Construcciones identitarias en gendarmes: un enfoque de género / Identity constructions in gendarmes: a gender perspective / Construções de identidade em gendarmes: uma abordagem de gênero

Objetivo: Se presenta un análisis sobre la identidad organizacional y el rol ocupacional de los y las gendarmes pertenecientes al Centro de Detención Preventiva Santiago Sur desde el concepto de "trabajo sucio" y una perspectiva de género. Metodología: Se realizaron diez entrevistas semiestructuradas a gendarmes ­cinco gendarmes hombres y cinco gendarmes mujeres­ en cuanto a su rol e identidad organizacional, ocupacional, profesional y personal. Resultados: Se verificaron diferencias de género en cuanto a la configuración de sus identidades personales y ocupacionales, situación que no es replicada en el plano de sus identidades organizacionales y profesionales, que tienden a compartir. Conclusiones: Existen diferencias significativas en la forma en la que los y las gendarmes desarrollan su identidad personal, y que radican principalmente en la relevancia que atribuyen a los roles e identidades asociadas con la vida familiar. En cuanto a las restantes dimensiones identitarias, se identificaron importantes similitudes en cuanto a valores y creencias que los sujetos expresan y vivencian; estas parecen vincularse a prácticas y a una cultura tradicional y conservadora institucional en materia de género. Alcance: La investigación es de carácter exploratorio y busca aportar antecedentes empíricos sobre los cuales basar futuras investigaciones en este campo.

Objective: An analysis is presented on the organisational identity and occupational role of the gendarmes belonging to the Santiago Sur Preventive Detention Centre from the concept of "dirty work" and a gender perspective. Methodology: Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with gendarmes -five male gendarmes and five female gendarmes- regarding their organisational, occupational, professional and personal roles and identities. Results: Gender differences were found in the configuration of their personal and occupational identities, a situation that is not replicated in their organisational and professional identities, which tend to be shared by both gendarmes and gendarmes. Conclusions: There are significant differences in the way in which gendarmes develop their personal identities, which lie mainly in the relevance they attribute to the roles and identities associated with family life. As for the remaining identity dimensions, important similarities were identified in terms of the values and beliefs that the subjects express and experience; these seem to be linked to traditional and conservative institutional gender practices and culture. Scope: The research is exploratory in nature and seeks to provide empirical background on which to base future research in this field.

Objetivo: Apresenta-se uma análise da identidade organizacional e do papel ocupacional dos gendarmes pertencentes ao Centro de Detenção Preventiva Santiago Sur a partir do conceito de "trabalho sujo" e de uma perspectiva de gênero. Metodologia: Foram realizadas dez entrevistas semiestruturadas com policiais - cinco homens e cinco mulheres - sobre seus papéis e identidades organizacionais, ocupacionais, profissionais e pessoais. Resultados: Foram verificadas diferenças de gênero em termos da configuração de suas identidades pessoais e ocupacionais, uma situação que não se repete no nível de suas identidades organizacionais e profissionais, que elas tendem a compartilhar. Conclusões: Existem diferenças significativas na forma como os gendarmes desenvolvem suas identidades pessoais, que residem principalmente na relevância que atribuem aos papéis e identidades associados à vida familiar. Quanto às demais dimensões da identidade, foram identificadas semelhanças importantes em termos dos valores e crenças que os sujeitos expressam e vivenciam, que parecem estar ligados às práticas e à cultura de gênero institucionais tradicionais e conservadoras. Escopo: A pesquisa é de natureza exploratória e busca fornecer antecedentes empíricos que sirvam de base para futuras pesquisas nesse campo

Derecho a la defensa de funcionarios policiales inmersos en procesos penales por actos de servicio en Venezuela / Right to defence of police officers involved in criminal proceedings for acts of service in Venezuela / Direito à defesa dos policiais envolvidos em processos criminais por atos de serviço na Venezuela

El derecho a la defensa es una garantía que forma parte del debido proceso de conformidad con lo pautado en la Constitución de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela. Los funcionarios que forman parte de los órganos policiales colaboran con el Ministerio Público en la persecución de hechos delictivos, y en el ejercicio de sus funciones pueden incurrir en conductas que den lugar a la instrucción de procedimientos en su contra, por lo que la investigación analizó el derecho a la defensa de funcionarios policiales en procesos por actos de servicio en la Policía del Estado Mérida. Se realizó un estudio de campo, descriptivo, cualitativo y se aplicó un cuestionario contentivo de diez preguntas con varias alternativas de respuestas a una muestra de 50 personas. Los resultados permitieron inferir que las situaciones de servicio se generan principalmente por aprehensiones en flagrancia y procedimientos de captura, en cuyo cumplimiento los funcionarios pueden incurrir en irregularidades que den lugar a la apertura de investigaciones disciplinarias y penales, razón por la cual se requiere de una defensa pública especializada. Se concluyó que el derecho a la defensa se hará valer en las instancias administrativas y jurisdiccionales, y se recomienda la puesta en funcionamiento de la Defensoría Pública con competencia en materia penal policial.

