Which of the following is an indicator of stress in law enforcement officers?

• A. Increased calmness and steady productivity
• B. Long-term improved focus
• C. Temporary increases in anxiety, tension, irritability, headaches, blood pressure changes, inconsistent work habits, and decreased productivity
• D. No changes in mood or performance

Answer: (C)

Stress shows up as a mix of emotional, physical, and behavioral changes. In law enforcement, the pattern described—temporary spikes in anxiety, tension, irritability, headaches, blood pressure changes, inconsistent work habits, and decreased productivity—best captures how stress tends to present. It combines physiological signs with observable changes in performance, signaling that a officer’s coping resources are stretched. The other patterns describe states that don’t align with stress indicators: being unusually calm and consistently productive suggests effective coping or no stress; long-term improved focus points to adaptation rather than stress; no mood or performance changes implies no stress at all. Recognizing these signs early helps prompt support and prevent escalation.