Sandhya Raghavan
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Written By: Sandhya Raghavan | Updated : October 10, 2017 11:45 AM IST
The Indian media has done the 'policewalas' of the country a great disservice. The popular narratives have often been biased against the policemen, perpetuating the idea of the corrupt and incompetent khaki-wearing men. What's unfortunate is that stories of custody deaths and rapes inside police station is played on news channels ad nauseam, adding to the public's mistrust in the force; but we get to hear little about the real stories of brave and selfless men who put their lives on the line, trying to make the country safer. For instance, how many know about Abhishek Patel, the constable who saved around 400 school children when he ran one kilometre with a live bomb in his hand? No news channels sang paeans about his bravery because reassuring things are rarely newsworthy.
Constantly under the scanner of the public, media, the government and the opposition, it's a profession where a hundred hits can go unnoticed but a single miss can be glaring and catastrophic. Dealing with angry mobs, managing, traffic, tending to grievances on a daily basis, working undercover in dangerous situations, planning and executing counterinsurgency operations, a policeman's life has no lack of excitement, intrigue or danger. And it's often the rank and file of the police department, the constables who have to face most of the brunt. Studies have shown that due to the high levels of stress associated with the job, substance abuse, suicides and mental illnesses are also high in the police force.
Working hours
In a survey conducted on the occupational stress factors in Mumbai police personnel, 56 percent of them clocked 12-16 hours of duty per day. But the trend is not just limited to metros like Mumbai, even in tier 2 cities like Bhubaneswar, police officers are often subjected to the inhuman work hours. Says ACP Prasanta Kumar Pattanaik from the police commiserate of Bhubaneswar -Cuttack: "It is a high risk job. Most of the police personnel are working 24/7 without a break in high-stress situations."
The nature of police work is as such that a regular 9-5 shift is unimaginable. "There is no rest in this line of work. It's not easy obtaining leaves for festivals or personal purposes, whether it is meeting relatives or for their loved ones' birthdays," says ACP Pattanaik. "Unlike in the metros where there is a bifurcation between law and order and investigation wing, police officers in the interiors of the country have to shoulder the both the responsibilities, equally."
Dr Shubha Madhusudhan, clinical psychologist at Fortis Bangalore says, "Like doctors the policemen, they are on call always. There is no escape from duty 24/7. When the motto is 'duty first', the policemen need 'empathic' support from their own families and as well as their workplace."
Occupational hazards
Policing is a high risk job. There is always a very high chance of law enforcement officers losing their lives in the line of duty or in a "friendly fire". They are constantly under the threat of being attacked, wounded or murdered by criminals. Between September 2015 and August 2016, the number of policemen martyred was 479. Naxalite attacks against policemen are common in India. At any given time there are at least 70-90 cases of dacoity that a police officer from the hinterlands deals with on a monthly basis according to ACP Pattanaik.
Dr Madhusudhan adds, "The policemen end up having enough clinical stamina to face constant fear of death, or exposure to pain and violence. The police are expected to be immune to many aspects of vices that are found in society. It is thought that continued exposure to violence and pain will toughen the policemen."
Emotional toll
Imagine having to deal with cases of horrific crimes, interacting with grief-stricken families of victims and survivors on a daily basis. There is also the psychological distress resulting from seeing death at close quarters. Handling death scene investigation routines, involving violent crimes can affect the mind of even the most hardened police officers. Issues such as depression, helplessness, anxiety and suicidal ideation can haunt the personnel who deal with such issues on a regular basis. "Police officers sometimes are drawn emotionally drawn into cases. They also end up playing mediators in cases of domestic violence or disputes. As you can see, police can also get emotionally invested in their work," says ACP Pattanaik.
The ones who have abnormal levels of moral anxiety are the ones who end up suffering the most according to Dr Madhusudhan. "Moral anxiety stems from a strict sense of do's and don'ts and rights and wrongs," she adds.
Faulty rewards and recognition system
System of appreciation and rewards go a long way in the police force, especially since the men put their lives on the line every day. Studies say that appreciation enhances productivity of the personnel since it ensures a happy work environment and motivates the employees. But the reward structures in the police force leaves a lot to be desired. ACP Pattanaik says, "Usually, any officer are appreciated by the superiors for their good work through a letter of appreciation. But there have also been cases where senior officers would snatch credit from the junior on account of the their seniority." Resentment among the personnel is also quite common due to such injustices.
"The entire police department must align in norms, ethics and values. Rewards always work and a uniform way to recognise the good work is what is required. Punishment of corrupt police personnel can increase morale and initiate the right spirit of working. Also, the public will always reward and recognise sincere policemen," says Dr Madhusudhan.
What can be done?
While the odds are against them, the police force in the country can take some concerted steps to reduce the negative impact of the high-stress institution they are a part of. "The job demands hypervigilence, alertness and diligence in their performance. The step is to transform their personality into a total disciplined self," says Dr Madhusudhan.
The doctor prescribes three rules that will help bring down, some amount of stress in the life of law enforcement officers. Dr Madhusudhan says that first, they should try to avoid focusing the job at hand as soon as they wake up. Giving time to oneself and one's family is important, especially at the beginning of the day. As important as it is, the work shouldn't take precedence over you as an individual.
Second is be mindful of one's actions, especially those that stem out of frustration. When they can't take action against the criminals due to the influence they may wield or due to the failing of the justice system, it becomes easy to take these failures personally. Police officers may feel frustrated that their hard work was in vain. "It's natural for them to harbour pent up anger. They may display their frustration on soft targets like their family members. This could be a step in the wrong direction because good family support is essential for the mental health of the cop," says Dr Madhusudhan. With a strained family life and frustrations at work, it's easy for anybody to spiral out of control and start seeking solace in substance abuse.
Thirdly, the doctor says, is to take time to unwind even during work hours. "Take out some time out of the busy schedule and enjoy a hot cup of coffee or kadak chai for five to seven minutes" she says. Fostering good relations with colleagues and friends can serve as a great stress buster. Talking and discussing about the case can give them the vent they have been seeking.
References:
Kaur, R., Chodagiri, V. K., & Reddi, N. K. (2013). A Psychological Study of Stress, Personality and Coping in Police Personnel. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 35(2), 141 147. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.116240
Almale, B. D., Vankudre, A. J., Bansode-Gokhe, S. S., & Pawar, V. K. (2014). An epidemiologic study of occupational stress factors in Mumbai police personnel. Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 18(3), 109 112. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5278.146906
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