The right to a defence is a guarantee that forms part of due process in accordance with the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Police officers collaborate with the Public Prosecutor's Office in the prosecution of criminal acts, and in the exercise of their duties may engage in conduct that may lead to proceedings being brought against them. For this reason, the research analysed the right to defence of police officers involved in proceedings for acts of service in the Mérida State Police. A descriptive, qualitative field study was carried out and a questionnaire containing ten questions with several alternative answers was applied to a sample of 50 people. The results allowed us to infer that service situations are mainly generated by apprehensions in flagrante delicto and arrest procedures, in which officials may incur in irregularities that lead to the opening of disciplinary and criminal investigations, which is why specialised public defence is required. It was concluded that the right to defence should be asserted in administrative and jurisdictional instances, and it is recommended that a Public Defence Office with competence in police criminal matters be set up.

O direito à defesa é uma garantia que faz parte do devido processo legal, de acordo com a Constituição da República Bolivariana da Venezuela. Os funcionários que fazem parte dos órgãos policiais colaboram com o Ministério Público a persecução de fatos delituosos e, no exercício de suas funções, podem ter condutas que podem levar à instauração de processos contra eles. Por essa razão, na pesquisa, foi analisado o direito de defesa dos policiais em processos por atos de serviço na Polícia Estadual de Mérida. Foi realizado um estudo de campo descritivo e qualitativo e um questionário com 10 perguntas com várias alternativas de resposta foi aplicado a uma amostra de 50 pessoas. Os resultados permitiram inferir que as situações de serviço são geradas principalmente por apreensões em flagrante delito e procedimentos de prisão, nos quais os agentes podem incorrer em irregularidades que levam à abertura de investigações disciplinares e criminais, razão pela qual é necessária a defesa pública especializada. Concluiu-se que o direito de defesa deve ser afirmado nas instâncias administrativas e jurisdicionais, sendo recomendada a criação da Defensoria Pública com competência em matéria penal policial.

Análise ergonômica do trabalho de policiais civis da polícia especializada do Ceará: um estudo de caso / Ergonomic analysis of the work of civilian policemen of the specialized police of Ceará: a case study / Análisis ergonómico del trabajo de los policías civiles de la policía especializada de Ceará: un estudio de caso

Introdução: a dinâmica laboral, os fatores ambientais e a individualidade de enfrentamento nos postos de trabalho podem influenciar o surgimento de alterações físicas e psicológicas nos indivíduos. Objetivo: identificar os riscos ergonômicos de policiais de uma Unidade Especializada da Polícia Civil do Estado do Ceará. Métodos: trata de um estudo de caso no qual foi realizada uma Análise Ergonômica do Trabalho, de forma qualitativa e multidisciplinar, de três policiais civis, considerando quatro posições diferentes: posição ortostática com seu equipamento de proteção individual e de exercício laboral; posição de prontidão de tiro; posição de descanso, alerta em operação e fora da operação; e posição ortostática em operação. A análise foi realizada por meio de cinco etapas: análise da demanda; análise da tarefa; análise da atividade; diagnóstico; e recomendações, sendo avaliados o peso dos equipamentos, sobrecargas musculares e articulares e compensações posturais oriundas do exercício das atividades laborais. Resultados: foi detectada elevada carga de peso dos equipamentos, levando a desvios posturais. Os policiais também apresentaram condutas posturais viciosas na execução das atividades. Conclusão: alterações e vícios posturais precisam ser solucionadas visando o cuidado com a saúde dos policiais, de modo a evitar afastamentos para tratamento de saúde. Recomendações foram propostas.

