The Heavy Badge
Dr. Daniel A. Goldfarb
Diplomate In Police Psychology
What I have tried to do over the years is to bring the theories and practice of psychology to the unique
sub-culture of police work. A close knit sub-culture that does not easily allow outsiders entrance. I have
attempted to tailor what my profession has taught me to fit the unique stressors, lifestyle, and problems
faced by Law enforcement personnel and their families. I have been allowed into the circle. For that I
feel honored. I believe my presence there has helped to make a difference. For that I feel proud.
When you decided to become an officer, you knew of the danger on the street. It is a physical danger
that you face everyday, a tangible danger for which you are trained to respond. But no one told you
about the other dangers that you face. No one trained you for the stress of the job. No one told you
about the high divorce rate, the high alcoholism rate, the high rate of physical illness and the high rate
of suicide. No one told you of the scrutiny that you'd face everyday from the community and even from
your own peers in internal affairs. No one told you about the difficulty maintaining a life on the streets
and a meaningful relationship with your family. They let you go without training and didn't answer your
call for backup.
The site will attempt to explore the effects of stress on Law enforcement personal. Hopefully it will
educate you, give you additional life tools, and through your feedback continue to educate us. Your job
is stressful, dangerous, and very necessary. You have a right to expect a good and rich life in return for
your sacrifice. Hopefully these pages can help.
Dr. Daniel A. Goldfarb
Diplomate In Police Psychology
What I have tried to do over the years is to bring the theories and practice of psychology to the unique
sub-culture of police work. A close knit sub-culture that does not easily allow outsiders entrance. I have
attempted to tailor what my profession has taught me to fit the unique stressors, lifestyle, and problems
faced by Law enforcement personnel and their families. I have been allowed into the circle. For that I
feel honored. I believe my presence there has helped to make a difference. For that I feel proud.
When you decided to become an officer, you knew of the danger on the street. It is a physical danger
that you face everyday, a tangible danger for which you are trained to respond. But no one told you
about the other dangers that you face. No one trained you for the stress of the job. No one told you
about the high divorce rate, the high alcoholism rate, the high rate of physical illness and the high rate
of suicide. No one told you of the scrutiny that you'd face everyday from the community and even from
your own peers in internal affairs. No one told you about the difficulty maintaining a life on the streets
and a meaningful relationship with your family. They let you go without training and didn't answer your
call for backup.
The site will attempt to explore the effects of stress on Law enforcement personal. Hopefully it will
educate you, give you additional life tools, and through your feedback continue to educate us. Your job
is stressful, dangerous, and very necessary. You have a right to expect a good and rich life in return for
your sacrifice. Hopefully these pages can help.
Dr. Kevin Keough -- Police Psychologist
Dr. Kevin Keough is a 45-year-old, licensed, clinical psychologist and Director of the Police Psychology
Consultation Center (PPCC) in Wilmington, Delaware. Dr. Keough provides comprehensive
psychological services to 20 police departments and public safety organizations in Delaware. He has of
the Special Psychological Services Group--the nation's largest and most respected network of police.
Dr. Keough is a political advocate for individual police officers and law enforcement organizations.
In addition, Dr. Keough has participated in approximately 60 "active" ridealongs, which have provided
invaluable experience and awareness of the rigors of different aspects of patrol duty. He has identified
and brought together a comprehensive package of prevention programs to address the unique mental
health and life transitions of police officers and their families.
Dr. Keough has engaged in extensive networking within the law enforcement and police psychology
communities toward the goal of creating a web site designed to address the health/mental health and
family issues unique to law enforcement personnel.
