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Is police the most stressful job?
For the third year in a row, enlisted military personnel, firefighter, airline pilot and police officer are the four most stressful occupations, according to CareerCast’s annual Most Stressful Jobs report.
Is being a police officer a stressful job?
Research has demonstrated that policing is a stressful occupation and that this stress has a negative impact on police officers’ mental and physical health, performance, and interactions with citizens.
How many police officers are stressed?
You also see high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder.” Some research suggests that 7\% to 19\% of active-duty police have PTSD related to their work. In a 2013 study of 359 officers in Buffalo, NY, the prevalence of PTSD was 15\% in men and 18\% in women. “Depression and PTSD are both predictors of suicidal thinking.
Why policing is a stressful occupation?
Police work tends to be regarded as inherently stressful because of the personal risk of exposure to confrontation and violence and the day-to-day involvement in a variety of traumatic incidents. As a result, high levels of stress-related symptoms might be expected in this population.
What are the pros and cons of a police officer?
Top 10 Being a Police Officer Pros & Cons – Summary List
| Being a Police Officer Pros | Being a Police Officer Cons |
|---|---|
| You learn how to deal with difficult people | Plenty of emotional stress involved |
| Police officers have a good fitness level | Your family will worry about you |
| Good job prospects | Being a police officer can be stressful |
What is the lowest police rank?
Here’s a general outline of the police ranks commonly used by metropolitan departments, ranked from lowest to highest:
- Police officer.
- Police detective.
- Police corporal.
- Police sergeant.
- Police lieutenant.
- Police captain.
- Deputy chief.
- Assistant chief.
How does stress affect police officers in the workplace?
For police officers, this gives way to a cycle of fatigue that decreases their ability to perform their job effectively. Enduring stress for a long period of time can lead to anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What are the negative effects of being a police officer?
Damaging the cardiovascular system (e.g., causing heart disease, arteriosclerosis or congestive heart failure). Law enforcement officers usually do not speak up about how stress affects their lives. Most departments have an unspoken code of silence about the stress and strain that comes with police work.
What is it like to be a police officer?
Many officers expect to feel stress on the street, but facing it in the department can be overwhelming. “You have the normal problems any organization might have, like favoritism or bad managers,” McKenna says.
Why are so many police officers facing fatigue?
And many police officers are willing to risk their health because overtime provides additional income. Some police agencies are trying to avoid officer fatigue by: Encouraging officers to engage in physical activity. Encouraging officers to take time away from work. Avoiding mandatory overtime hours.