Introduction: the labor dynamics, the environmental factors and the individuality of confrontation at workstations may influence the emergence of physical and psychological alterations in individuals. Objective: to identify the ergonomic risks of policemen of a Specialized Unit of the Civil Police of the State of Ceará. Methods: this is a case study in which a qualitative and multidisciplinary Ergonomic Analysis of Work was carried out on three civilian policemen, considering four different positions: orthostatic position with their individual protection equipment and work exercise; shooting readiness position; resting position, alert in operation and out of operation; and orthostatic position in operation. The analysis was conducted through five stages: demand analysis; task analysis; activity analysis; diagnosis; and recommendations, evaluating the weight of the equipment, muscle and joint overloads and postural compensations arising from the exercise of labor activities. Results: a high weight load of the equipment was detected, leading to postural deviations. The policemen also presented vicious postural behaviors in the execution of their activities. Conclusion: postural alterations and addictions need to be solved in order to take care of the policemen's health, so as to avoid absence for health treatment. Recommendations were proposed.

Introducción: la dinámica laboral, los factores ambientales y la individualidad del enfrentamiento en los puestos de trabajo pueden influir en la aparición de alteraciones físicas y psicológicas en los individuos. Objetivo: identificar los riesgos ergonómicos de los policías de una Unidad Especializada de la Policía Civil del Estado de Ceará. Método: se trata de un estudio de caso en el que se realizó un Análisis Ergonómico del Trabajo cualitativo y multidisciplinar a tres policías civiles, considerando cuatro posiciones diferentes: posición ortostática con su equipo de protección individual y ejercicio de trabajo; posición de preparación para el tiro; posición de descanso, alerta en operación y fuera de operación; y posición ortostática en operación. El análisis se realizó a través de cinco etapas: análisis de la demanda; análisis de la tarea; análisis de la actividad; diagnóstico; y recomendaciones, evaluando el peso del equipo, las sobrecargas musculares y articulares y las compensaciones posturales derivadas del ejercicio de las actividades laborales. Resultados: se detectó una elevada carga de peso del equipo, lo que provocó desviaciones posturales. Los policías también presentaron comportamientos posturales viciosos en la ejecución de sus actividades. Conclusión: las alteraciones posturales y las adicciones necesitan ser solucionadas para cuidar de la salud de los policías, de forma a evitar ausencias para tratamiento sanitario. Se propusieron recomendaciones.

Repercussões para o trabalho, a saúde e as relações familiares dos policiais feridos por arma de fogo em face / Repercussions on work, health and family relationships of police officers wounded by gunshot to the face

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é identificar o perfil dos pacientes operados em decorrência de ferimentos na face por arma de fogo (FAF), a distribuição anatômica destes ferimentos e conhecer as repercussões sobre a saúde, o trabalho e as relações familiares dos policiais atingidos. Foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico retrospectivo a partir de dados secundários referentes aos policiais militares que foram operados no Hospital Central da Polícia Militar do Rio de Janeiro em decorrência de FAF em face, no período de junho de 2003 a dezembro de 2020 (N=87). Agregam-se dados de abordagem qualitativa oriundas de respostas abertas e fechadas fruto de aplicação de questionário (N=37) posteriormente aos ferimentos, indagando sobre as repercussões do acidente violento vivido para o exercício do trabalho, na família e para a saúde do policial. O perfil dos policiais operados evidencia: sexo masculino, idade média de 34,9 anos, praças e feridos em serviço. As fraturas mandibulares foram as mais encontradas. Houve piora nas condições de saúde física após os ferimentos com aumento de casos de hipertensão, insônia (59,4%) e cefaleia (51,3%). Os danos nas relações familiares demonstraram uma maior tendência de autoisolamento do policial e sentimento de medo vivenciada por seus parentes.

Abstract This article aims to identify the profile of police officers who underwent surgery due to gunshot wounds to the face, to survey the anatomical distribution of injuries and the repercussions on their health, work and family relationships. We conducted a retrospective epidemiological study based on secondary data of police officers who underwent surgery at the Central Military Police Hospital of the state of Rio de Janeiro due to gunshot wounds to the face from June 2003 to December 2020 (N=87). We also adopted a qualitative approach by applying a questionnaire with open and closed questions (N=37) to survey repercussions of the violent event on police officers' work, families and health. The profile of police officers who underwent surgery showed that they were exclusively males, aged 34.9 years on average, privates, and injured in the line of duty. Fractures of the mandibular region were the most frequent injuries. After the accident, physical health conditions of police officers deteriorated, including an increase in cases of hypertension, a high frequency of insomnia (59.4%), and headache (51.3%). Damaged family relationship included an increasing trend of self-isolation and a feeling of fear experienced by police officers' family members.

