Living with a cop : a handbook for police officers and their families
Date
2003
Authors
Fuller, Merle E
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2003
Abstract
Early in my career, I observed a problem in the police subculture: that there was a lack of
information and understanding about the attitudinal and behavioral changes new police
officers experience when they join a police service and the subsequent dissonance this
creates in the lives of officers and their family members. I wondered whether knowing
that these changes are likely to occur when an individual becomes a police officer would
help mitigate the stress on police officers and on their significant others. The current
project provided me with the opportunity to thoroughly examine the issue, produce a
book that acknowledges these changes, and empower the reader with information and
support. Some may argue that any question is redundant if the answer is obvious; but is
an obvious answer to a question necessarily obvious to those living the experience?
Reflecting on my personal experience and that of my contemporaries, I suspect that many
new police officers struggle with the emerging occupational identity, something not often
discussed in the police subculture. Research into this issue provided authoritative data,
that identified the cause and nature the attitudinal and behavioral changes, and the
subsequent effects this has on the officer's family. Through personal introspection and
the exploration of writings by authoritative researchers, practicing police psychologists,
and family members of police officers, I learned that the development of an occupational
identity, or working personality, is a common phenomenon among police officers across
the country. Police officers share a common personality due to the harsh work
environment in which they function and through close association with their coworkers.
Hypervigilance, cynicism, labeling and social isolation are pervasive personality traits,
which some officers are unable to shed when they leave work. These issues can result in the erosion of personal and nuclear relationships if not acted upon. In my handbook, I
specifically address the necessity of developing open communication, social integration,
personal organization and holistic wellness as salient measures necessary to sustain a
healthy perspective on life and healthy relationships.
Description
ix, 62 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Police -- Job stress , Police -- Family relationships , Police psychology , Law enforcement -- Psychological aspects