Concerning Issues for a Police Officer’s Health and Wellbeing

This research identifies concerning issues with being a police officer and how problematic the side effects associated with the job duties can be on the officer’s health, both mentally and physically, as well as their quality of life as it relates to finances and family life. Being a police officer can be a very rewarding career. Most all officers genuinely care about helping people and making their communities a safe and better place. Often times, officers who truly love police work volunteer during their off time in order to make a difference. The job provides unique opportunities for comradery amongst coworkers and the ability to work in a team environment. Many people consider law enforcement and police work as a calling, as opposed to just a job. There is however, a balancing act amongst the good and the bad associated with the duties and the effects it has on the officer. Stress, both mentally and physically, play a large role in the officer’s job duties on a daily basis. Individuals as well as police agencies, must combat the circumstantial stressors related to sustained exposure to harmful human elements, inconsistent work schedules, sleep deprivation and the day-to-day risks of the job in order to maintain a healthy and successful lifestyle. This research identified issues associated with being a police officer, which assisted in understanding how to monitor and prevent negative outcomes in life in order to protect those who live to protect our society. Keywords: police officer, job, stress, healt