The attitude of Brazilian federal police officers towards firearms / La actitud de los agentes de la Policía Federal brasileña en relación con las armas de fuego / A atitude de policiais Federais brasileiros em relação às armas de fogo

Abstract This research deals with one of the most problematic themes in the Brazilian public security agenda, firearm control. Since the publication of the Statute of the Disarmament in 2003, the Federal Police (FP) has been responsible for controlling firearm possession of the civilian population. Thus, FP officers become central players in firearm control policies in Brazil. In this research, we investigate the attitude of Brazilian FP officers towards firearms and what explains this attitude. We collected data from 800 police officers from different positions working in all regions of the country. The results show that police officers believe that firearm possession is an individual right, but firearms do not protect against crime. The results also show that the officers' attitude towards firearms is influenced by their position and their experience with firearms. The article presents the study's implications for management theory and practice.

Resumen Esta investigación aborda uno de los temas más problemáticos de la agenda de seguridad pública brasileña, el control de armas de fuego. Desde la publicación del Estatuto de Desarme, en 2003, la Policía Federal (PF) se ha encargado de controlar la tenencia y porte de armas de fuego por parte de la población civil. Así, los oficiales de la PF se convierten en actores centrales de las políticas de control de armas de fuego en Brasil. Investigamos la actitud de los oficiales de la PF brasileña hacia las armas de fuego y qué explica esta actitud. Recopilamos datos de 800 policías de diferentes cargos y que operan en todas las regiones del país. Los resultados muestran que los agentes de policía creen que la tenencia de armas de fuego es un derecho individual, pero que las armas no protegen contra el crimen. Los resultados también muestran que la actitud de los policías hacia las armas de fuego está influenciada por el cargo que ocupa y por la experiencia del policía con las armas de fuego. Al final, se presentan las implicaciones del estudio para la teoría y la práctica de la gestión.

Resumo Esta pesquisa trata de um dos temas mais problemáticos da agenda da segurança pública brasileira, o controle de armas de fogo. Desde a publicação do Estatuto do Desarmamento, em 2003, a Polícia Federal (PF) é responsável pelo controle da posse e porte de armas de fogo pela população civil. Assim, os oficiais da PF passaram a ser atores centrais nas políticas de controle de armas de fogo no Brasil. Nesta pesquisa, investigamos a atitude dos oficiais brasileiros de PF em relação às armas de fogo e o que explica essa atitude. Coletamos dados de 800 policiais, de diferentes cargos e atuantes em todas as regiões do país. Os resultados mostram que os policiais acreditam que possuir armas de fogo é um direito individual, mas que a arma não protege contra o crime. Os resultados também mostram que a atitude dos policiais em relação às armas de fogo é influenciada pelo cargo ocupado na PF e pela experiência do policial com armas de fogo. Ao final, são apresentadas as implicações do estudo para a teoria e prática gerencial.

Profile of Self-Reported Physical Tasks and Physical Training in Brazilian Special Operations Units: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

There is limited research examining the physical tasks that Brazilian special policemen groups can perform in the line of duty. The aims of this study were to (a) identify the occupational tasks of specialist police personnel serving in the Rapid Response Group (GRR) and Tactical Operations Command (COT), and to profile the frequency, difficulty, and importance of these tasks, and (b) to explore the current physical training these special operations police units (SOPUs) officers undertake to maintain their operational fitness. Univariate analysis for numerical variables (mean and standard deviation (SD)), as well as the absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables were performed. Two Brazilian SOPUs performed a questionnaire with demographic, performance, and physical training sections. A total of 78 respondents (24 of the GRR and 54 of the COT) completed the survey. "Standing and/or sitting with complete equipment for long periods in different climatic conditions", and "lifting/pushing/pulling heavier objects" were the most frequent and difficult occupational tasks of both SOPUs, respectively. "Shooting a long weapon" and "breaking a door" were the most important for GRR and COT, respectively. All officers undertook regular physical training (~9 h/week), in an unstructured manner, without supervision, and planning of physical training is carried out autonomously (COT) or a mixture of autonomously and directed (GRR), with the main objectives of developing aerobic endurance and muscle strength. It is important that SOPUs teams train their members' physical capabilities to perform the tasks identified in this study, as well as follow a structured, supervised, and planned physical training program.

