AHMEDABAD: Believe it or not, Over 53% of the men in khaki across the state - who are entrusted with public safety - are highly stressed and are facing domestic as well as professional issues. This was revealed in a study done by Gujarat Forensic Science University (GFSU) in 2017.The study done by assistant professor, GFSU, Dr Priyanka Kacker and an M Phil student, Sonal Sen, surveyed more than 100 policemen from across the state and ranging from the level of constable to that of DSP. The study found the police force is highly stressed and it is affecting the personalities of policemen."The stress is causing serious issues in their professional as well personal lives. The study surveyed 100 police personnel with different designations across Gujarat to study their level of stress and its effect on their personalities," said Kacker.She added, "It was found that the officials are under stress and showed high anxiety , feeling of guilt, low self-esteem, mood fluctuations, lack of autonomy, disturbed sleep, substance dependency, aggression, and absenteeism."Kacker said things have improved over the last one year or so with reforms being implemented by DGP Shivanand Jha.. However, a lot needs to be done to reduce the stress level in the police force which is already heavily burdened with extra bandobast duties, she added.During the study, the surveyed policemen answered several questions regarding the quality of life, social relationships, job satisfaction, job profile and organisational issues.Kacker said the study revealed that the level of psychotism was low in policemen, which means that their mental condition is normal. But the level of Neuroticism was high pointing at excessive physical stress."Some of their answers were shocking. One of the policemen said he had applied for leave as his wife was pregnant. His superior told him, "That is the result of what you have done. Now why do you need to go to hospital?" However, in the end the leave was granted but the superior's comment created a long-lasting impact on the policeman's mind," Kacker said.DGP Shiivanand Jha said there were, and are, issues regarding the stress level in the police force. "However, during the past one year we have showed leniency in granting leaves. Fresh recruitment to the ranks have reduced working hours. We are also taking some progressive steps to enhance our performance," Jha said.The questionnaire for the interview was prepared based on emotional, physical, behavioural and mental issues with regard to the police force.

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