Child abuse investigation: An in-depth analysis of how police officers perceive and cope with daily work challenges
Date
2006
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Policing: an international journal of police strategies & management
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of the current study was two-fold: to explore police officers'
perceptions of the daily challenges involved in child abuse investigation and how those
challenges affect their ability to undertake child abuse investigations, and to explore how
these challenges are managed on a daily basis.
Design/methodology/approach – This study employed a qualitative research design. Indepth
interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of 25 police officers working in child
abuse units across three Australian states.
Findings – Inductive thematic analysis revealed that heavy caseload and collaboration with
other professional groups are two key sources of negative work stress frequently associated
with child abuse investigation. Further, despite the provision of organisational strategies
aimed at reducing work stress, the officers tended to rely predominantly on informal coping
mechanisms.
Research limitations/implications – This study has raised many questions for further
research aimed at developing interventions to assist police organisations in managing work
stress.
Description
item.page.type
Article
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Keywords
vicarious trauma, law enforcement, coping
Citation
Wright, R., Powell, M. B., & Ridge, D. (2006). Child abuse investigation: An in-depth analysis of how police officers perceive and cope with daily work challenges. Policing: an international journal of police strategies & management, 29(3), 498-512.