UB Researchers to Study Health Risks of Police Work With Help of Buffalo Police Officers

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Researchers in the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences have received a one-year grant from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to conduct a pilot study on health and psychological stress among Buffalo police officers.

The goal of the project is to determine problem areas of health and stress, and provide a starting point for developing services to help police officers. Results of the project may be used as a model for police agencies throughout the U.S.

Previous research has shown that police work is a high-stress, high-risk occupation and that the health of officers is affected adversely by such conditions. Psychological stress experienced by officers may have an impact on personal health, family life and work performance.

John Violanti, Ph.D., UB clinical assistant professor of social and preventive medicine and a 23-year police veteran, is the lead researcher on the project. Violanti has conducted several research projects investigating potential health risks of law enforcement. John Vena, Ph.D., UB professor of social and preventive medicine and a specialist in occupational health risks, will be co-investigator.

The study will be conducted through the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine's Center for Preventive Medicine, located on the UB South (Main Street) Campus.