Divorce and work related problem in law enforcement: Factors that influence law enforcement functioning

Law enforcement represents a field which is not understood. The occupation requires that the officer function in a unique environment that typical individuals do not experience. The stressors encountered in this environment can contribute to the development of negative individual characteristics which cause problems in the workplace and at home. The current study sought to determine and clarify the relationship, if any, between individual traits and divorce. Additionally, the study will determine if any significant correlation exists between endorsement of divorce or endorsement of an extramarital affair and inappropriate behaviors on the job.;Two hundred participant data sets were randomly analyzed from a total of ten thousand four hundred and forty-three participants. The data comprised individual M-PULSE questionnaires collected by MATRIX incorporated from law enforcement agencies across the United States. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) between the MMPI-II constructs of Mania, Depression and Psychopathic Deviance and endorsement of divorce did not result in significance at p<0.05. Additionally, Chi Square analysis of recent divorce and inappropriate behaviors on the job did not result in significance at p<0.05. Furthermore, isolating participant data sets only for those who are divorced and calculating Chi Square again between recent divorce and inappropriate behaviors on the job also did not result in significance at p<0.05. However, A Chi Square analysis of extramarital affairs and inappropriate behaviors on the job did result in significance at p<0.05. A subsequent Contingency Coefficient calculated on this significance resulted in a value of 0.280. These findings suggest that although a significant relationship exists between extramarital affairs and inappropriate behaviors on the job, the correlation is low. This means that extramarital affairs did not directly affect inappropriate behaviors on the job but rather, whatever factors that contributed to the extramarital affairs are likely to have caused the inappropriate behaviors. Future studies may expand and clarify these specific contributing factors and assist with development of effective treatment procedures.