The Impacts Of Occupational Stress In The Police Service

Globally, Occupational stress has become a health challenge, especially for those, who are dedicated to serve the human sectors like police officials, media personnel etc. It can affect people in all occupations and of all ages irrespective of sex, nationality, educational background or role. Police is considered as one of the most important profession at everywhere because of the mere fact that they protect and serve the general public. The country’s stability attributed to productiveness, motivation and health of a police service which are regarded as important factors contributing to an economic growth and development of country. 1

No job is immune from stress. Stress is an inevitable part of police personnel. Policing is considered one

Police work involves protection of life, safeguarding property through vital patrol techniques, enforcement of laws and ordinances in the place for which the police station is responsible. In the current environment including pockets of international terrorism, police officers perform their duty in the face of high demand and increasing at-risk situations. The undefined nature of work and negative working environment has made the Police profession to be both ruthless and difficult. The stressed police officer poses a threat not only to themselves but also to their offenders, colleagues, family and to public safety and thus it is a matter of concern.

Police stress may arise because of several factors like availability for 24 hours, monthly shift rotation, political involvement, administration problem, organizational issues etc. These all might seem to be minimal issues but make the police job as a most stressful job. The organizational stress factors as been found in previous studies consists of poor communication, inadequate resources and work overload, negative working environment, lack of support, lack of time for family, long working hours, need to take tough decisions, irregular eating habits, torture by seniors, sleepless nights, disturbed personal life, poor living conditions and the dwindling public confidence in the police force. 5

Stress damages people and it damages their organizations. Constant and unmanaged stress potentially reduces the effectiveness and efficiency of the personnel. Stress among policemen would manifest in the form of fatigue, depression, inability to concentrate, irritability and impulsive behaviour. These danger signals are quite common among the policemen. Both physical and mental illness renders the employee unfit for work. It impacts job satisfaction and reduces job performance. Common direct costs of occupational stress are reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and employee