If you’re familiar with Kindbridge, then you’re aware of our specialized work in mental health support for members of the U.S. Armed Forces. While we expand upon this further below, it’s important to bring it up in the beginning of this feature for two reasons. For one, it makes us more qualified to address mental health concerns for law enforcement given that agencies draw parallels with the military. In addition, our work with the military covers problem gambling (PG) support, which is critical when considering that members of the military have a 350% higher rate of PG than civilians. Simply put, you’ve arrived at the right place in your search for information on the potential risks associated with gambling behavior among police officers. Please read ahead to learn more.
How Law Enforcement Will Benefit from Being More Mindful About Gambling Behavior Among its Police Officers
Importance of Assessing Risk of Problem Gambling Among Law Enforcement
Few will argue against increased awareness about gambling behavior among members of any police department. Among the many symptoms of compulsive gambling are those than can place a police officer in precarious positions. Compromised cognitive function due to anxiety and stress are one thing, but what about problem gambler propensities for angry outbursts? What about the fact that many turn to crime to cover gambling debt? With a spotlight on law enforcement behavior in the United States, watchers don’t need another excuse to launch investigations into officer and department integrity. More importantly, the nation depends upon cherished police for protection and security, and so the country needs to know that they are of healthy and sound mind. And if not, it’s important to uncover what can be done to better protect their mental health. Please keep reading.
Military Makes Up 25% of U.S. Law Enforcement
The United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) reports that nearly 25 percent of today’s law enforcement community has a military background. It makes sense, given that the knowledge and skills acquired and required in military service translate to law enforcement on civilian soil. However, the same burdens may also carry from one occupation to the next. Given that problem gambling among the military is 3.5 times higher than it is with the general population, and that 25% of police officers have a military background, the implications are clear.
Association Between Gambling and Police Alcohol Abuse
Studies confirm that regular exposure to occupational stressors and trauma increases the risk of alcohol abuse among police officers. Research conducted by the University of Texas on the role of gambling on problematic alcohol consumption by police officers found that gambling increases the likelihood of problematic alcohol consumption in the studied population. While no causal relationship in either direction was confirmed, results dictate the need for further investigation and for departments to be more mindful of what their officers may be experiencing. Further, it draws attention to problem gambling and known cooccurring mental/behavioral health issues, some of which are more prevalent in law enforcement. We explore this further below.
Problem Gambling Cooccurs with Mental Health Issues Common to Law Enforcement
Large bodies of research confirm that problem gambling cooccurs with a significant number of mental and behavioral health issues. These include the following:
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
- Anxiety disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Chronic stress
- Depression
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Suicidality
Law enforcement officers are generally screened for these issues prior to joining the academy, but signs, symptoms, and occurrence often manifest as a result of what police officers experience on an occupational basis.
Which cooccurring (with problem gambling) issues do studies confirm persist among the police officer population? As alluded to above, research finds that there is an alcohol use disorder problem among police officers in America. Further, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reports that police officers show higher levels of PTSD, in addition to depression, anxiety and suicide. On top of it all, new research has found that law enforcement officers physiologically experience a “bipolar effect” while on the job. During a shift, their bodies are in “fight or flight mode” which is akin to being in a manic state. When they come off shift they come “down,” which is akin to the depression state of bipolar disorder. The expected result of this bipolar effect is a higher rate of alcohol abuse, suicidality, and other conditions that cooccur with problem gambling.
What Needs to be Done
i) Investment in Law Enforcement Gambling Behavior Research
Research to directly address gambling behavior among police officers is very limited. However, when considering everything that we addressed above it becomes clear that stakeholders must invest in this research. The Kindbridge Research Institute is prepared to assist with this, and can help municipal departments and/or law enforcement boards assess wellness and vulnerabilities of valued officers.
ii) Investment in Law Enforcement Problem Gambling Support Services
Even in the unlikely scenario that problematic gambling behavior among law enforcement is the same as it is among the general population, which is 2%, investment in dedicated problem gambling support services is required. Considering that there are an estimated 800,000 law enforcement officers now serving in the United States, at least 16,000 would exhibit mild, moderate, or severe compulsion to gamble. But again, the proportions are likely higher among this population segment, especially when considering the military connection. Moreover, the aforementioned implications of having problem gamblers in a position that is already under magnified scrutiny of modern society bears careful consideration.
If you’re a police officer who struggles with gambling, reach out to Kindbridge right away for confidential assessment with a counselor who specializes in problem gambling and cooccurring issues. If a problem is identified we will build a customized treatment strategy that works. Click the banner below to get started.
If you’re instead charged with finding mental health support services for one or more municipal police departments, or something larger that can be instituted by an appointed police board, Kindbridge is who you need to connect to today. We work closely with the U.S. Armed Forces in treating problem gambling and cooccurring issues for veterans and active military. This makes us uniquely qualified to build a custom program for your officers too. Reach out to initiate conversation about what Kindbridge can do to protect those who Protect & Serve the citizens of our nation.
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