Occupational Stress and the Crime Scene Investigator

Abstract

Workplace stress has long been associated with virtually all positions in the justice system, and particularly those positions related to the enforcement of law. Officers, for their own good, have traditionally been required to receive treatment or counseling when exposed to stressful or traumatic events. The justice system, however, has not always required counseling for all of their employees exposed to those same incidents based stressors, and one of the most neglected of those exposed to stress has been the Crime Scene Investigator. This research examined the relationship between exposure to critical incidents and the investigators' perceived stress. This research further examined perceived stress resulting from field factors, organizational factors, and the impact of agency efforts to mitigate Crime Scene Investigator stress.