by California Casualty | Peace Officers |
As a police officer, physical and mental stresses are encountered daily, which can eventually take a toll. All of these stressors can lead to a hectic life. Burnout doesn’t happen overnight; it’s developed gradually and is different for each person. But the most common symptom for all officers is fatigue.
Here are some symptoms to watch out for when on the path to burning out:
- Lose Motivation
- Trouble Concentrating
- Poor Work Habits
- Poor Health
- Possible Depression
If you feel like things are leading to these symptoms, we have easy ways to help you get out of that slump.
Focus on being healthy: Eating better, exercise, and a good amount of sleep.
Pay attention to work hours: Start setting limits on your job hours, as much as possible. All work and no play make for a dull employee. Start creating a positive work balance.
Talking to Friends and Family: Reach out to your support system and communicate what some of your stressors are. You can even speak to your managers. They may provide insight that you may not have thought of before.
Staying Positive: Worry and stress happen every day for officers. This weight can get dull fast. Many organizations contribute to showing appreciation, and simply thank you for doing a great job and complementing on an outstanding performance.
Focus on the future: Whether you are deciding to finish out your career in law enforcement until retirement or looking to move on, having something to look forward to can be powerful as a means of change. Once you have figured out what path you want to take, start with the necessary steps to get there. Start with small steps if it is easier to make a change.
Again, everyone is different, and these quick suggestions may not be for you. But the important things to remember that making small changes can help your perception quickly give a peace of mind.
by California Casualty | Peace Officers |
January 9 is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. In today’s supercharged environment, it’s more important than ever that we all thank officers for what they do to protect us and make our communities better.
If you are stumped for ways to show your appreciation, here are 10 ideas to thank law enforcement officers:
- Put up a positive post on social media supporting peace officers
- Change your profile on social media to the .jpeg image provided at facebook.com/nationalcops
- Bring some treats to your local police substation
- Encourage your children and neighbors to write letters of support of law enforcement for local newspapers and take thank you cards to a substation or headquarters
- If you see police officers tell them thank you for what they do
- Pay for their cup of coffee or lunch if you see them at a coffee shop or café
- Make a donation to an organization that assists injured officers or supports families of fallen officers
- Take advantage of volunteer opportunities to help your local police or sheriff’s department
- Fill a need your local law enforcement office might need: office supplies, outside clean up or beautification, etc.
- Make and distribute appreciation gift baggies for officers that include items such as lip balm, energy bar and drink, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc.
Find more information about National Law Enforcement Appreciation day and ways you can let officers know that you care at https://www.nationalcops.org/lead.html.
Thank you from everyone at California Casualty!
by California Casualty | Peace Officers |
5 Secrets About Tattoos in Law Enforcement
Are you thinking about joining law enforcement? Are you thinking about getting a tattoo? You need to consider the implications of a tattoo if you are contemplating a career in law enforcement.
While some departments are getting more lenient about exposed tattoos, others are sticking to original policies against them, citing the rationalization that they can change the public’s perception of local law enforcement.
According to policechiefmagazine.com, only 8% of the public said they would accept visible tattoos with male officers and 5% with female officers. Also, 80% say that the public view of the police is shaped by their appearance.
Depending on your department, policies may vary. Be sure to ask before starting the hiring process. Even current officers should consider some of these tips before heading to the parlor:
– Check with your department to see what your options are.
– If they are allowed, ask if they can show outside the uniform.
– Ask if you will have to wear long-sleeves if tattoos cannot be visible.
If tattoos are acceptable:
– Consider the appropriate placement of the tattoo that abides by policy.
– Think about the subject matter of the tattoo to avoid termination.
With more people getting tattoos – 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo – its possible more police departments will adapt and accept the trend. Until then, whether or not to get inked is up to you.
