Qualitative Assessment of Stress Perceptions Among Members of a Homicide Unit

• NCJ Number: 243964
• Journal: Justice Quarterly Volume: 30 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2013 Pages: 811-836
• Author(s): Dean A. Dabney; Heith Copes; Richard Tewksbury; Shila R. Hawk-Tourtelot
• Date Published: October 2013
• Length: 26 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study conducted interviews with 26 members of a metropolitan homicide unit to provide an inductive vantage point on stress perceptions within a specialized area of policing.

Abstract

Existing research on stress among police assumes the presence of uniform stressors across job roles and borrows upon generic stress instruments to tap stress types and levels. The present study draws upon interviews with 26 members of a metropolitan homicide unit to provide an inductive vantage point on stress perceptions within a specialized area of policing. The authors provide evidence that the occupational and organizational forms of stress detailed by these officers are shaped largely by the unique nature of homicide work. Among the unique task-related stressors observed include the complexities of homicide crime scenes, time pressures, cases assignment factors, paperwork demands, and long-term ownership over individual case files. A series of structural issues from both within and outside the police agency are identified as organizational stressors unique to homicide work. The authors conclude with a proposed theory of homicide investigator stress and implications for future research. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.