Law enforcement topics include the following:
shift work adaptation
law enforcement marriages
burnout-avoidance, recognition, and recovery
medical conditions and medications that mimic psychological symptoms
fundamentals of mental health for police officers
depression and anxiety inoculation
strengthening psychological characteristics associated with mental health and solid job performance
In addition to offering a range of personal consultative services, Dr. Keough provides the following
services:
performs emergency evaluations
conducts critical incident debriefings
performs initial evaluations
delivers brief psychotherapy following developed treatment plans
makes referrals to staff with special expertise
participates in peer supervision and coordination of treatment services
provides consultation to administration
presents mental health promotional and educational modules
conducts pre-employment psychological evaluations
Dr. Kevin Keough is a 45-year-old, licensed, clinical psychologist and Director of the Police Psychology
Consultation Center (PPCC) in Wilmington, Delaware. Dr. Keough provides comprehensive
psychological services to 20 police departments and public safety organizations in Delaware. He has of
the Special Psychological Services Group--the nation's largest and most respected network of police.
Dr. Keough is a political advocate for individual police officers and law enforcement organizations.
In addition, Dr. Keough has participated in approximately 60 "active" ridealongs, which have provided
invaluable experience and awareness of the rigors of different aspects of patrol duty. He has identified
and brought together a comprehensive package of prevention programs to address the unique mental
health and life transitions of police officers and their families.
Dr. Keough has engaged in extensive networking within the law enforcement and police psychology
communities toward the goal of creating a web site designed to address the health/mental health and
family issues unique to law enforcement personnel.
Law enforcement topics include the following:
shift work adaptation
law enforcement marriages
burnout-avoidance, recognition, and recovery
medical conditions and medications that mimic psychological symptoms
fundamentals of mental health for police officers
depression and anxiety inoculation
strengthening psychological characteristics associated with mental health and solid job performance
In addition to offering a range of personal consultative services, Dr. Keough provides the following
services:
performs emergency evaluations
conducts critical incident debriefings
performs initial evaluations
delivers brief psychotherapy following developed treatment plans
makes referrals to staff with special expertise
participates in peer supervision and coordination of treatment services
provides consultation to administration
presents mental health promotional and educational modules
conducts pre-employment psychological evaluations
The Central Florida Police Stress Unit, Inc. is a nonprofit organization, and a program of the
Criminal Justice Office of Catholic Charities of Central Florida. It is not affiliated with any police
department or law enforcement agency. The Central Florida Police Stress Unit provides a confidential
response for law enforcement officers with no outside interference from their respective department or
agency.
PURPOSE:
The Central Florida Police Stress Unit, Inc. was established for Law Enforcement Officers and their
families. It provides a Confidential Response and addresses the many issues associated and caused
directly and indirectly by the stress related to the Law Enforcement profession.
THE NEED:
Law Enforcement Officers face many types of danger in their career. On average somewhere in
America, a Law Enforcement Officer is killed in-the-line-of-duty every 54 hours. Law Enforcement
Officers often pay another price that doesn't make the headlines on the evening news, yet one that still
destroys lives. Stress is Law Enforcement's Hidden Assailant. Law Enforcement work can be a killer,
even if no one is shooting at you! Stress among Law Enforcement Officers often effect relationships
ending in divorce - an annual rate of nearly five times that of the general population. It spells problems
with alcohol, prescription drug abuse, and domestic violence. Stress also means disruption of normal
sleeping patterns, eating habits, poor nutrition, paranoia, fear, anger, and depression. In addition to the
day-to-day stresses of law enforcement work, officers are also exposed to critical incident and
post-traumatic stress. The officer's psychological defense mechanisms become over whelmed causing
the officer to develop long-term stress effects. As a last resort, many officers turn their own handguns
on themselves making law enforcement suicide an international epidemic.
The Central Florida Police Stress Unit, Inc. is staffed by a director and peer-support volunteers who
have a variety of training and life experiences. Professional help is available through a collaborative
effort with the Counseling Center of Catholic Charities. Services are provided by Licensed Mental Health
Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Clinical Social Workers, and a consulting Police
Psychologist.
