The Role of Stigma and Confidentiality in Police Officer Utilization of Stress Relief Programs

The authors explored the influence of confidentiality and stigma (e.g., coworker, supervisor) on law enforcement officers' likelihood of using department stress relief programs (SRPs) in a large agency in California and which specific SRP they would utilize. Police officers are less likely to use SRPs if they think their colleagues will judge them for it. However, perceived stigma from supervisors appears to have minimal influence. Officers are more likely to use the programs if they believe they are confidential and if they have used them before. Finally, when choosing which SRP to use, the only thing influencing their decision is whether they have utilized an SRP.