NYPD July Second Trimester Social
Science
Stress
Non-specific mental and physical responses of the body to any demand or change. The arousal
of the mind and body in response to demands made upon them. Releases powerful brain
chemicals and hormones that prepare us for action
(fight/flight). Psychological reaction to excessive stimulation in comparison to an individual's
coping resources
Stressors
When your mind senses changes or demands.
Tangible Stressors
Can be much easier to deal with because you can see, touch, and feel them.
Eustress
Stress that presents the opportunity for personal growth and satisfaction (Ex: daily workout).
Distress
Stress that leaves you feeling drained and irritable because it is caused by troubles (Ex: divorce,
loss of a job).
Homeostasis
The body and mind working together to try and deal with stress (balance).
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
Is an outline of how a person responds to any
stimuli which causes stress. The body follows a three-phase progression (ARE).
Alarm Phase - Body
(fight or flight) When the body senses a threat, such as being physically harmed, the autonomic
nervous system (ANS) is triggered and becomes energized.
Resistance Phase - Body
The body continues to resist until threat is over or until the body can no longer fight
, Exhaustion Phase - Body
Energy stores are depleted and the body enters into exhaustion. A person is susceptible to
serious illness or even death.
Alarm Phase - Mind
Your mind is presented with a situation with which it is unfamiliar. It reacts with surprise and
anxiety.
Resistance Phase - Mind
Here you learn to cope with the task effectively.
Exhaustion Phase - MInd
This occurs after prolonged exposure to the stressor, when you have no effective solution and
have depleted your internal resources. This leads to a state of emotional fatigue.
The Theory of Cognitive Appraisal
Situations a person perceives to be stressful. Are shaped by that person's past experiences.
What is stressful to one person may not be stressful to another
External Stressors (stress in law enforcement)
Frustration with judicial system. Lack of support by public and negative attitudes. Officer's
dislike of decisions by administrative bodies affecting law enforcement work. Negative media
coverage
Internal Stressors (stress in law enforcement)
Department policies, Inadequate career development opportunities, lack of recognition, poor
economic benefit Inconsistent discipline, Excessive paperwork, Lack of support from the chain
of command.
Stress in Police Work Itself (operational)
Exposure to life's miseries, Hours of boredom, Fear and danger of the job, Constant
responsibility for protecting other people, Fragmented nature of the job, Work overload
Stressors Confronting the Individual Officer
Fears regarding job competence, individual success, and safety; Necessity to conform; Necessity
to take a second job or further education; Being criticized by peers; Altered social status in the
community due to attitude changes toward a person because they are a police officer
Science
Stress
Non-specific mental and physical responses of the body to any demand or change. The arousal
of the mind and body in response to demands made upon them. Releases powerful brain
chemicals and hormones that prepare us for action
(fight/flight). Psychological reaction to excessive stimulation in comparison to an individual's
coping resources
Stressors
When your mind senses changes or demands.
Tangible Stressors
Can be much easier to deal with because you can see, touch, and feel them.
Eustress
Stress that presents the opportunity for personal growth and satisfaction (Ex: daily workout).
Distress
Stress that leaves you feeling drained and irritable because it is caused by troubles (Ex: divorce,
loss of a job).
Homeostasis
The body and mind working together to try and deal with stress (balance).
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
Is an outline of how a person responds to any
stimuli which causes stress. The body follows a three-phase progression (ARE).
Alarm Phase - Body
(fight or flight) When the body senses a threat, such as being physically harmed, the autonomic
nervous system (ANS) is triggered and becomes energized.
Resistance Phase - Body
The body continues to resist until threat is over or until the body can no longer fight
, Exhaustion Phase - Body
Energy stores are depleted and the body enters into exhaustion. A person is susceptible to
serious illness or even death.
Alarm Phase - Mind
Your mind is presented with a situation with which it is unfamiliar. It reacts with surprise and
anxiety.
Resistance Phase - Mind
Here you learn to cope with the task effectively.
Exhaustion Phase - MInd
This occurs after prolonged exposure to the stressor, when you have no effective solution and
have depleted your internal resources. This leads to a state of emotional fatigue.
The Theory of Cognitive Appraisal
Situations a person perceives to be stressful. Are shaped by that person's past experiences.
What is stressful to one person may not be stressful to another
External Stressors (stress in law enforcement)
Frustration with judicial system. Lack of support by public and negative attitudes. Officer's
dislike of decisions by administrative bodies affecting law enforcement work. Negative media
coverage
Internal Stressors (stress in law enforcement)
Department policies, Inadequate career development opportunities, lack of recognition, poor
economic benefit Inconsistent discipline, Excessive paperwork, Lack of support from the chain
of command.
Stress in Police Work Itself (operational)
Exposure to life's miseries, Hours of boredom, Fear and danger of the job, Constant
responsibility for protecting other people, Fragmented nature of the job, Work overload
Stressors Confronting the Individual Officer
Fears regarding job competence, individual success, and safety; Necessity to conform; Necessity
to take a second job or further education; Being criticized by peers; Altered social status in the
community due to attitude changes toward a person because they are a police officer