The Central Florida Police Stress Unit addresses the following areas:
Relationship and Marital Difficulties
Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Domestic Violence and Spouse Abuse
Trauma associated with Shootings, Accidents, Injury, and Death
Difficult Relationships with Management and Co-workers
Health and Wellness Issues
Financial Problems and Debt Management
Issues related to Retirement
THE FACTS ARE IN AND THE COSTS ARE HIGH:
Support has to start at the top - management - and work down through the ranks. Officers have to feel a
comfort level when asking for help. It's not a sign of weakness. Law Enforcement Officers tend to be
more open and express their feelings and emotions when they are in a safe environment. With the
proper training in the areas of stress and ethics - beginning at the academy and continuing through an
officer's career and the availability of confidential peer support and professional counseling, law
enforcement agencies can significantly reduce the costs and casualties of law enforcement stress.
Criminal Justice Office of Catholic Charities of Central Florida. It is not affiliated with any police
department or law enforcement agency. The Central Florida Police Stress Unit provides a confidential
response for law enforcement officers with no outside interference from their respective department or
agency.
PURPOSE:
The Central Florida Police Stress Unit, Inc. was established for Law Enforcement Officers and their
families. It provides a Confidential Response and addresses the many issues associated and caused
directly and indirectly by the stress related to the Law Enforcement profession.
THE NEED:
Law Enforcement Officers face many types of danger in their career. On average somewhere in
America, a Law Enforcement Officer is killed in-the-line-of-duty every 54 hours. Law Enforcement
Officers often pay another price that doesn't make the headlines on the evening news, yet one that still
destroys lives. Stress is Law Enforcement's Hidden Assailant. Law Enforcement work can be a killer,
even if no one is shooting at you! Stress among Law Enforcement Officers often effect relationships
ending in divorce - an annual rate of nearly five times that of the general population. It spells problems
with alcohol, prescription drug abuse, and domestic violence. Stress also means disruption of normal
sleeping patterns, eating habits, poor nutrition, paranoia, fear, anger, and depression. In addition to the
day-to-day stresses of law enforcement work, officers are also exposed to critical incident and
post-traumatic stress. The officer's psychological defense mechanisms become over whelmed causing
the officer to develop long-term stress effects. As a last resort, many officers turn their own handguns
on themselves making law enforcement suicide an international epidemic.
The Central Florida Police Stress Unit, Inc. is staffed by a director and peer-support volunteers who
have a variety of training and life experiences. Professional help is available through a collaborative
effort with the Counseling Center of Catholic Charities. Services are provided by Licensed Mental Health
Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Clinical Social Workers, and a consulting Police
Psychologist.
The Central Florida Police Stress Unit addresses the following areas:
Relationship and Marital Difficulties
Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Domestic Violence and Spouse Abuse
Trauma associated with Shootings, Accidents, Injury, and Death
Difficult Relationships with Management and Co-workers
Health and Wellness Issues
Financial Problems and Debt Management
Issues related to Retirement
THE FACTS ARE IN AND THE COSTS ARE HIGH:
Support has to start at the top - management - and work down through the ranks. Officers have to feel a
comfort level when asking for help. It's not a sign of weakness. Law Enforcement Officers tend to be
more open and express their feelings and emotions when they are in a safe environment. With the
proper training in the areas of stress and ethics - beginning at the academy and continuing through an
officer's career and the availability of confidential peer support and professional counseling, law
enforcement agencies can significantly reduce the costs and casualties of law enforcement stress.
