Abstract:
The article is based on a study that sought to make an investigation into the efficacy of counselling in reducing occupational
stress among police officers. The research was inspired by the continued trend of poor performance, depression, anxiety and
mood swings by police officers at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Waterfalls. The research‟s objectives were to
investigate the sources of stress among members of the police service, to determine the effects of stress on police officers and
the efficacy of counselling on stress. A sample size of 60 police officers was used which was determined using the Yamane
1967 approach. Stratified random sampling was used for quantitative data and convenience sampling for qualitative data.
The study also sought to proffer ways in which work-related stress can be reduced. The study adopted a pragmatism research
philosophy and incorporated both quantitative and qualitative research designs that ensured triangulation. The study
employed a questionnaire and interview guide as instruments to gather empirical data, presented in the form of tables and
charts produced using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data was presented thematically
and saturation was used to determine sample size. Data was collected from police officers stationed at ZRP Waterfalls.
Description:
The journal is a forum for the discussion of ideas, scholarly opinions and case studies of community outreach and
engagement. Communities are both defined in terms of people found in a given locale as well as defined cohorts, like
the children, the youth, the elderly, and those living with a disability. The strongest view is that getting to know each
community or subcommunity is a function of their deliberate participation in matters affecting them by the community
itself. The journal is produced bi-annually.
