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Understanding and supporting law enforcement professionals working with distressing material: Findings from a
Cristina-Bianca Denk-Florea1, Benjamin Gancz2, Amalia Gomoiu1
1Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|November 25, 2020
Summary
Law enforcement personnel experience significant emotional responses and potential secondary traumatic stress when viewing distressing content. Resilience is fostered through coping strategies, social support, and organizational practices.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Law enforcement officers frequently encounter distressing materials, including child sexual abuse content.
- Previous research indicates a need for further understanding of the impact on personnel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the experiences and influencing factors for law enforcement personnel working with distressing materials.
- To identify factors mediating resilience and risks associated with exposure.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous semi-structured interviews with 22 law enforcement personnel in England.
- Thematic analysis of interview data, organized into specific headings.
Main Results:
- Personnel exhibited heightened affective responses to personally relevant, violent, or norm-violating material, which desensitized over time.
- Exposure led to psychological symptoms, including Secondary Traumatic Stress.
- Resilience was mediated by job satisfaction, self-care, coping strategies, work-life detachment, social support, and reduced exposure.
Conclusions:
- Individual coping mechanisms and organizational support are crucial for mitigating the negative impacts of distressing material exposure.
- Recommendations are provided for fostering resilience in law enforcement and similar organizations.
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