INSECURITY AND VIOLENCE IN THE WORK OF CITIZEN POLICE OFFICERS FROM SALVADOR, BRAZIL

Abstract

The violence in police work reflects various manifestations, from acts of aggression for the oppression of workers who are subject to conditions and precarious and insecure environments the goal of this study was to examine working conditions and safety of police officers from the city of Salvador Bahia Brazil, focusing on aspects of violence and victimization. Method: Cross sectional study including 152 police officers from Salvador, Bahia. We used a questionnaire with information about work conditions and safety in professional activities carried out and incidents of violence. Results: In study group, 65% reported that the means of protection and security are insufficient and 63% felt the heavy work, 90% of police officers attended an emotionally plaintiffs in professional activity. It was found that 83% felt the violent daily work, 30% of the group confirmed it had seen acts of aggression or threat practiced between colleagues at work and 38% reported having suffered psychological aggression outside the professional context. The abuse of power was reported by 19.3% in the group. Work-related accidents last year was reported by 16% and 18.9% of respondents were absent for more than 15 work days due to health problems. Conclusion: We identified high physical and emotional demands on the work of police officers, vulnerability in relations between colleagues and unsafe conditions in the professional context. The mental health problems were the main causes of absence from work for more than fifteen days.