Cultivating well-being among police officers: Examining challenges in the workplace

Philip Birch, Margaret H. Vickers, Sally Galovic, Michael Kennedy

Research output: Book chapter/Published conference paperChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

This research was founded on the recognition of the serious individual and organizational toll occupational stress has on the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF), Australia. On any given workday, around 12% of the workforce is unable to be deployed, with psychological injuries being the primary factor. Moreover, the impact of stress appears to be cumulative, with few police officers retiring in the usual way; most exit the organization on medical leave due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite efforts to address the issue of police stress, it remains a critical issue for the NSW Police Force. This chapter presents findings from a qualitative study commissioned by NSWPF. Researchers visited two local area commands (LACs) in NSW with a view to interviewing officers of various ranks and roles within the organization and with varying lengths of tenure. These interviews included new recruits, as well as much longer-serving officers. Interviews were conducted in a city and a regional LAC. The chapter concludes by considering the implications for both policy and practice.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPolice behavior, hiring, and crime fighting
Subtitle of host publicationAn international view
EditorsJohn A. Eterno, Ben Stickle, Diana Scharff Peterson, Dilip K. Das
Place of PublicationNew York, NY
PublisherRoutledge
Chapter1
Pages3-21
Number of pages19
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9781003047117
ISBN (Print)9780367491000, 9780367497156
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Publication series

NameAdvances in Police Theory and Practice Series
PublisherRoutledge

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