“I could not do this job without my platoonmates”: coping strategies at a municipal police service
Sara Stretton, Rosemary RicciardelliPurpose
Working as a member, sworn or civilian, of any police service results in frequent exposure to occupational stressors and potentially traumatic events due to operational vocational demands, which commonly result in adverse mental health outcomes. Yet, how members effectively manage and grow from their experiences lacks comprehensive exploration.
Design/methodology/approach
In response, this study investigates police service members' coping strategies through semi-structured interviews with 128 employees, including sworn (n = 97) and civilian (n = 29) personnel. After coding all transcripts, each code was analysed across participant narratives for thematic connections and to nuance the described coping strategies.
Findings
Findings reveal participants most commonly seek informal support from trusted peer(s), family and friends. Alternative strategies include dark humour, including during organizational debriefings, physical activity, outdoor activities, driving, maintaining home-work separation, alcohol consumption and formalized mental health/wellness support.
Originality/value
Results show the first point of support is often another employee who shared the experience under discussion, due to shared understanding and cultural sensitivity. Social support among trusted peers and family/friends is a pillar of coping and mental wellness, where cultural sensitivity is vital when seeking support and engaging in coping strategies, which require nurturing and avenues for facilitation.