| dc.description.abstract | Police work is one of the top rated professions for job stress next to air traffic controllers and dentists. Historically, the work of police is to protect life and property. Due to the complexity of their job design and nature of their work environment, it is anticipated that officers sometimes exhibit high levels of stress specifically related to security, social factors, work conditions and inactivity / inadequacy. (Crank et al, 2008).
The main objective of this study was to assess levels and perceptions of stress among the Administration police officers and how it affects their work performance with specific objectives of finding out their main sources of stress. Examining levels and perceptions of stress among the AP officers, and finally exploring the strategies aimed at minimizing stress among the officers. The study targeted the Administration Police Officers and their commanders who acted as the key informants. The exercise was conducted in Nairobi County. The area has approximately five thousand Administration police officers. This comprises eight Nairobi Districts and two more Sub Districts which were created to enhance data collection. These were Training Districts comprising of Administration Police Training College (APTe), Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) and Central District, comprising of the Administration Police Headquarters and Security of Government Buildings Unit (SGB), respectively.
The study targeted 300 Administration Police officers across the ranks with a sample size of 60 officers, 10 of them acted as key informants and took part in in-depth interview. Stratified random sampling technique was used to group the respondents into strata depending on the districts they represented. The data was collected using interview guides and questionnaires with both closed and open ended questions .. The data was synthesized according to issues, variables and objectives of the study. The study utilized descriptive statistics in analyzing the data.
The study finding indicates that, relative high stress is common among Administration police officers. Signs and symptoms such as poor performance, misuse of firearms. Poor concentration, depression, suicidal tendencies and withdrawal among others are some of stress indicators portrayed by the officers. The study further established that internal conflict which has been brought about by the system of administration, socio-economic factors, external interference such as apathy and media were clear sources of stress among the AP officers.
The study established that there was a connection between stress and job performance of the officers. The study further recommends that, the police service should adopt a system of devolved decision making process, clarification of role expectations, setting specific goals and carrying out awareness campaign to sensitize all the stakeholders. The government should provide adequate support to the police service and better improvement and enhancement of departments of religion and psychology (counseling). | en_US |