Hear what other peace officers are saying about California Casualty…
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by California Casualty | Peace Officers |
Are you thinking about joining law enforcement? Are you thinking about getting a tattoo? You need to consider the implications of a tattoo if you are contemplating a career in law enforcement.
While some departments are getting more lenient about exposed tattoos, others are sticking to original policies against them, citing the rationalization that they can change the public’s perception of local law enforcement.
According to policechiefmagazine.com, only 8% of the public said they would accept visible tattoos with male officers and 5% with female officers. Also, 80% say that the public view of the police is shaped by their appearance.
Depending on your department, policies may vary. Be sure to ask before starting the hiring process. Even current officers should consider some of these tips before heading to the parlor:
-Check with your department to see what your options are.
– If they are allowed, ask if they can show outside the uniform.
– Ask if you will have to wear long-sleeves if tattoos cannot be visible.
If tattoos are acceptable:
-Consider the appropriate placement of the tattoo that abides by policy.
-Think about the subject matter of the tattoo to avoid termination.
With more people getting tattoos – 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo – its possible more police departments will adapt and accept the trend. Until then, whether or not to get inked is up to you.
by California Casualty | Peace Officers |
As a member of law enforcement, you face complicated situations every day. You’re trained to be aware of your environment and surroundings. But, have you ever thought about ways to enhance your attention to detail? What about studying art? What connection does art have with law enforcement?” Let me explain.
Our brains naturally respond when we look at a painting. We feel refreshed, changed, and mentally more awake. A study in the journal Brain and Cognition found that pictures trigger a response in brain regions associated with visual understanding and object recognition. It also connected with activity linked to emotions, inner thoughts, and learning.
Here are three secrets on how art will improve your job performance:
Restore your focus. Art can enhance your concentration in the same way that the outdoors can.
Opens up you up for learning. Not only will you feel ready to learn, but art opens you up to experience and creative achievement.
Relieve Mental Fatigue. Viewing the art allows your mind to focus on the details, awakening your brain.
Maria Popova, the founder of Brain Pickings, describes this as “the power to transcend our self-interest and relate to the world and each other with more integrity, curiosity, and wholeheartedness.”
This can be achieved without even visiting a museum. Consider books, online websites, etc. But do consider expanding your horizons for new ideas for self-improvement.
by California Casualty | Peace Officers |
As a part of law enforcement, you face difficult situations daily. Stress is everywhere and everyone struggles with it. How it can manifest can depend on the individual’s stress management techniques and lifestyle. Research shows that police officers who don’t manage stress properly are prone to burnout, poor judgment, substance abuse, and suicide. With all of this, it isn’t often that you find an officer that isn’t stressed out.
Here are some of the sources of stress officers encounter:
- Exposure to Distress: the distress of public that you become involved with will at some point affect you. This can take a toll on stress and mental health.
- Danger: Many officers experience physical danger daily, especially departments in areas with high crime rates. The possibility of being injured can become heavy mentally.
- Responsibility: The responsibility of protecting lives is a great deal of stress in itself.
- The Pace: Officers must always be ready for all situations at a moment’s notice. Switching from office work to crime work doesn’t allow for much rest causing your mind to rush back and forth.
With all the different stressors, we have tips to help manage your stress.
- Breathe: Practicing deep breaths can create a sense of calm.
- Breakfast: Eating oatmeal is said to help reduce stress. Start your day on the right foot with a beneficial breakfast.
- Exercise: It releases endorphins that eliminate tense muscles and stress.
- Sleep: Schedules can be hectic, but make sure to get enough hours of sleep. Feeling well rested the next day will help with alertness while on duty.
- Have a strong network of family and friends: Close relationships will help provide a strong support system and help with your stressors.
If you feel like the stress of the job is becoming more overwhelming, recognize that there are outlets for help. Reach out to your support system, friends and/or family. Having a life outside of the job will also help with physical and mental health. There are other options for outlets. Seek peer counseling or employee assistance programs, which are in place to assist officers in times of high stress.
