The response must be a minimum of 150 words and a minimum of 2 references.
Territo, L., & Sewell, J.D. (2019). Stress management in law enforcement (4th ed.). Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. ISBN: 9781531015756.
**ROBERT***
For week seven of Criminal Justice 840, students are asked to discuss why law enforcement officers with psychological personal problems are reluctant to seek assistance from internal departmental services. Next, students are asked to explain what services are provided to assist law enforcement officers to assist with psychological issues. Lastly, officers are to provide a biblical perspective that aligns with the information provided.
Over the last two decades, law enforcement leaders have become more aware of the impact occupational stress has had on police officers (Territo & Sewell, 2019). Carolyn Burns and Marla Buchanan (2020) explain how different things can impact how officers respond to stress such as the first officer to arrive on the scene, responding to several traumatic events without having an “an anchor” event, and unsupported and “old trauma”. Officers are scared to seek help from their respective agencies because of the repercussions that come from it. Officers are concerned with the “stigma” that comes from seeking help. Officers fear they will be viewed as weak or removed from their position as a police officer.
One resource that is used by many agencies is peer support. Peer support is used when co-workers are used as support systems who will have confidential discussions with officers who are experiencing troubling times (Milliard, 2020). The issue that can occur with peer support at agencies is the lack of leadership within the unit. Those who are in peer support should be approachable, caring, properly trained, and someone who is well-respected. Other resources that can be used are chaplains and counselors who partner with the agency.
Biblical Perspective
Those who seek direction and guidance in life should look to God. The Bible discusses the importance of seeking counsel when one is experiencing troubling times. Proverbs 11:14 discusses how people will fail when they seek no guidance. This verse states, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in abundance of counselors there is safety” (ESV, 2009). Proverbs 12:15 how a wise man will grow from advice. Proverbs 12:15 states, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice” (ESV, 2009). Proverbs 15:22 discusses how plans will fail without the input of others. This verse states, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed” (ESV, 2009).
Conclusion
For the past several weeks, students have been asked to discuss stress in law enforcement and how to manage it. Many students in this class have law enforcement experience and have gone through experiences dealing with stress. As someone who has experienced many stressful and traumatic calls in my career, I would like to pass on some information to students who are in similar experiences or will be future leaders. I would tell future leaders of law enforcement agencies to be an approachable person. Be a leader whom officers respect for not only their position but also for the person they are. Officers may not feel comfortable speaking up about issues they are experiencing if they do not trust their leaders. If you are experiencing troubling times, I would encourage you to seek help. It is not a sign of weakness, and it will benefit you to talk to someone. I have found it beneficial to find hobbies that do not relate to work. If all else fails, I am always one email away.
I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors.
References
Burns, C., & Buchanan, M. (2020). Factors that Influence the Decision to Seek Help in a Police Population. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(18), 6891. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186891Links to an external site.
Milliard B. (2020). Utilization and Impact of Peer-Support Programs on Police Officers’ Mental Health. Frontiers in psychology, 11, 1686. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01686
Territo, L., & Sewell, J.D. (2019). Stress management in law enforcement (4th ed.). Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. ISBN: 9781531015756.
The Holy Bible: New Testament: ESV English Standard Version. (2009). Wheaton, IL: Crossway
