With recent protests that turned into lawlessness in Ferguson, Missouri, officer stress levels are elevated, which can cause mental health problems long after peace has been restored.
Law enforcement agencies across the country have been dealing with protesters and trying to work with community organizers to keep the demonstrations peaceful. This is also the holiday time of year when crime rates can rise.
With many law enforcement agencies dealing with budget restraints from the rebounding economy, officers will be forced to work longer shifts due to the ongoing demonstrations, and work when they are fatigued this holiday season.
The environment is right for higher stress levels for law enforcement officers.
Officer stress during mob lawlessness
What is the toll on officer's mental health from having to work longer shifts with little to no rest before returning to duty during riots? The fatigue can cause diminished strategic decision-making by officers who are not properly rested.
The pressure-cooker environment that law enforcement officers are facing during lawlessness and rioting can have long-lasting mental health consequences that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Officers are on the front lines trying to keep the community safe and protect local businesses from having their property destroyed when the protest turns into an angry, uncontrollable mob with criminal intent.
A law enforcement officer serves and protects the community. When officers feel they are failing in that mission, the guilt of becoming helpless to control and stop the lawlessness is emotional. The continued random violence during riots that officers are forced to deal with can lead to depression and even PTSD in the months following the event.
Tips to reduce stress levels when on the front lines
- Do not take the verbal comments made by protestors personally
- Use your emotional intelligence and do not overact
- Take cleansing breaths and keep the blood flowing evenly by continuing to stretch and move
- Be patient with your fellow officers and supervisors
- When you get a break, take it
- Stay hydrated
- Eat a well-balanced meal before your shift
- Stay in contact with other officers, do not get separated
- Routinely check on your fellow officers on scene
- Be flexible so you are valuable to the mission
- When off-duty, relax get away from the news covering the event, and shift gears
- Do not get baited into reacting to comments on social media sites, stay professional
Citizens have a right to voice their opinion and peacefully protest their government to bring about positive change. Officers understand this right, respect it and protect it.
Officers also have a duty to keep the peace. When a planned peaceful demonstration turns into a lawless mob committing senseless criminal acts, police must react and react quickly to protect lives and property.
The lawlessness that occurred in Ferguson was disturbing for the entire nation to witness. However, the law enforcement officer who had to restore order and confront the senseless violence will carry the emotional burden that can cause depression and even PTSD in the near future.
Officers need access to mental health professionals without the fear of jeopardizing their career. The price of law and order should not have to come at the cost of the mental health of the officers who protect us and serve in dangerous situations.
