Keep Calm and Carry On: An International Comparison of Stress in Law Enforcement

This presentation will show the results of a comprehensive review of the literature and a cross-cultural comparison of law-enforcement related stress in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the formation of this comparison, we will obtain a better understanding of law enforcement exposure to stress and its effects. By comparing the stress experienced by law enforcement officers in these seemingly similar countries, we conceptualize the potential causes of these similarities and differences. More specifically, the organization/structure of law enforcement, support networks, community conditions, and the police subculture in these countries will be analyzed. This analysis will show that U.S. officers appear more likely to exhibit negative effects of stress as a result of avoidant coping strategies, while U.K. officers appear more likely to exhibit negative effects of stress but can cope more easily because of problem-focused coping strategies. A systematic comparison serves to inform our policy recommendations related to stress response and preventative strategies for law enforcement. We recommend that the U.S. needs to adopt programs that emphasize healthier coping models and that the U.K. should focus on emotional aspects of coping for their law enforcement officers

An International Comparison of Law Enforcement Stress and Professional Satisfaction

This study was a cross-cultural comparison of stress and coping styles in the U.S. and England. To date, no studies have directly compared police officer stress in the U.S. and England. Police officers were recruited to complete surveys on stress, coping strategies, and job satisfaction. Data collection in England is ongoing, but U.S. results indicate that organizational stress impacted law enforcement officers (LEOs) more than operational stress. Environmental and educational factors also had a significant effect on reported stress. However, marital status was the only factor that influenced which coping strategies LEOs used. This poster will discuss the findings of this study, as well as discuss policy implications relating to stress response strategies

Working with Trauma: Clinical, Legal, and Ethical Considerations

(excerpt) Learning Objectives 1. Describe the added impact of trauma on several common clinical and ethical situations. 2. List three ways that history of trauma exposure could impact clinical work with children and adolescents. 3. List three ways that history of trauma exposure could impact clinical work with adults. 4. Identify common factors that increase risk of legal or disciplinary involvement when working with traumatized patients/clients. 5. Explain strategies for addressing and minimizing risk when working in integrated care settings. 6. Recognize the impact of vicarious traumatization and the importance of self-care