Police work is known to be stressful, and officers often encounter situations that are emotionally and physically challenging. Burnout and other negative outcomes can result from this type of work, leading to reduced job satisfaction and even leaving the profession altogether. To better understand the state of officer well-being and how police departments can address these challenges, we conducted a Police Officer Burnout and Wellness Survey in partnership with the National Police Foundation. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the survey results and offer recommendations for departments to use this information to engage with their officers and make data-driven decisions.
The State of Officer Well-being
The survey results showed that many police officers are struggling with burnout and other negative outcomes. Of the respondents, 67% reported experiencing burnout symptoms such as emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced personal accomplishment. Additionally, 43% reported experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 45% reported symptoms of depression.
These findings highlight the need for police departments to prioritize officer wellness and implement policies and programs that address the underlying causes of these symptoms. It’s essential to create a culture that supports and values officer wellness and takes action to promote it.
Using Surveys to Engage with Officers and Collect Valuable Feedback
One way to promote officer wellness and engage with officers is by using surveys to collect feedback on department policies and practices. This feedback can inform data-driven decisions and help identify areas where departments can improve.
Police departments can use surveys to collect information about officer wellness, such as the frequency and severity of stress and burnout symptoms. Departments can also use surveys to gather feedback on training programs, policies, and leadership practices. For example, departments can ask officers for feedback on their supervisor’s management style, communication, and support for officer wellness.
Recommendations for Addressing Officer Burnout and Promoting Wellness
The survey results suggest that police departments can take several actions to promote officer wellness and reduce burnout symptoms. Some recommendations include:
- Provide resources and support for officer mental health, such as employee assistance programs and access to counseling services.
- Address the root causes of stress and burnout, such as high workloads, long hours, and lack of support from supervisors.
- Implement policies and programs that promote work-life balance, such as flexible scheduling and time off for personal and family needs.
- Foster a culture of wellness that values officer health and well-being and encourages peer support and wellness activities.
- Train supervisors and leaders to recognize and address symptoms of stress and burnout, and provide them with the skills to support their officers’ wellness.
Conclusion
The Police Officer Burnout and Wellness Survey highlights the importance of prioritizing officer wellness and addressing the root causes of stress and burnout in the law enforcement profession. By using surveys to engage with officers and collect feedback, police departments can identify areas where they can improve and make data-driven decisions that support officer wellness. Implementing policies and programs that promote work-life balance, provide mental health resources, and foster a culture of wellness can help reduce burnout symptoms and support officer well-being.
Sources:
- National Police Foundation. (2019). National Survey of Police Attitudes on Officer Safety and Wellness. https://www.policefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/National-Survey-of-Police-Attitudes-on-Officer-Safety-and-Wellness.pdf
- Violanti, J. M., & Paton, D. (2015). Police Trauma and Burnout: Research, Theory, and Intervention. Charles C Thomas Publisher.
