Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement Professionals are an integral part of our communities and neighborhoods, and a vital part of our nation’s response to public emergencies. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and private security professionals all have important roles in our communities’ safety, preparation for, response to, and recovery from natural and man-made disasters.

Law officers take an oath to serve and protect. In times of disaster they are particularly likely to face challenging tasks that may also put their lives at risk. The personal reward from such duties maybe great, but the challenges also require special training, awareness of the unique demands of disaster environments, and knowledge of community and individual responses to disasters. Work during and after disasters also require an awareness of the personal emotional toll that disaster-related law enforcement may take. Effective use of stress management skills by leaders and officers can sustain occupational functioning and foster resilience in the workforce.

For the law enforcement professional, stress related emotional and behavioral responses to the demands of communities facing disasters may be short lived or long term. Disasters related to weapons of mass destruction bring unique and substantial law enforcement stressors. Understanding the potential responses of one’s community can enhance community-based work. Understanding one’s own disaster-related stress responses will assist in identification and management of disaster-related stress responses that may appear in law enforcement professionals or their family members.

The fact sheets below provide information on disaster related stressors and individual responses that may assist law enforcement professionals and their leadership.