Course detail: Cop Stress

Course Description:

Police officers experience frequent and ongoing stressors in their work.  These stressors range from their constant risk of staying safe on the job, restricting and conflicting policies, public opinion, public perceptions, and even civil unrest. And, simultaneously be prepared and decisive in responding to and investigating critical incidents, intentional human acts that shock the conscious, preserve life and respond to mass disasters.  While these stressors are duly accepted the very day they pinned on the badge, there are healthy alternatives to mitigate burnout, substance abuse, marital problems, anxiety, depression or even post-traumatic stress injuries.  

We will discuss head-on and with intensity, the realities of cause and effect within this caustic environment. You may be challenged to recognize your own maladaptive behaviors, further challenged in how to make personal change, to be accountable for your own mental health, how to better cope, and be a better person, spouse, partner, parent and police officer. 

This course will introduce officers to methods which allow the officer to consistently monitor their state of mind, interpret their emotions and control their responses to the effects of stress and conflict. Students will explore practices that have positive benefits in terms of resilience and overall wellness to both their on-duty performance and personal lives.

Core Competencies:

  • Participants will support their wellness and resilience with skills learned in the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional areas required of law enforcement officers.  
Course Objectives:
  • Identify the stressors in your work
  • Explain and recognize burnout, substance abuse, marital issues, anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress injuries
  • Discuss the caustic environment and its effects on our lives
  • Recognize your own maladaptive behaviors
Instructional Methods:
  • Lecture
  • Group discussion
Who Should Attend:
  • All public safety personnel
Course Requirements:
  • 100% attendance and participation

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in an event, please email KLETC or call 620.694.1400 at least three weeks before the first day of the event. Some events may require notice earlier than three weeks and require you contact a specific individual; if so, that information is provided in the event-specific information.

Available sessions

This course contains no sessions
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