COVID–19 and police personnel

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 has ensured that countries enforced complete lock down to prevent the spread of infection. Despite millions of people working from home during this pandemic situation, police personnel 'the front line workers' who deal with the general population to ensure their safety and wellbeing are at risk of stress and other mental health problems in addition to the risk of infection itself. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the perception of police personnel towards the disease, factors influencing stress and coping abilities of them amid COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews among randomly selected police personnel working in COVID-19 situation across the district of Karaikal, Puducherry. Results: Of the 32 police personnel, majority were of age group 36-45 (43.75%), followed by 25-35 (37.5%). More than half of them were married (78.12%). Around 62.5% had been in the present occupation for more than 5 years. The in depth interviews were group under 5 themes namely perception, practice they follow amid COVID-19, stress they go through, challenges faced, coping strategies used by them. Conclusion: It is the need of the hour to care for the well-being of frontline workers, especially police personals.

Mental Health and Well-Being Needs among Non-Health Essential Workers during Recent Epidemics and Pandemics

“…Another study found protective service workers were impacted psychologically similarly to the general population. However, they were worried about passing the infection on to others, and making them follow COVID-19 regulations such as staying home added to their stress [12]. A study that included armed forces and specialized state security forces found that while 26.4% of the participants felt a current need for psychological help, 52.6% felt they would probably need psychological help if a new wave of the pandemic were to arise.…”

“…Moreover, many had to reduce their hours or leave their job to look after their children because they could not afford childcare costs (as schools were closed) with their low-paying jobs [38]. Police personnel in one study expressed their concerns about being unable to spend time with their family during the lockdown [12].…”

“…One study reported that individuals felt stressed over not having daily allowances of food and refreshments given that restaurants were likely to be closed during the lockdown [12]. A lack of available protective equipment was also expressed as a source of stress and anxiety [12]. Domestic helpers were also worried about getting fired if they contracted COVID-19 [13].…”

“…essential workers in Spain and Brazil found that around 8-27% of people suffered from depression, anxiety, or both [10]. In addition to healthcare workers [11], non-health essential workers such as domestic workers and police personnel were also reported to have inadequate access to personal protective equipment (PPE), resulting in increased fear and worries [12,13]. They were reported to be overworked, stigmatized, and isolated from their family members, which increased stress on their mental health [11,[14][15][16].…”