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“Police” help them live more normal lives!

© Stephen Weistling

Some popular TV shows consist of videotaped footage of law enforcement officers chasing down suspects during high-speed pursuits and kicking in the doors of suspected drug dealers. And once in a while on the nightly news, we see police officers temporarily loose their "cool" with a suspect. There's no question that this profession is drenched in adrenaline, the stuff that stress is made of.

This profession is also drenched in sleep deprivation, which occurs as a result of overtime, long shifts, and outside assignments. This is a tough job, and it's made tougher by its own long schedules.

We have learned that the loss of sleep has a direct effect on motor performance, cognitive function, and mood. Researchers have now found that the strongest effect of sleep loss is on mood, followed by cognitive function, and then motor performance.

Police officers are often asked to appear in court. What we don't always realize is that many have been working all night on shift, and then may have four of five court appearances during the day. Imagine what that might do to a person's ability to effectively carry out their duties on the next shift.

In addition, many officers take outside assignments (security for department stores, banks, or other retail establishment). Typically, a police force will allow up to 40 hours per two-week period for this outside "contract" work in addition to 40 hours overtime. It's easy to see how overwork is a common occurrence in the enforcement community, but the addition of contract work makes the workday (and workweek) even longer. (It is possible for one to work 40 hours overtime one week, and none the next. The same also applies to contract work.)

In a recent study conducted by the Albuquerque Police Department, it was determined that overtime is the primary cause of fatigue for police officers. Many officers also report that they have trouble remembering simple things, they doze off while on duty, and many admit to driving while extremely drowsy. They also report that their loss of sleep impedes their ability to handle even minor irritations.

The study also suggests that there is a direct link between the amount of overtime worked and the number of complaints filed against a police officer. Fortunately, the APD is working to address this issue, and has made several recommendations.

According to the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, there are a number of ways for police departments to assist their officers and family, and reduce the liability of police department managers. These suggestions include:

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