Exploring the Impacts of Everyday Policing on Police Officers' Psychological, Emotional, and Physical Wellbeing in Fiji
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University of the South Pacific
Fiji -
University of the South Pacific Fiji
Abstract
Police work is often fraught with challenging and traumatic experiences, which can be managed well by some officers, while others may be significantly affected and require assistance. Even those who typically cope well may be adversely affected by a specific incident. Incorporating cultural considerations in the Fijian context, this study examines the impacts of everyday policing on officers’ psychological, emotional, and physical wellbeing. An online survey was used to obtain 101 police officers’ perceptions of challenging and stressful incidents, the impacts of such incidents on their wellbeing, and coping strategies used to deal with such incidents. The findings provide examples not only of everyday stressors, but also the traumatic incidents faced by police officers, which generate a range of negative impacts on their wellbeing. The article contributes to Pacific criminology and provides useful insights, with implications for policy and practice, to support and enhance the wellbeing of police officers.
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Author Biographies
Soro Ramacake is an i-Taukei (indigenous Fijian). He has nearly 30 years combined experience in the areas of adult tertiary teaching, trainer, community work/development, engaging indigenous communities, child welfare, youth justice, clinical counsellor, clinical supervisor, court jurisdiction report writer, developer of practice tools, social work complaints and competency assessor and practice quality assurance. Most of his practice and work has been in New Zealand. Soro has publications, conference presentations and has given training or workshops on personal and professional development. Soro loves to network, grow people’s knowledge, help them shine in their practice and realise their full potential.
Julian Lawakeli is currently the Assistant Lecturer and Discipline Coordinator for Pacific Policing. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Management Public Admin and Industrial Relations and a Master’s Degree in Diplomacy and International Affairs from the University of the South Pacific. He has worked for many years with the Fiji Police Force serving in the following policing areas: Law enforcement, Maritime, Drugs Unit, Community Policing, Crime Scene and Fingerprint Analysis under the Criminal Investigations Department, Research, Policy, Strategic Planning and Internal Affairs Unit and most recently managed the Fiji Police Welfare Insurance Scheme. Julian is passionate about serving people and hopes to impart his policing knowledge to those who are interested in Pacific Policing.