By

Joseph M. Stromsness

February 1998

Stress is a term used by many, is somewhat misunderstood, and often used to describe a negative

condition or emotional state. People experience various forms of stress at home, work, in social

settings, and when engaged in activities to simply have fun, such as playing sports. Police officer's

experience stresses the same as others, but also in ways much different than the average citizen. The

dangers, violence, and tragedy seen by officers result in added levels of stress not experienced by the

What is Stress? Stress is not a new phenomenon; it has been experienced throughout history. Stress is

a biological response to some stimulus. Fear, panic, anger, tragedy, and even something as simple as

being competitive can cause it. Stress can result in the competitiveness needed to succeed in business,

achieve an education, foster social relationships, and win at sports. Is stress bad or good? It is both.

The proper level of stress can benefit people in daily living. Well, what is bad stress and

depend on the ability to effectively respond under duress.

reduces the inevitable stress that officer's experience from an actual incident. The trooper gives a

officers! A study of 2376 Buffalo NY police officers found that compared to the white male population

essential to a healthy, productive life. However, when stress impairs an individual's ability to function

(Most officers who commit suicide have no history of having sought counseling). All four factors are

Police officers' careers are centered on helping others, but they themselves have so much trouble

works in your favor by stimulating performance. In police officers, stress can make the difference

Some common words found in the essay are:
Finn MA, Stress Stress, Science Section, Buffalo York, York City, Brown Police, Stromsness February, Brown Officer, Buffalo NY, police officers, Constant Suicide, stress stress, stress police, manage stress, effects stress, stress biological, stress police officers, effects stress police, commit suicide, police officer, stress stress stress, job stress, times commit suicide, behavioral science, stress biological responses,
Approximate Word count = 1606
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)