GUIDELINES FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT OF INVESTIGATIVE POLICE OFFICERS IN POLICE STATIONS UNDER THE METROPOLITAN POLICE BUREAU

Abstract

This research aims to investigate stress levels, identify factors influencing stress, and propose stress management guidelines for investigative police officers under the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Utilizing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, quantitative data were collected via questionnaires from a sample of 315 investigative officers selected through stratified and simple random sampling. Data analysis was performed using percentage, frequency, mean, standard deviation, t-test, One-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. For the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 key informants, including investigative officers, mental health experts, and administrators. The results indicated that investigative officers experienced a high overall level of stress. Significant personal factors influencing stress included investigative work experience, income adequacy, underlying disease, and average daily sleep duration. Regarding work-related factors, stress was primarily driven by shortages of budget, personnel, and operational equipment. The proposed stress management guidelines comprise three levels: 1) Individual level: focusing on building psychological resilience through cognitive reappraisal, mindfulness, and social support; 2) Police station level: emphasizing the creation of a healthy organization through welfare benefits, mentorship systems, and adequate rest periods; and 3) Bureau level: focusing on the equitable allocation of personnel, budget, and equipment to meet operational realities, implementing context-specific policies, and establishing proactive mental health support systems to enhance quality of life and operational efficiency.