Study of the Predictive Validity of the Burnout Granada Questionnaire in Police Officers.

Professionals with burnout have negative physical and psychological effects, with adverse consequences in their workplace. Burnout mainly affects assisting professions; amongst them, police work is one of the professions at risk of suffering from this syndrome. The aim of this research is to study the adequacy of the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Granada Burnout Questionnaire instruments to measure burnout in police officers through the study of the reliability and validity (concurrent and predictive) of these instruments. A cross-sectional study was carried out. The sample was composed of 1884 police officers, mostly men (85.4%), with an average age of 35.04 (SD = 8.30). The Maslach Burnout Inventory and Granada Burnout Questionnaire were used to measure burnout. The results obtained in this study support the adequacy of both instruments for measuring burnout. The correlation coefficients between the dimensions are significant, with a medium-high magnitude. Participants with burnout had significantly higher scores in emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and lower scores in personal accomplishment in both instruments. The area under the curve estimated for the Granada Burnout Questionnaire provided evidence of the predictive validity of the instrument. The police profession needs validated and sensitive tools to identify police changes in the dimensions of burnout. The Granada Burnout Questionnaire instrument correctly classifies burnout in police professionals.

"Pick up anything that moves": a qualitative analysis of a police crackdown against people who use drugs in Tijuana, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Homeless people who use drugs (PWUD) are often displaced, detained, and/or forced into drug treatment during police crackdowns. Such operations follow a zero-tolerance approach to law enforcement and have a deleterious impact on the health of PWUD. In Mexico, municipal police officers (MPOs) conducted the largest crackdown documented at the Tijuana River Canal (Tijuana Mejora) to dismantle an open drug market. We analyzed active-duty MPOs' attitudes on the rationale, implementation, and outcomes of the crackdown. We also included the involvement of non-governmental allies in the disguised imprisonment as drug treatment referral and potential legal consequences of having illegally detained PWUD. METHODS: Between February-June 2016, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with MPOs in Tijuana. Interviews were transcribed, translated and coded using a consensus-based approach. Emergent themes, trends and frameworks were analyzed through a hermeneutic grounded theory protocol. RESULTS: Participants recognized the limitations of Tijuana Mejora in effectively controlling crime and addressing drug treatment solutions. MPOs perceived that the intent of the operation was to displace and detain homeless PWUD, not to assist or rehabilitate them. The police operation was largely justified as a public safety measure to reduce the risk of injury due to flooding, decrease drug consumption among PWUD and protect local tourism from PWUD. Some participants perceived the crackdown as a successful public health and safety measure while others highlighted occupational risks to MPOs and potential human rights violations of PWUD. CONCLUSIONS: Tijuana Mejora illustrated why public and private actors align in enforcing zero-tolerance drug policy. Perceptions of care are often based on captivity of the diseased, not in health and well-being of PWUD. Officer perceptions shed light on the many limitations of this punitive policing tool in this context. A shift towards evidence-based municipal strategies to address drug use, wherein police are perceived as partners in harm reduction rather than antagonists, is warranted.

Síndrome da disfunção da articulação temporomandibular e o estresse presente no trabalho policial: revisão integrativa / Temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome and police work stress: an integrative review

Resumo O estudo objetivou investigar se o estresse presente nas atividades dos trabalhadores da polícia brasileira pode ter relação com o desenvolvimento da síndrome da disfunção da articulação temporomandibular (DTM), uma doença comumente associada a condições estressantes. Realizou-se uma revisão integrativa de literatura sobre os temas estresse, DTM e atividade policial. Foram identificadas diversas fontes estressoras no trabalho do policial brasileiro e observou-se que o estresse influencia no desenvolvimento, agravamento e tratamento dos sintomas da síndrome. Há comprometimento na qualidade de vida e saúde dos portadores de DTM. O fato de estudos terem mostrado associação entre estresse e atividades desenvolvidas pelos policiais brasileiros, bem como relação entre estresse e DTM, levou à suposição de que é possível haver relação entre o estresse gerado pelo trabalho executado por policiais e o risco de desenvolvimento da DTM por essa classe de trabalhadores. É recomendado que o indivíduo portador da síndrome seja avaliado como um todo antes da execução do tratamento e que esse tratamento seja multidisciplinar. A literatura sobre DTM em policiais ainda é incipiente, motivo pelo qual sugere-se o desenvolvimento de estudos sobre o tema.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate whether stress found in activities performed by Brazilian police workers is associated with the risk of developing a temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome (TMD), a disorder that is commonly associated with stressful conditions. An integrative literature review on stress, TMD and police work was carried out. We identified several stressors in the work of Brazilian police officers and observed that stress influences the development, aggravation and treatment of TMD symptoms. The quality of life and health of TMD carriers is compromised. The fact that studies have shown the association between stress and activities carried out by Brazilian police officers, as well as between stress and TMD, has led to the assumption of a possible relationship between stress caused by police work and the risk of these workers developing TMD. It is recommended that individuals be thoroughly examined before being treated and that such treatment be multidisciplinary. The literature on TMD in police workers is still incipient, which is why we recommend the development of further studies on the topic.

