Police Officers’ Responses to Chronic Stress,
Critical Incidents and Trauma
by Andrew M. Leeds, Ph.D.
This 7-page article
summarizes police officers' responses to common work
related stressors and the effects of exposure to both
cumulative stress and critical incidents. The article
includes tips for managing stress and checklists for
recognizing both normal and maladaptive responses to
cumulative stress and traumatic experiences.
The article describes the benefits to officers and their
departments of early and delayed interventions. The Santa
Rosa Police Department EAP program is summarized along
with specific resources available to officers including
treatment with EMDR.