WHAT SHAPES POLICE OFFICER WILLINGNESS TO USE STRESS INTERVENTION SERVICES? AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF CURRENT FACTORS IN PENNSYLVANIA

Abstract

In the last 40 years the subject of police stress has gained increasing attention and a significant body of literature has emerged. This literature has documented the sources, types, and consequences of police stress. As a result of the negative consequences of police stress, a number of stress intervention services have been developed to treat police officers suffering from high stress. In spite of overwhelming evidence of the negative consequences of untreated police stress, stress intervention services remain under-utilized by police officers. Researchers cite concerns of stigma, confidentiality issues, and a general lack of confidence in service providers as reasons police do not use services. While numerous, most of the references to these factors are anecdotal in nature. Few empirical studies have focused on a systematic examination of variables that influence officer willingness to use services (positively or negatively), particularly in light of the growth of service offerings. Understanding what shapes officer willingness to use services remains a critical step in addressing the negative effects of police stress. This current study was designed to explore and examine factors that influence officer willingness to use services, with a focus on perceived organizational support (POS). The current study was undertaken with the cooperation of the Pennsylvania State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) as the subject of police stress is of vital importance to the organization. A mixed-methods design was used to explore both the views of police officers regarding the availability and use of stress intervention services, and also the law enforcement agency response to issues of police stress. Qualitative methods included one-on-one interviews with 46 police officers throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which were used to inform the development of a police officer questionnaire (POQ). The POQ was distributed to 4,000 randomly-selected police officers throughout the state to obtain their views of the availability of services, willingness to use services, and perception of organizational support. Additionally, a survey was sent to all law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania to obtain current information on the nature and extent of stress intervention services for police and explore organizational responses to police stress. Findings indicate that police officers in the Commonwealth have a wide variety of stress intervention services available through their agencies. Officers who have concerns regarding the confidentiality and stigma related to the use of services reported lower willingness to use services. In contrast, officers who perceive support from the organization and view the organization as supportive of the use of services are more willing to use stress intervention services. Findings contradicted several long-held beliefs about the police subculture and use of stress intervention services. Officers did not prefer peer-based services and did not express a lack of confidence in professional service providers (psychologists/therapists). Secondly, officers in the sample had lower than expected self-reports of alcohol consumption and incidents of divorce. Results of this study have some policy and practical implications for increasing police officer willingness to use stress intervention services. Additionally, the results suggest positive changes in police subculture and officer use of stress intervention services.