Most research on the most stressful jobs in the country finds the job of a correctional officer as one of the most stressful. The Department of Justice identifies the constant exposure to the risk of potential violence is what distinguishes the job of the correctional officer from other occupations.
The physiological and psychological consequences to this constant exposure to violence are significant. Elevated heart rate and blood pressure, a weakened immune system, a change in diet and a disturbance of the sleep cycle are just some of the physiological consequences. Chronic stress, anxiety and depression are common psychological consequences.
How does a lot of overtime affect these physiological and psychological consequences of this constant exposure to potential violence? Officers are robbed of the experience of returning their bodies and minds to a state of homeostasis through rest and recharging batteries. The chronic stress just significantly increases.
Some of the officers at the Allegheny County Jail are working 80 hours, 40 hours of forced overtime, in a period of five days. Imagine how these physiological and psychological processes are affected by officers working this unrealistic schedule.
When are the county executive, jail oversight board and county council going to wake up, confront the realities of what is really going on at the jail and work together with front-line staff toward practical solutions to limit the risk of many of our officers dying before they reach the age of 61?
John Kenstowicz
Morningside