Cjus 840-discussion 4-reply 2 | CJUS 840 – Stress Management in Criminal Justice | Liberty University
The response must be a minimum of 150 words and a minimum of 2 references.
Territo, L., & Sewell, J.D. (2019). Stress management in law enforcement (4th ed.). Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. ISBN: 9781531015756.
*ROBERT*
For week six of CJUS 840, students are asked to determine what are early stress management techniques. Next, students should explain some stress management techniques that are being used today by law enforcement officers. Finally, students should provide a biblical perspective that supports the information that they have provided.
“Policing is one of the most mentally, taxing occupations contending with long and often rotating shifts, threats of violence, increased need for hypervigilance, and a lack of public support creating chronic stress” (Strogner et al., 2020). This can also create current or future health problems if the stress does not get treated early. One way that officers can manage this stress is by seeking professional counseling for their entire family (Territo & Sewell, 2019). Some agencies have chaplains that can provide counseling and spiritual support. Other ways that researchers have identified as techniques for officers dealing with stress include required fitness standards, stress management training, and peer support (Territo & Sewell, 2019). Agencies that require fitness standards use this because dieting and exercise have been successful tools in dealing with stress.
Peer support teams are something that agencies are beginning to implement. Many officers might not feel comfortable speaking to a counselor they do not know. There are stigmas in law enforcement that stop officers from seeking help when they need it. Peer support teams have been successful because the members of the peer support teams are fellow officers (Millard, 2020). It has been used as a confidential outlet for police officers to speak to other police without the fear of being judged. Agencies that provide stress management courses early in an officer’s career can be a proactive step in ensuring officers have a successful career. The officers can recognize early signs that are dealing with a lot of stress and can address it before it becomes overwhelming. If it becomes overwhelming, then the officer should understand the resources that are offered by the agency and the community they work in.
Biblical Perspective
The Bible discusses dealing with stress and the dangers of letting it go untreated. Philippians 4:6 discusses how issues in life can be solved through God and prayer. This verse states, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (ESV, 2009). Proverbs 12:25 discusses how God’s word can uplift those with anxiety. This verse states, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (ESV, 2009).
Author Notes
People experience stress in many aspects of their lives. It can be difficult for stress to go away with normal life issues such as finances, bills, families, sickness, etc. We must learn how to manage stress because we will experience it one way or another throughout our lives. In my law enforcement experience, I have found doing activities that have nothing to do with law enforcement has helped me deal with the stress I gain from the job. Some of the activities I do to help me with stress is running, softball, and go watch a baseball game.
References
Milliard, B. (2020). Utilization and impact of peer-support programs on police officers’ mental health. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01686
Stogner, J., Miller, B. L., & McLean, K. (2020). Police Stress, Mental Health, and Resiliency during the COVID-19 Pandemic. American journal of criminal justice : AJCJ, 45(4), 718–730. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-020-09548-yLinks to an external site.
Territo, L., & Sewell, J.D. (2019). Stress management in law enforcement (4th ed.). Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. ISBN: 9781531015756.
The Holy Bible: New Testament: ESV English Standard Version. (2009). Wheaton, IL: Crossway
