Police Officer Wellness

Police officers face a unique set of challenges that can take a toll on their mental and physical health. From the grueling demands of shift work to chronic exposure to traumatic incidents, the stresses of law enforcement are pervasive and come in many forms. While the primary focus is often on the public’s safety, the health and wellness of those who protect and serve are equally important. When we consider the more stressful parts of police work, shift work, sleep deprivation, frequent exposure to traumatic events, hyper-vigilance, prolonged times of stress, and the culture of not holding mental health as a priority are all aspects of law enforcement that contribute to police officer wellness.

Sleep Deprivation and Shift Work

One of the most significant challenges police officers face is sleep deprivation due to the nature of their work schedules. Shift work, often involving irregular hours and rotating shifts, is a common feature of law enforcement. This schedule disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythms, leading to sleep deprivation and related health issues.

Research has shown that sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function, decision-making, and reaction times—critical faculties for police officers who must remain alert and responsive in high-stakes situations. Chronic sleep deprivation is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. The combination of long hours, irregular shifts, and inadequate sleep creates a perfect storm for both physical and mental health problems among police officers.

Sleep deprivation exacerbates the stress that officers experience on the job. Police officers who reported poor sleep quality were more likely to suffer from burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Burnout affects officers’ well-being and undermines their effectiveness and the safety of the communities they serve.

Chronic Exposure to Critical Incidents

Police officers are regularly exposed to critical incidents and traumatic events. First responders on the scene of violent crimes, motor vehicle crashes, household accidents, and other traumatic events. This chronic exposure can be a significant risk factor for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues.

Exposure to traumatic events and critical incidents over time can lead to PTSD. Approximately 1 in 3 first responders develop PTSD, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This rate is substantially higher than the 1 in 5 rates of PTSD for the general population of the United States. The symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hyper-vigilance, can severely impair an officer’s ability to function both on and off the job. And, officers with PTSD are at an increased risk of developing substance abuse disorders as they may turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism.

The cumulative effect of repeated exposure to trauma can lead to what is known as compassion fatigue, a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that reduces an officer’s capacity to empathize with others. Compassion fatigue can contribute to a decline in job performance, strained relationships–personally and professionally–and a heightened risk of mental health crises.

Law Enforcement and Mental Health

Studies have shown that police officers are less likely than the general population to seek mental health services due to the stigma and fear of being perceived as weak or unfit for duty. This reluctance is compounded by concerns about confidentiality and the potential impact on their careers. As a result, many officers suffer in silence, leading to a worsening of symptoms and an increased risk of severe mental health outcomes, including suicide.

The law enforcement culture has traditionally been self-reliant and not showing weakness. Officers are often expected to “tough it out” and avoid showing vulnerability. This cultural norm can be detrimental to mental health, as it can discourage officers from seeking help when they need it most.

The lack of routine mental health evaluations in law enforcement further exacerbates the problem. In contrast, officers may undergo rigorous physical health screenings, and mental health assessments are often overlooked or only conducted as part of the initial hiring process and again following a very traumatic incident. This reactive approach fails to identify and address mental health issues before they become debilitating.

Hyper-vigilance and the Consequences

Hyper-vigilance, a state of heightened alertness and sensitivity to potential threats, is a common experience for police officers. While this state of constant readiness is necessary for officer safety, it also has significant drawbacks. Prolonged hyper-vigilance can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and a range of physical health problems.

Research suggests that hyper-vigilance can disrupt the body’s stress response system, leading to an overproduction of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Elevated cortisol levels over time can contribute to various health issues, including hypertension, immune system suppression, and metabolic syndrome. Additionally, hyper-vigilance can disrupt sleep patterns, aggravate fatigue, and contribute to burnout.

The psychological toll of hyper-vigilance is also profound. Officers who remain in a constant state of alertness may struggle to “turn off” this heightened awareness when off duty, leading to difficulties in relaxing and engaging in everyday activities. This persistent tension can strain personal relationships and reduce overall quality of life.

The Health Impacts

The stress associated with law enforcement work can seem constant. In addition to the acute stressors of critical incidents, officers face chronic stress from the demands of the job, administrative pressures, and the challenges of maintaining work-life balance. Chronic stress is a well-documented risk factor for a wide range of physical and mental health problems. Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal issues, musculoskeletal problems, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. For police officers who already face a higher baseline level of stress than the general population, the cumulative effects can be devastating.

The impact of stress on mental health is of particular concern within law enforcement. A study by the Ruderman Family Foundation found that first responders, including police officers, are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. Blue H.E.L.P., an organization that tracks police suicides, has data showing 122 law enforcement suicides in the United States in 2023, a number that is likely underreported due to stigma and lack of comprehensive data collection. The suicide rate among police officers is significantly higher than that of the general population, reflecting the immense pressures and mental health challenges faced by those in the profession.

The Path Forward: Prioritizing Police Officer Wellness

Addressing police officer wellness requires policy changes, cultural shifts, and enhanced support systems. Agencies must prioritize mental health by providing regular screenings, promoting a culture of openness and support, and ensuring access to confidential counseling services. Training on stress management, resilience, and mental health awareness should be part of law enforcement education. Additionally, efforts to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help are crucial. Officers should be encouraged to prioritize their well-being without fear of judgment or career repercussions.

In many agencies, these steps are beginning to be taken. However, addressing the structural issues that contribute to poor wellness outcomes, such as long hours, shift work, and chronic exposure to trauma, is more challenging to change. While agencies cannot stop emergencies or keep them on a set schedule, implementing policies that promote work-life balance, adequate rest, and recovery and providing resources for coping with trauma can make a significant difference in the health and longevity of police officers.

In public safety, we all strive to save one more life, yet we must remember to care for ourselves as much as we look after those around us. Officer wellness needs to be a priority. It’s up to law enforcement agencies to work toward solutions to improve the health and well-being of their officers and push toward a change in the culture, normalizing the addition of mental health into wellness. The path forward requires a commitment to cultural change, comprehensive mental health support, and policies that address the unique challenges of police work. Protecting those who protect our communities should be a top priority for everyone.

As part of our commitment to officer wellness and One More Life, the SoundThinking booth at IACP will host therapy dogs. We encourage you to stop by booth #1511 to learn more about SoundThinking’s products and SafetySmart Platform and, of course, relieve some stress by petting some therapy canines. Use the button below to schedule a meeting with us, even during IACP.

Schedule a Meeting