Date of Award

May 2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Criminal Justice

First Advisor

Roni Mayzer

Abstract

The culture and work experiences of law enforcement lead to unique workplace trauma. The cumulative and complex trauma commonly faced by law enforcement officers can activate multiple stress-related illnesses, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These illnesses can have high personal costs to the individuals, lead to loss of departmental productivity and effectiveness, and incur higher expenses for taxpayers due to overtime and high turnover rates and potential lawsuits. Research over several decades has identified risk and resiliency factors for officers. One identified risk and resiliency factor is relationship with management. This research study explores how department leaders can assist officers in dealing with stress, trauma, and PTSD with a focus on leadership and developing resiliency. Law enforcement administrators (LEAs) were interviewed through a qualitative research study design. Criterion-based, purposeful sampling was used to identify those who had leadership or administrative positions in a law enforcement agency. Interviews were semi-structured with open-ended questions designed to explore the experiences and perceptions of LEAs based on their prior experiences, supervisory challenges, organizational stress, and wellness programs within their departments. Emerging themes in this project included stress (four types: traumatic, operational, work/life balance, and organizational), leadership, resiliency and prevention, support systems, and culture. All five themes interacted, providing additional negative or positive supports. Overall, these themes are interconnected. By understanding these interactions, agencies can work towards creating a healthier and more supportive environment for their personnel. Many of the LEAs interviewed for this project reported higher levels of recruitment, retention, and mental well-being due to empathetic, involved, and appropriate levels of leadership within their departments. They also identified support systems as being a primary reason for their individual successes and their ability to cope with traumatic experiences throughout their careers. By taking a closer look at the personal and professional lived experiences of LEAs, this study highlights the significance of leadership and support systems in developing an effective wellness program, managing officer PTSD, and addressing stress.

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