Police Culture, Stress, and Diversity

Flashcards about police culture, stress, and diversity in policing

What is meant by the "working personality" of police officers?

The cluster of traits (cynicism, suspicion, authoritarianism) developed from constant exposure to danger.

Why is the working personality important, and does it still exist?

It shapes officer attitudes and behaviors; research shows many elements (e.g., hypervigilance) remain.

Define and explain the "code of silence."

An unwritten rule among officers to not report on a colleague’s mistakes or misconduct, preserving group solidarity.

What is "blue-light syndrome"?

The urge officers feel to use their lights/siren to clear traffic and hurry to calls, sometimes overly aggressively.

What is hypervigilance in policing?

A heightened, almost constant state of alertness and scanning for threats, stemming from perceived danger.

Define organizational justice and its impact on officers.

Fairness in promotions, assignments, discipline; when low, leads to cynicism, reduced morale, and higher turnover.

What is tired-cop syndrome?

Chronic fatigue from shift work and long hours, impairing judgment, reaction time, and increasing risk of errors.

Explain "occupational stress injuries" in policing.

Psychological or physical injuries (PTSD, anxiety, musculoskeletal) directly linked to job stressors and trauma.

Describe the main sources of stress experienced by officers.

Critical incidents (shootings, accidents), organizational stress (shift work, bureaucracy), public scrutiny, danger.

What are the consequences of stress, including PTSD, for police?

Flashbacks, avoidance, hyperarousal, substance abuse, relationship breakdowns, reduced job performance.

What challenges exist in addressing officers’ mental-health difficulties?

Stigma, underreporting, lack of specialized support, “tough-it-out” culture, limited peer understanding.

How do women officers’ experiences differ?

Face harassment, slower promotions, work–family conflicts, tokenism, and barriers in male-dominated culture.

What hurdles do LGBTQ2 officers encounter?

Discrimination, exclusion from “bro culture,” pressure to stay closeted, lack of role models, micro-aggressions.

How do officers from diverse communities experience policing?

May face discrimination within the force, limited mentorship, tokenism, and pressure to represent their group.

Why study "police culture," and what types of officers exist?

Culture (values, norms, rituals) shapes behavior; types include patrol, detective, specialist, community liaison.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and what causes it in officers?

A mental-health condition brought on by direct or repeated exposure to trauma (shootings, serious accidents).