Operational Stress is caused by the day to day operational challenges police face such as dealing with hostile and dangerous situations, long work hours and working under extreme pressure. An example of operational stress is when a police officer responds to a high-stakes call in which a suspect has taken hostages and the police officer needs to safely deal with the situation and rescue the hostages.
Police should take steps to reduce operational stress such as taking proper breaks during their shifts, engaging in physical activity to reduce stress, receiving mental health services, seeking support from a colleague if they are feeling overwhelmed, and having an open dialog with their supervisors. By taking these steps, police can better manage their operational stress, allowing them to maintain a healthy work-life balance and allow them to focus on their duties.