The Peer Support Training Institute seeks to help police officers and other public safety
personnel reduce stress and diminish the negative emotional effects of this occupation. Through the
use of peer support, programs such as The Members Assistance Program of the New York City Police
Unions (MAP) have reduced the rate of police officer suicide and increased the level of acceptance for
mental health services. In 2001, MAP became POPPA, Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance,
personnel reduce stress and diminish the negative emotional effects of this occupation. Through the
use of peer support, programs such as The Members Assistance Program of the New York City Police
Unions (MAP) have reduced the rate of police officer suicide and increased the level of acceptance for
mental health services. In 2001, MAP became POPPA, Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance,
A Guide to Psychology and Its Practice Psychological tests aren’t magic, so let’s get that clear
right at the beginning. They assess and evaluate information that you give to the examiner, which is why
the formal name of psychological testing is psychological assessment. You give this information either in
the form of answers to interview questions or as answers on paper—or on a computer—to specific
questions. Ultimately, a test’s accuracy depends on how carefully and seriously you answer the
questions you’re asked.
right at the beginning. They assess and evaluate information that you give to the examiner, which is why
the formal name of psychological testing is psychological assessment. You give this information either in
the form of answers to interview questions or as answers on paper—or on a computer—to specific
questions. Ultimately, a test’s accuracy depends on how carefully and seriously you answer the
questions you’re asked.
Reducing Stress:An Organization-Centered Approach By Peter Finn, M.A. People in all
walks of life experience, and must find ways to cope with, some degree of stress. However, in the past
25 years, researchers and criminal justice officials have identified stress factors unique to, or more
pronounced among, law enforcement officers. Today, law enforcement is widely considered to be among
the most stressful occupations, associated with high rates of divorce, alcoholism, suicide, and other
emotional and health problems.
walks of life experience, and must find ways to cope with, some degree of stress. However, in the past
25 years, researchers and criminal justice officials have identified stress factors unique to, or more
pronounced among, law enforcement officers. Today, law enforcement is widely considered to be among
the most stressful occupations, associated with high rates of divorce, alcoholism, suicide, and other
emotional and health problems.
Police-Stress.com "Behind the Shield" Did you know that training a law enforcement officer
costs approximately $50,000? When you invest that much money in training an officer, you naturally
want to be certain that he or she is the appropriate person for the job. That is what we do!
Police-Stress.com evaluates the officer before employment, using testing instruments specially designed
for that purpose. "We know that certain characteristics are found in the most successful officers and we
test for those characteristics"
costs approximately $50,000? When you invest that much money in training an officer, you naturally
want to be certain that he or she is the appropriate person for the job. That is what we do!
Police-Stress.com evaluates the officer before employment, using testing instruments specially designed
for that purpose. "We know that certain characteristics are found in the most successful officers and we
test for those characteristics"
James T. Reese & Associates While it has always been considered one of the most stressful
occupations in the world, law enforcement doesn't hold the copyright on stress. Instead it's the
uniqueness of police stress, the work, the responsibility for people, the dangers associated with the job,
the long, irregular hours, the pressures placed upon you to perform at your maximum capacity 24-hours
a day and the need to control your emotions on a full time basis.
occupations in the world, law enforcement doesn't hold the copyright on stress. Instead it's the
uniqueness of police stress, the work, the responsibility for people, the dangers associated with the job,
the long, irregular hours, the pressures placed upon you to perform at your maximum capacity 24-hours
a day and the need to control your emotions on a full time basis.
Police Officer Stress and Agency Organizational Structure Much of the contemporary
literature on the causes of law enforcement stress focuses on factors personal to the individual officer.
However, other researchers suggest that an officer's ability to cope with this stress is hindered by the
structure and operation of the organization within which he or she works. In other words, the argument is
made that aggregate-level elements -- organizational structure and operation -- may contribute in
explaining the nature and extent of an individual-level phenomenon -- law enforcement officer stress.
literature on the causes of law enforcement stress focuses on factors personal to the individual officer.
However, other researchers suggest that an officer's ability to cope with this stress is hindered by the
structure and operation of the organization within which he or she works. In other words, the argument is
made that aggregate-level elements -- organizational structure and operation -- may contribute in
explaining the nature and extent of an individual-level phenomenon -- law enforcement officer stress.
