So, You Wanted to Be a Cop—What Does Your Family Think Now? How to Cope with the Stressors Associated with Public Perception

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM PST

Location: Room: 6B

Submitter and Speaker(s)

William Balling

Senior Research Associate
Institute for Intergovernmental Research
Anna, Ohio, United States

Moderator(s)

Deborah Meader

Senior Policy Advisor
U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Speaker(s)

Laura King, PhD

Chief of Police
McHenry County Conservation District Police Department, Illinois
Woodstock, Illinois, United States
Robert Sobo, PhD

Director, Employee Assistance Program
Chicago Police Department, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois, United States

One of the most stressful consequences of today’s operating environment is that law enforcement officers are experiencing an increased level of negative perception by the media and the communities they serve. Today, law enforcement officers find themselves having to both defend their choice of career and remind people that officers are human, too. Law enforcement families are also experiencing stress and find themselves constantly defending their loved ones’ vocation. Attendees of this presentation will learn how to address these concerns, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and enhance both their and their families’ resilience to the stress associated with public perception.