Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Law Enforcement
Files
Date
2018
Authors
Seigler, Rocky
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT)
Abstract
Description
If mandatory training was implemented for law enforcement personnel to recognize the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, it would provide the ability for all employees to intervene and seek help for one that appears to be suffering from PTSD. Often, police officers and other law enforcement personnel will not ask for or seek help for PTSD due to the stigma associated with it, or the fact that they simply may not be aware that they are even suffering from PTSD. By implementing mandatory training for all law enforcement personnel, the stigma associated PTSD would be lessened from the simple knowledge of what PTSD is, and the signs, symptoms, causes and effects of the disorder. If agencies were mandated to provide training to all employees to identify the signs and symptoms of PTSD, then the cost of replacing officers suffering from long-term PTSD would probably balance out and could even save the entity money over time. By making this training mandatory and putting policies in place that address PTSD and other mental health concerns, employees would find it easier to rid themselves of the stigma associated with PTSD and receive the help that would prolong their career and help to make it more enjoyable and productive.
Keywords
Police--job stress, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Police psychology