In an important article by Lois Baker from the University of Buffalo, it's been found through federally funded research that law enforcement officers have a higher incidence of heart related problems, but not for the typical, conventional reasons that affect the national population. Stress may be the critical difference. As we see repeatedly, law enforcement is a high risk profession.
For RLEOs, stress is compounded as we balance two careers. Law enforcement is more than just a hobby, it is a genuine profession. Demands are made on our time, often beyond our control. We have to balance these with our regular job, and with family. But court dockets, report writing, report correcting, meeting with supervisors...all require real commitments in time and work.
One of the most direct impacts to improving morale and reducing stress is for agency executives to ensure that all employees give equal treatment, respect, and support to all members of an agency, including its reserve officers.
Another direct impact that can improve morale and reduce stress is for agency executives to ensure that LERPs have equal equipment; or, that LERP equipment is maintained to high standards that ensure officer safety. Officer safety can also be enhanced by ensuring that RLEOs don't look different from FTE LEOs: i.e., different badges, different uniforms, distinctive patches. A coldly calculating aggressor may decide that a reserve officer is easier to take down. We don't want to further embolden already dangerous criminals that we encounter.
For the officer, a few tips: eat a salad and one or two pieces of fruit every day; cut out the fried food, and cut down on the carbs and salt; drink lots of water; and, get out of the cruiser and walk around. Too much seat time is a killer. Stay safe...10-7.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156041.php
