police stressors, Coping Mechanisms, organizational challenges, Mental Health, work-related stress, and community policing 

The study illuminates complex stressors faced by Philippine police officers, necessitating a holistic approach. Policing, inherently stressful, poses significant challenges to officers’ physical and metal well-being, leading to burnout, aggressive behaviors, and suicide. Coping and resilience are crucial in managing job stress, with organizational and operational stressors playing pivotal roles. Mental health, particularly prevalent among police officers, influences behavior, emotions, and decision-making.

This study examines stressors and coping mechanisms among 370 police officers in Olongapo City Police Station, Philippines. Findings reveal substantial organizational stress from staff shortages and policy changes. Work-related stress includes work-family conflicts, burnout, and exposure to traumatic incidents. Social factors, like public expectations, contribute significantly to impacting community trust. Personal stressors encompass fatigue, mental health issues, and exposure to traumatic events. Coping mechanisms involve problem-oriented strategies, emphasizing organizational support and emotional intelligence. Therefore, the study recommends staff shortages and policy changes require strategic recruitment, retention efforts, and workload assessments.

Lastly, the study underscores the need for targeted intervention, including stress resilience training programs, ongoing monitoring, and mentoring to enhance officers’ stress management.