Police Stress and Employee Assistance Programs It has long been assumed that police work
is the world's most stressful occupation, but comparative studies of occupational stress have revealed
that other occupations, such as business, emergency medical services, and correctional work are more
stressful than policing (Patterson 1992). The symptoms of police stress may be different, however. For
one thing, the effects are usually delayed, more closely resembling the symptoms of PTSD (Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder) or burnout (sometimes called cumulative stress reaction, but burnout, a
disease of overcommitment is the more reversible condition characterized more by temper flare-ups).
The symptoms appear one day from "out of the blue" in officers who have not shown even the slightest
early warning sign. Research has shown that officers with six to ten years of service usually have the
highest mean stressor scores (Violanti & Aron 1995).
is the world's most stressful occupation, but comparative studies of occupational stress have revealed
that other occupations, such as business, emergency medical services, and correctional work are more
stressful than policing (Patterson 1992). The symptoms of police stress may be different, however. For
one thing, the effects are usually delayed, more closely resembling the symptoms of PTSD (Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder) or burnout (sometimes called cumulative stress reaction, but burnout, a
disease of overcommitment is the more reversible condition characterized more by temper flare-ups).
The symptoms appear one day from "out of the blue" in officers who have not shown even the slightest
early warning sign. Research has shown that officers with six to ten years of service usually have the
highest mean stressor scores (Violanti & Aron 1995).
Police
Stress
Stress
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Articles...
| More Inside |
Infrared heat is light produced by the sun. This is the heat you feel penetrate your skin when you stand in the sun
- and miss when you walk into the shade. Infrared energy is also given off as body heat. It has nothing to do with
ultraviolet light which gives you sunburn and damages your skin.
- and miss when you walk into the shade. Infrared energy is also given off as body heat. It has nothing to do with
ultraviolet light which gives you sunburn and damages your skin.
Where conventional saunas transfer heat by circulating hot air, thus warm
your body from your head, the infrared heat rays warm your body directly.
This allows an in-depth heat in a more pleasant temperature of 110-150°F(43
- 66°C), thus providing more health benefits and a highly enjoyable and
comfortable environment.
Conventional saunas need high air temperatures to pull impurities from the
body, but infrared heated saunas can directly penetrate up to 45 mm (up to
an inch-and-a-half) inside the body. Infrared emitters heat in the 7- to
14-micron range with a peak at 9.4 microns, the same as the human body,
making it easier to absorb. Impurities can be pushed out using lower and
more comfortable temperatures.
your body from your head, the infrared heat rays warm your body directly.
This allows an in-depth heat in a more pleasant temperature of 110-150°F(43
- 66°C), thus providing more health benefits and a highly enjoyable and
comfortable environment.
Conventional saunas need high air temperatures to pull impurities from the
body, but infrared heated saunas can directly penetrate up to 45 mm (up to
an inch-and-a-half) inside the body. Infrared emitters heat in the 7- to
14-micron range with a peak at 9.4 microns, the same as the human body,
making it easier to absorb. Impurities can be pushed out using lower and
more comfortable temperatures.
As the body temperature rises by infrared heat, perspiration occurs and blood circulation increases.The muscles
and organs are stimulated and toxic waste (fat, heavy metals and other toxic materials) is removed from your body
through perspiration.
Natural Body Rejuvenation Infrared Healing Saunas
Infrared emitters produce infrared heat in wavelengths of 7- to 14-microns. The TheraMitters have a peak output
of 9.4 micron - the same as the human body. Since the heat emitted by the TheraMitters is similar to the heat
emitted by the human body, the body is better able to absorb the beneficial infrared in a shorter period of time.
How does it benefit us?
Our body reacts to the increased heating through the natural cooling process of perspiring. Through the
perspiration process, acid and waste residue like toxins, sodium, alcohol, nicotine, cholesterol and the potentially
carcinogenic heavy metals are removed from the cells (especially zinc, lead, nickel, cadmium, etc). As well as the
pores of our skin opening and discharging waste products , the skin sheds any old skin cells , leaving it glowing
and immaculately clean, with improved tone, elasticity, texture and colour.
