Volunteer Stress: Examining Job-related Stress and Effects for Gang Officers in Tennessee

Using a sample of gang officers in Tennessee, this study identified the growing effect that stress brings to police and corrections officers and how it affects their commitment to their organizations. A survey questionnaire including demographic questions and questions regarding the respondent’s stress and coping methods was administered. Many respondents reported that unproductive leadership/management styles were the most stressful. The next highest scores involved pay, fellow officers, equipment, favoritism, and recognition. The stressor subgroups were categorized as court related, public related, organizational, work related, exposure to danger, and interpersonal/personal. Respondents experienced organizational stress more than any other, followed by interpersonal/personal stress. Corrections officers generally reported more stress from their organization than police officers, and more overall stress. Officers with college degrees seemed to report more overall stress than their counterparts, particularly organizational stress. Officers with 6-15 years of experience seemed to be affected by stress the most, and female officers reported a higher score on variables related to job security. For potential for transfer or tardiness as a stress response, officers working for the state showed the highest scores. The three most widely adopted coping methods to reduce stress were exercise, recreational activity with family, and religion. A majority of officers said they would participate in activities at a fitness facility, more than half would engage with a stress management program, and about one-third would attend a family support seminar.