Police Officers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Considerations for Treatment

Abstract

In this qualitative review of literature, I examine post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among police officers. In particular, I emphasize the causes, coping strategies, and interventions used by police departments to reduce the effect of PTSD symptoms. In their daily work, police officers are exposed to traumatic events that range from fighting drug gangs to responding to disasters like Hurricane Katrina. Among police officers, approximately 33% develop PTSD following an event they perceive as traumatic. Factors that could influence coping responses include age, gender, and ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Police departments may benefit from providing PTSD and stress management training before a traumatic event occurs to improve resilience and coping skills among police officers.