Police Stress, Discretion, and Responses to Stress - Term Paper Example

Police Discretion and Behavior Introduction The police play a critical role in the society by reinforcing the law and promoting safety in the community. Therefore, the professionalism of the police is centered on stringent codes of ethics to which they must always conform. Police discretion is one of the significant aspects defining their professionalism. If the police do not remain discrete, they compromise many police operations. This paper seeks to define police discretion, and the role it plays in policing. Furthermore, this paper elucidates Wilson’s three styles of modern policing. This paper will discuss the various aspects of police stress, where stress emanates from and the various responses to police stress. What is Police Discretion? “The thin blue line” is a phrase that is commonly associated with the police force. This translates to mean that the police, in their blue uniforms, often act as a “thin” line between illegal acts and lawfulness (Davis, 1975). This theoretical blue line also applies to police discretion. With regard to this case, the police are given discretion to their jobs to make decisions, with a “thin blue line” that they cannot go against or else they will be in direct violation of the laws they are employed to enforce. When a police officer is performing their contractual obligations, situations may arise where discretion kicks into play. A police officer ought to decide on his actions at a particular moment. When faced with a situation, the police officer has many types of decisions which he or she can draw to use his own “discretion”. Such decisions include whether to draw a weapon, make an arrest, fire a gun, perform a search, issue a traffic violation ticket, just to mention but a few. Therefore, it is clear that police discretion applies to selecting objectives, modes of intervention, choosing how to execute a case, selecting investigation procedures and the issuance of licenses and permits. A law enforcement officer has discretion on every occasion to determine the effective boundaries of his power, leaving him (or her) at liberty to make a choice among possible courses of inactions or actions. Discretion at the disclosure of police officers is structured by guidelines designed to ensure acceptable exercises of discretion by telling apart the acceptable and unacceptable actions (Davis, 1975). This is echoed in the Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of discretion as the “liberty of deciding as one comprehends absolutely fit and within limits”. The Role of Discretion in Policing Ever since the creation of “contemporary police” in the 19th century, there has been a major concern to ensure that the police, in exercising their discretion, are appropriately insulated from partisan powerful corporate, political, or personal influences, and pressures. Therefore, discretion ensures that the police exercise their duties, not in pursuit of partisan private interests, but rather in the wider public interest. The use of discretion also plays a role in allowing a police officer the flexibility to perform his (or her) contractual obligations. Through discretion, a police officer is able quickly to discern the applicable statutory laws and act upon his (or her) determination of the best way to deal with a situation (Peak, 2003). In other words, the statute may tag a certain act as illegal, but a police officer can expeditiously make a detainment on the basis of his (or her) interpretation. As a result, discretion provides a positive aspect to the enhancement of a police officer’s contractual obligations and duties. Wilson’s Three Styles of Policing I. Watchman Style. This style focuses on maintaining order through informal processes. The watchman department proactively emphasizes on resolving disputes and not preventing them. The department’s overall aim is to keep and maintain peace. It generally occurs in densely populated areas that generate numerous calls for police backing. Using this style, police officers employ discretion as a tool for keeping peace and often neglect minor infractions (Peak, 2003). II. Legalistic Style. The legalistic department uses an approach to policing similar to that of the watchman, but uses formal rather than informal procedures in resolving disputes. Officers employing this form of organization emphasize their roles as law enforcers and pride themselves on high standards of professionalism (Wilson, 1968). It is common in larger cities with assorted populations and highly organized governments. III. Service Style. This form of policing style normally occurs in middle and upper-class societies. These forms of police departments place great emphasis on public relations and community opinion. Service centered policing departments place less focus on minor crimes and more about the crimes that violate the privacy of citizens like robbery and burglary. The police work hard to keep societies safe from intruders while protecting the welfare of citizens within the boundaries of a community (Thibault, Lynch & McBride, 2004). Police Stress Stress is a regular factor in the contemporary society. Policing, just like any other profession, has its challenges as well. Factoring in the hazards and dangers that some police officers face, coupled with the administrative burden and the pressures of protecting the public, it is easy to comprehend how stress has become a common police problem. Here are the common sources of police stress. Threats to an Officer’s Life, Safety, and Health Many police officers experience physical danger on an almost daily basis. The invariable possibility of being injured or dying is something that can weigh heavily on the mind of a law enforcement officer. This can cause a great deal of stress, making it one of the main sources of police stress (Maddonna & Kelly, 2002). Most police officers often leave their house not sure whether they will see their beloved ones again. This is due to the tough nature of their job, through which thousands of police officers have tragically lost their lives. Constant Exposure to People in Distress, Pain, and Suffering It is the very nature of the policing work to become deeply involved in the lives of those who have either committed an offense or been the victim of a crime. Either way, it is most likely that they will be dealing with individuals who are suffering. Spending most of the day with people in extreme levels of distress is bound to affect an individual’s own emotional state. Therefore, this can be a source of stress to the police, coercing some of them to commit suicide. The Responsibility of Protecting the Lives of Citizens The police provide strength and stability to members of the public; their elementary responsibility being the first line of defense against any form of threat. The stress attached to this responsibility can sometimes become too much for some of the members of the police force to accommodate. Protecting citizens is a noble aspiration, but shouldering that duty can be a source of great stress to some police officers. Many have quit their jobs while some have committed suicide (Thibault, Lynch & McBride, 2004). Responses to Stress Stress is not permanent because it can be managed through a number of effective methods. Pressure can be managed on a personal and at an organizational level. Personal Stress Management Avoiding the use of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine as coping agents is an attempt at easing stress. In addition, engaging in better diet and more exercise improves the resilience of the body and the mind to stressful situations. Saying no to excessive workloads is also beneficial in reducing stress because too much work is stress-inducing (Maddonna & Kelly, 2002) Organizational Stress Management Better allocation of financial resources within the police forces can help in managing working stress in some law enforcers. This makes the working environment more relaxed and an enjoyable place to be, thereby reducing the levels of stress. Departmental heads should produce a clearly outlined plan detailing the efforts to manage work-related stress in their police officers. Conclusion As highlighted above, high levels of police discretion are expected in their profession. Therefore, the police have to be very discreet and keep information confidential. In addition, there are different styles of policing. Notably, the styles of policing have been changing over the years with modern police focusing on the surface style. The functions of the police are highly demanding, hence causing a measure of stress on the individuals in this field. There are reports of stress in extremely high levels, contributing o police suicide. However, the police unit is working towards developing effective strategies for minimizing stress among policemen. References Davis, K. (1975). Police discretion. St. Paul: West Pub. Co. Maddonna, J., & Kelly, R. (2002). Treating Police Stress. Springfield: Charles C Thomas Publisher, LTD. Peak, K. (2003). Policing America. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Thibault, E., Lynch, L., & McBride, R. (2004). Proactive police management. Upper SaddleRiver, NJ: Prentice Hall. Wilson, J. (1968). Varieties of police behavior. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press. Read More