EFFECTS OF THE 1992 LOS-ANGELES CIVIL UNREST - POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER SYMPTOMATOLOGY AMONG LAW-ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

This study examined the psychological impact of the April 29, 1992 Los Angeles civil unrest on the stress levels of law enforcement officers . Levels of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptomatology in Lo s Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers assigned to a major riot a rea were evaluated. Factors implicated in individual coping processes after a traumatic event were examined. Furthermore, police officers' p erceptions of the event were examined. One hundred forty-one officers (123 males, 18 females) assigned to two South Central Los Angeles poli ce precincts during the Los Angeles, April 1992 disturbances replied t o the questionnaire. The questionnaire included four instruments: The Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD, Moos' Coping Responses Inve ntory, the Police Perception Survey, and a demographic survey. The res ults indicate that 17 percent of the officers who responded are experi encing stress symptomatology. Findings further indicate that these off icers are twice as likely to use approximately twice the avoidance cop ing strategies than are their counterparts without symptomatology. Res ults indicate a positive relationship of PTSD symptomatology with cogn itive avoidance, acceptance or resignation, and emotional discharge; a nd they suggest an inverse relationship between PTSD symptomatology an d seeking support and information, and seeking alternative rewards.