ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the possible onset of traumatic stress symptomatology and psychiatric morbidity among police officers following a riot incident in Singapore. In addition, police officers' use of coping strategies is examined to better understand how they cope following such incidents. Policing as a vocation has been regarded as one of the most stressful occupations in the world due to the exposure to a wide range of critical incidents. Involvement in critical incidents can subsequently result in acute stress reactions that are overwhelming for police officers, sometimes impeding their ability to cope and taking an emotional toll even on the most resilient officer. Post-traumatic stress disorder has been found to be one of the possible outcomes resulting from involvement in critical incidents. Psychological distress or disturbances to psychological well-being otherwise referred to as minor psychiatric morbidity, have also been found to be an outcome of police work due to the stressful nature of the occupation.
