Outbreak

Psychiatry

Stressor

Mental health

Pathology

Psychology

Virology

Social distance

Political science

Terrorism

Officer

Disease

Law enforcement

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Public relations

Infectious disease (medical specialty)

Medicine

Criminology

Social psychology

Pandemic

American Journal of Criminal Justice

The COVID-19 pandemic created social upheaval and altered norms for all members of society, but its effects on first responders have been particularly profound. Law enforcement officers have been expected to coordinate local shutdowns, encourage social distancing, and enforce stay-at-home mandates all while completing the responsibilities for which they are already understaffed and underfunded. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on officer stress, mental health, resiliency, and misconduct is explored drawing insight from reactions to the HIV epidemic over two decades earlier and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. COVID-19 policing is hypothesized to serve as a significant stressor for officers and compound the general and organizational stress associated with the occupation. Avenues for providing officer support are discussed and recommendations for research into the phenomenon presented.

Police Stress, Mental Health, and Resiliency during the COVID-19 Pandemic