Vol. 1 No. Issue: 11, January 2025, 973-980 (2025): OCCUPATIONAL STRESS AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG CIRCLE INSPECTORS AND ACP IN HYDERABAD

Abstract- Law enforcement personnel in Hyderabad are of great concern for occupational stress, and the Circle Inspectors and Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) are of special concern. The objectives of this study are to examine reasons for police stress, the effects of police stress, and the strategies for coping with police stress. Stressors identified include long working hours, bureaucratic pressure, and public scrutiny that subsequently results in health problems of the mental and physical types of anxiety, hypertension, and burnout. They show that this is bringing a negative impact on quality of life, and recommend individual and organizational intervention. To improve officer well-being and job performance and make the police force an effective one, stress management programs, counseling, and improved work conditions can be implemented.
Keywords- Occupational Stress, Coping Strategies, Police Officers, Hyderabad, Circle Inspectors, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Mental Health
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Law enforcement is an area that is marked by occupational stress, not just on the mental health but also on the physical well-being of officers. Police personnel who wear trousers, that is, police personnel in outfit rank, are subjected to huge job-related stress which is attributed to long hours of work, public expectations, exposure to violence, and professional burdens. Prolonged stress can move these officers towards suffering from anxiety, burnout, and its consequential consequences that impair decision-making, therefore making law enforcement difficult through inefficiencies and jeopardizing public safety [1]. Police officers in Hyderabad face additional demanding challenges due to its rapidly growing metropolitan city. Stress is further heightened because Circle Inspectors and ACPs are responsible for law and order, high-pressure situations, and maintaining subordinate staff. The causes and consequences of occupational stress are important because policing in urban areas has become increasingly complex.
1.2 Aim and Objectives
Aim:
The purpose of this study is to analyze the occupational stress of Circle Inspectors and ACPs working in Hyderabad and to look at the ways by which these people have been dealt with to cope with stress.
Objectives:
● To determine the major stressors that affect police officers.
● To coping strategies used by the officers should be examined.
● To provide suggestions on how to help one become mentally better.