What are the biggest things that stress out police officers the most about the job?

Question

I'm just researching and gathering info here before actually becoming a police officer. I would like some honest anwers based on experience.

Answer 1

My husband has been in law enforcement for over 20 years including several years as a SWAT officer. He also teaches part time at the academy. He has found that while like most human beings, cops fear confrontation more than anything else; however, as a supervisor, he feels that the biggest threat of stess in law enforcement is actually boredom. People don't realize how much time cops spend just riding around in their cars, staring at inmates, and waiting for all hell to break loose. It's the unknown. A simple stolen bike call could at any time turn into a gun battle, you just don't know. Another stress that cops don't talk about much is the fear and related stress that they will be forced to take the life of another human being.
My husband did his thesis on "Survival StressTraining for Tacticle Officers", so I have all kinds of books on the subject that I can recommend for your research but the following are probably the most pertinent:

1. "Deadly Force Encounters" (What cops need to know to mentally and physically prepare for and survive a gunfight); by Dr. Alexis Artwohl

2. "The Gift of Fear" (survival signals), by Gavin De Becker

3. "On Killing", (the psychological cost of learning to kill in war and society) by, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

The author of the last book I mentioned is a fascinating man who lectures to law enforcement officers all over the country. He also has a website http://www.killology.com
If you are serious about a career in law enforcement, I would highly recommend attending one of Lt. Col. Grossman's conferences.
You are very smart to do some research first. Becoming a police officer is not something to take lightly; my feeling is that the more informed you are before beginning your training, the more successful you will be. I wish you the very best and I hope this information helps.

Answer 2

There are so many factors I will list a few: Monday morning quarter back, pay, white shirts,family, injury IAU,press, weather, hours,injury, assignments, death, blood and guts,stupidity, the list is endless. As far as the "experts" on police behavior, like I have said before, only a cop knows what its like to be a cop. I also agree it is not a job for everyone, It is not glamorous, cool, it is dirty, unappreciated . But it is self-rewarding, knowing that maybe, just maybe you made a difference in twenty years.

Answer 3

I think the most stressful part would be dealing with people who don't really need the help. Like people calling for stupid things like the neighbor's dog is barking at my dog. Or it could be that the public in general get mad at them for doing their jobs. Or the public thinking they can do the job better. Or the political bull crap or butt kissing that they are expected to do. All of that put together with the car wrecks, dead bodies, beaten babies, child molester, rapists, shootings, stabbings, drownings, house fires, drug dealers, medical calls (yes you will have to help out the ambulances and hospitals sometimes too). That's probably the most stressful part! =) Good luck

Answer 4

Oh the list is long....

There's the stress of the hours, the little pay, the danger you put your life in everyday, the toll it takes on your personal life, shall I go on?

But if you want to be a police officer you also need to look at the rewards too...

Helping others

Answer 5

When you do finally become a cop (If that is what you decide to do) Learn how to treat people with respect, don't let that badge go to your head, read the US constitution and don't harass those citizens that do the same (Yes it is legal for a US citizen to own a pocket constitution) Learn how to see the grey areas in dealing with the public (Things do not always present in black and white)
Remember that just because something is a law does not make it right.

Answer 6

for one thing their hours change constantly and its a huge strain on the marriage, having to pretend you are dating someone to get information also strains a marriage, the stress of always having people watching what you are doing doesnt help, accidently killing someone you shouldnt have is a huge problem, always having to go to court and having lawyers trying to make it look like you did something wrong, always having bribes offered and drugs and women and then having someone looking down your neck to see if you did any of it. its the last job in the world i would want,

Answer 7

I'm a cop from Johannesburg South Africa. I'm pretty used to being shot at (No I'm NOT joking!!!!!). It gets to a stage where I don't really stress too much! I enjoy my job and have caught PLENTY robbers, rapists, hijackers and other criminals. I could send you pictures of scenes I've been to! But I have learnt not to stress. life goes on how its supposed to!

Answer 8

Probably the politics inside the department. Having to deal with staff that you don't agree with, or them having a person vendetta against you.

Answer 9

Getting shot at is pretty stressful. Knowing that it could happen at any time is even worse.

Answer 10

Constantly dealing with negative situations.