THE EFFICACY OF COUNSELLING PROGRAMMES IN REDUCING WORK-RELATED STRESS AMONG POLICE OFFICERS: A CASE STUDY OF ZRP WATERFALLS

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.