Cardiovascular Conditioning:
While the moisture on the surface of the skin evaporates and thus cools the body, a number of other changes
occur in the body to release the heat as quickly as possible. The heart beats harder and faster , pumping more
blood through the dilated blood vessels, thus achieving the conditioning benefits of continuous exercise.
Weight Control:
As our body expends energy to produce sweat (1 gm sweat requires 0.586 kcal) a moderately conditioned person
can easily sweat off up to 1000gms or more in a sauna session - the equivalent to running 10-15 kms. While this
weight loss can be regained by re-hydration with water, the calories consumed will not. This is a valuable system
for those who don't exercise and those who can not exercise, yet want an effective weight control and fitness
program, along with the benefits that regular exercise bring.
Where is infrared technology used?
Infrared heat is well known for pain relief. Health professionals have used red infrared heat lamps for decades to
treat muscle and joint problems. In hospital baby care units, incubators are often equipped with infrared heating
systems to keep new-born babies warm.
and organs are stimulated and toxic waste (fat, heavy metals and other toxic materials) is removed from your body
through perspiration.
Natural Body Rejuvenation Infrared Healing Saunas
Infrared emitters produce infrared heat in wavelengths of 7- to 14-microns. The TheraMitters have a peak output
of 9.4 micron - the same as the human body. Since the heat emitted by the TheraMitters is similar to the heat
emitted by the human body, the body is better able to absorb the beneficial infrared in a shorter period of time.
How does it benefit us?
Our body reacts to the increased heating through the natural cooling process of perspiring. Through the
perspiration process, acid and waste residue like toxins, sodium, alcohol, nicotine, cholesterol and the potentially
carcinogenic heavy metals are removed from the cells (especially zinc, lead, nickel, cadmium, etc). As well as the
pores of our skin opening and discharging waste products , the skin sheds any old skin cells , leaving it glowing
and immaculately clean, with improved tone, elasticity, texture and colour.
Cardiovascular Conditioning:
While the moisture on the surface of the skin evaporates and thus cools the body, a number of other changes
occur in the body to release the heat as quickly as possible. The heart beats harder and faster , pumping more
blood through the dilated blood vessels, thus achieving the conditioning benefits of continuous exercise.
Weight Control:
As our body expends energy to produce sweat (1 gm sweat requires 0.586 kcal) a moderately conditioned person
can easily sweat off up to 1000gms or more in a sauna session - the equivalent to running 10-15 kms. While this
weight loss can be regained by re-hydration with water, the calories consumed will not. This is a valuable system
for those who don't exercise and those who can not exercise, yet want an effective weight control and fitness
program, along with the benefits that regular exercise bring.
Where is infrared technology used?
Infrared heat is well known for pain relief. Health professionals have used red infrared heat lamps for decades to
treat muscle and joint problems. In hospital baby care units, incubators are often equipped with infrared heating
systems to keep new-born babies warm.
Residuals of Police Occupational Trauma - This paper describes possible consequences of
exposure to trauma in the police occupation. During the span of a career, police officers are generally
exposed to traumatic events more often and more intensely than those in other occupations. Under such
conditions, the probability of addiction to and residual effects of trauma increases. Trauma addiction
may be a result of physiological and psychological processes that increase the need for exciting or
dangerous activities. Residual impact of trauma may be the result of separating from police service,
diminishing stimulation from police activities, and loss of social support from a cohesive police culture.
The paper concludes with suggestions for therapy.
exposure to trauma in the police occupation. During the span of a career, police officers are generally
exposed to traumatic events more often and more intensely than those in other occupations. Under such
conditions, the probability of addiction to and residual effects of trauma increases. Trauma addiction
may be a result of physiological and psychological processes that increase the need for exciting or
dangerous activities. Residual impact of trauma may be the result of separating from police service,
diminishing stimulation from police activities, and loss of social support from a cohesive police culture.
The paper concludes with suggestions for therapy.
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