Psychological Coping Mechanisms Used by Crime Scene Investigators - Research Paper Example

Nevertheless, despite these problems, the law enforcement officers are expected to undertake protective roles of police officers, and responsibilities of being public servants protecting individual rights that are compounded by departmental and societal pressure to deal with crime cases. Stresses of murder investigations Cases that involve investigating multiple or serial-murders, investigators are expected to confront stressor, which are directly associated with their projected image of strength and determination, through their ability to responds effectively and unemotionally to a crises (Miller, 2008).

They should also have the willingness highly prioritizing public needs and demands above their own personal feelings (Greene, 2001). Apparently, this kind of an attributes are evident among magnificent cases that involve high profile and increased media attention. In addition, case that involves mass-murders, violence, mutilation and brutality has an absolute magnitude of shock impact, especially if the case involves a child. Therefore, some of these cases may exceed the investigators psychological coping mechanisms (Miller, 2008).

Eventually, this result to revulsion attributed to temper, especially in situation that involve innocent victims or fellow officers, who are murdered or injured (Greene, 2001). Moreover, investigators develop perceptions that these criminals are mocking the effort of law enforcement to apprehend and press charges upon them. Investigations may be inefficient due to inability to deal with a crime, and this leads to frustrations and demoralization to the investigators (Greene, 2001). Apparently, the officers charged with the responsibility of dealing with this investigation proclaim worthlessness in the society based on the notion of fairness and justice.

Special stresses of sex crimes investigations Moreover, this form of stress develops in cases that involve homicide and sex crime units; for instance, “Law and Order: SVU,” is considered the best investigative unit among other departments (Miller, 2008). Therefore, this leads to establishment of a way to prioritize these investigative departments in the process of allocating departmental resources (Miller, 1999). Apparently, with effective ways of enabling investigators to develop their psychological coping mechanisms, the rate of homicide closures can increase, while the sexual assaults can recount their experiences to investigators (Greene, 2001).

In this case, there are various forms of offenses associated with sex crimes, especially those that deal with helpless victims such as children and elderly, thereby evoking special revulsion and denial. Purpose: This research is aimed at exploring and discussing various psychological coping mechanisms that can be used by investigators in the process of dealing with major such as such as brutal crimes, multiple murders, serial killing and violence against children. Potential Questions: 1. How often do law enforcement officers have to investigate cases that involve brutal crimes, multiple murders, serial killing, and violence against children? 2. What are the principle contributing factors that results to extended stress