killed in the line of duty
Key Questions
Do you know a police officer who has experienced a traumatic incident?
How did your department handle it? How could your department better
take care of its members? What are the repercussions?
