Police Officers’ Responses to Chronic Stress, Critical Incidents and Trauma

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.