All jobs come with occupational hazards—both mental and physical. But few careers carry as much risk as those of first responders, including police officers. While some of these risks may be obvious, there is a tendency in the policing field to ignore or sweep some healthcare issues under the rug—particularly those related to mental health. Here we’ll explore the top healthcare issues affecting police officers.
1. Physical Injuries
This is often the first health risk people think of when they think of police work (although as we’ll learn, it may not be the most pressing). In addition to the risk of serious injuries that can occur in dangerous situations, police officers also experience more chronic physical ailments as a result of the physical demands of their job. This can include musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain. Inadequate access to regular physical examinations and preventive care can exacerbate these risks. Proper training, injury prevention programs and regular access to occupational healthcare services can help avoid these issues and extend the longevity of law enforcement careers.
2. Cardiovascular Problems
According to one study, “police officers have one of the poorest cardiovascular disease (CVD) health profiles of any occupation.” Several factors come into play here, including but not limited to more night-shift work; increased risk of depression; lack of sleep; and higher obesity and cholesterol rates. With so many increased risk factors, solving the issue isn’t simple—but prevention is key. Support and mental health programs can help with stress-related risk factors. Education and support about healthy eating habits and exercise is another potential tactic to lower the risk. Finally, regular healthcare screenings and checkups can prevent issues before they become fatal problems.
3. Mental Health Issues
The incidence of depression among police officers is nearly double (12%) that of the general employed population. For PTSD, some studies estimate as many as 35% of all police officers experience symptoms. When it comes to mental health issues, however, the pervasive stigma around seeking help still exists. Many officers fear that admitting to these issues might affect their career prospects or how they’re perceived by their colleagues. It’s crucial to break down this stigma in order to help fix the problem and save lives.
4. Sleep Disorders
Police officers often work irregular hours or night shifts, disrupting their circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. As mentioned above, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular and addiction issues. It can also affect an officer’s cognitive abilities and decision-making skills, potentially putting their lives at risk. Finding ways to manage shift work and promote healthy sleep habits is essential for addressing this issue.
5. Substance Abuse and Addiction
Studies estimate that as many as 30% of first responders may be struggling with substance abuse issues. This is often due to the stress of the job, combined with the aforementioned stigma around seeking help—which can lead to self-medicating as a way to cope with the emotional toll of the job. Recognizing the signs of addiction, offering support and providing access to confidential treatment are critical steps to address this issue.
While most police departments offer healthcare benefits to their officers, it is vital that police departments and management also find ways to support and encourage regular doctor visits—including for mental healthcare—with practitioners that officers like and trust. The services at 10-4 Medical are modeled specifically around police officers and first responder needs—and vary from mental health therapy and primary care services to occupational health services. Contact us today to learn more.
