During a police career, the men and women of police agencies are exposed to distressing events that go far beyond the experiences of the ordinary citizen, and there is increased need today to help police officers deal with these stressful experiences, especially as police work becomes increasingly complex. The goal of this timely second edition is to provide law enforcement administrators and officers with the most current information and skills in identifying and dealing with personnel facing police stress and its subsequent counterproductive behaviors. A discussion of the nature of stress and stress in policing opens the text. The author then discusses recognizing stress reactions and examines organizational and supervisory strategies for stress management, including techniques that minimize pressure and improve performance. Techniques and cognitive strategies for individual stress management, such as physical fitness, relaxation, time and money management, and changing beliefs that are stressful and irrational are also described. Chapters include: The Nature of Stress, Stress and Coping, Stress in Policing, Stressors for Special Groups, Recognizing Stress Reactions, Techniques for Individual Stress Management I, Techniques for Individual Stress Management II: Cognitive Strategies, Support Strategies, Organizational Strategies for Stress Management, and Suggestions for Training. Written for trainers, decision makers, administrators, supervisors, officers, and social scientists, this text will assist the reader to better understand and overcome the challenges of stress faced in law enforcement.

Preface

1.The Nature of Stress

Introduction
Definition
Research on Stress
Pressures

2.Stress and Coping

Introduction
Physiological Responses to Stressful Events
Psychological Responses to Stressful Events

3. Stress in Policing

The Nature of Police Work
Stress in Policing--Problems with the Evidence
The Evidence--Stressors
The Evidence--Stress Reactions
Categories of Stressors
Summary

4. Stressors for Special Groups

Introduction
Ethnic Minority Officers
Women Officers
Civilian Personnel
Gay and Lesbian Officers
Small and Rural Departments
The Family
Higher Education
Special Assignments

5. Recognizing Stress Reactions

Introduction
Recognizing Stress Reactions in Others

6. Techniques for Individual Stress Management I

Introduction
A Note About Self-help
Goal Setting
Time Management
Financial Planning
Physical Fitness
Nutrition
Rest
Meditation
Progressive Relaxation
Biofeedback
Hypnosis

7. Techniques for Individual Stress Management II:

Cognitive Strategies
Introduction
Irrational Thought Patterns
Alternative Ways of Thinking: Guidelines for a Low-Stress Life-Cognitive Style
Stress Inoculation Training
Anger Management
Differential Effectiveness of Strategies

8. Support Strategies

Introduction
Informal Support
Formal Peer Support Programs
Debriefing
Professional Help
Psychoactive Medication
The Chaplaincy
Conclusion

9. Organizational Strategies for Stress Management

Introduction
Prevention
Selection
Training
Officers "At Risk"
Mental Health Professionals

10. Suggestions for Training

Introduction
Notes on Training Methods
Curriculum Core
Command Personnel
First-line Supervisors
Especially Stressful Assignments
First-line Officers
Recruit Training
The Family

Case Materials
Appendix A: Introduction to Research Methods
Appendix B: Resources, Tips and Gimmicks
Bibliography
Name Index
Subject Index