Police Officer Stress, Performance, and Coping: A Phenomenological Stud

Work-related stress in policing has been attributed to depression, anxiety, poor physical health, and psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder. Therefore, it is vital to address issues related to work-related stress in policing. This qualitative phenomenological research study centered on the lived experiences of police officers concerning work-related stress, the effect of stress on police officers' performance, and coping strategies for work-related stress. The following research questions are examined: (a) What are the lived experiences of police officers in Kentucky who experience work-related stress on the job? (b) How do stressful events and experiences on the job affect police officers' performance? (c) What strategies do police officers use to cope with work-related stress? Participants for this study are eight police officers with at least two years of full-time law enforcement experience. Despite the limitations of the study, the findings of this study were significant. The findings emphasized the need for additional support and outreach from Police Department administrators to implement programs geared towards helping patrol officers cope with their work-related stress. Further, data from the study supported existing literature on the negative relationship between as well as the never-ending stressors police officers face daily. Based on the results of the study, it is further recommended that future studies focus on current stress management programs offered by police departments to patrol officers and their effectiveness. It is further recommended that police departments implement stress management programs to patrol officers and ensure all employees are aware of the benefits of the programs.