Psychological Risk

A law enforcement professional’s daily activities have inherent physical and psychological risks. So, what kind of person seeks a job that involves such a high level of personal risk? One explanation comes from Sigmund Freud (1920) who suggested that people have a “drive toward death” (also known as a death wish) that leads them to be involved in risk-taking behaviors, such as skydiving or mountain climbing. Another explanation is that people may crave the euphoria that comes when endorphins are released in the brain during risk-taking behavior. Aside from a death wish, or a desire to feel good, there may also be personality characteristics that drive individuals to engage in risky behavior and seek out risk-related occupations like law enforcement.

Whether or not the majority of law enforcement professionals are risk takers is unknown; however, there is no doubt that their jobs entail daily exposure to significant risks and crises. For example, going to an unknown location, or responding to a distressed citizen, puts them in harm’s way—danger that could easily result in injury, psychological trauma, or even death. Additionally, law enforcement professionals are likely to witness violence and abuse that most people never have to see or experience. As a result, they may be at a higher risk for psychological consequences and may have a more difficult time making decisions in emotionally charged situations.

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