Al-Hikmah University Journal

This paper examined occupational stress among personnel of the Nigerian Police Force in Kwara State. The paper unveiled sources and types of stress as well as various coping/ managerial strategies which police officers in Kwara State can adopt to overcome the excesses of stress in their personal, organizational and operational facets of life. Various theories and models were used to understand the concepts and relationship between stress and job efficiency among officers and men of the Nigerian Police Force in Kwara State. The paper revealed different sources, symptoms and various stress management strategies which can be applied by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force in Kwara State. The paper revealed the consequences of a stressed police officers on the citizens to include accidental discharge leading to death of innocent citizens, police brutality, nonchalant attitude of officers and men of Nigerian Police Force, extortion and excessive display of anger as some of the consequences of a stressed police officers on the residents of Kwara state. Counseling techniques and therapeutic packages that can be used in the treatment and management of occupational stress were also discussed in this paper. The paper also suggested among other things, that the Nigerian government should prioritize the welfare of police officers in Kwara State as well as reduce the operational hours (shift hours) of the Nigerian Police officers in Kwara state to be in line with the provisions of the International Labor Organization (ILO), as this will ensure adequate rest for the officers of the Nigerian Police Force in Kwara State. The need for the police officers in Kwara State to seek professional help from counselors is also emphasized as a way through which there can be increased efficiency and effective policing system that will protect lives and properties of residents in Kwara State.