Ferimentos por arma de fogo em profissionais de segurança pública e militares das forças armadas: revisão integrativa / Firearm injuries to public safety professionals and military personnel: integrative review

Resumo Objetivo: sistematizar a produção bibliográfica sobre a ocorrência de ferimentos por arma de fogo (FAF) entre profissionais de segurança pública, incluindo policiais e militares de forças armadas. Métodos: revisão integrativa realizada em bases bibliográficas eletrônicas brasileiras e internacionais (BVS, Scopus, Web of Science e Pubmed), sem estipulação de recorte temporal ou territorial. Resultados: foram encontrados 31 artigos segundo os critérios de inclusão e de exclusão. Notou-se aumento crescente de publicações entre 1976 e 2016, a maioria publicada em inglês, em periódicos da área da saúde. Os FAF foram o principal mecanismo de injúria em serviço entre os policiais, mais frequentes entre profissionais do sexo masculino, na faixa etária de 30 anos. As circunstâncias de maior risco foram: ações de prisão e confrontos com criminosos; respostas a chamados policiais para verificação de perturbação à ordem; e em situações de guerra. Existem poucos estudos que discutam as repercussões físicas dos FAF para o exercício profissional dos trabalhadores de segurança pública.

Abstract Objective: to systematize the bibliographic production on the occurrence of firearm injuries (FAI) among public safety professionals, including police officers and military personnel. Methods: integrative review carried out in Brazilian and international electronic bibliographic databases (Brazilian Virtual Health Library, Scopus, Web of Science and Pubmed), without time or geographic specification. Results: thirty-one articles were found according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. There was a growing increase of publications between 1976 and 2016, most of them in English and published in health sciences journals. FAI were the mainspring of injury among police officers, most frequent in male professionals, aged range 30. The riskiest circumstances were: arrest actions and clashes with criminals; attendance to police calls to verify order disturbance; and in war situations. There are few studies discussing the physical repercussions of FAI for the public safety workers' professional practice.

Anxiety, depression symptoms, and physical activity levels of eutrophic and excess-weight Brazilian elite police officers: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Police officers are subjected to high work-related stress. This scenario of irregular and insalubrious working conditions may be related to an increase in psychiatric disorders and overweight. In particular, low levels of physical activity and high work stress levels may predispose police officers to obesity, poor lifestyles, and, consequently, major risk of psychological disorders. Thus, our aim was to profile the anxiety/depression symptoms and habitual physical activity (HPA) levels of Brazilian elite police officers classified by body mass index (BMI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven male police officers classified as normal-weight (NG, BMI =18.5-24.9 kg/m2, n=34) and excess-weight (EG, BMI ≥25 kg/m2, n=53) completed (before work routine time) the questionnaires: Baecke (HPA levels), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (anxiety), and Beck Depression Inventory (depression). RESULTS: There was a slight trend (despite did not reach statistical significance) of the EG group (which have a significantly [P=0.0369] higher mean [8.8±7.6] of military service time [in years] when compared to NG group [5.8±6.0]) presenting higher values of anxiety-trait (+5.0%) and depression (+16.0%) and lower levels of leisure time HPA (-3.7%) than NG group. CONCLUSION: Although our hypothesis was not ratified, our findings have clinical relevance because we profiled the anxiety and depression symptoms and HPA levels of elite police officers. Moreover, it is possible to suppose that the military service time (years) is a relevant factor, that it needs to be studied in depth, and that it may impact the predisposition for mood disorders and low levels of physical activity of police officers.

Retomar o debate logo / The debate must be resumed promptly / Hay que retomar con celeridad el debate

A nota apresenta um histórico do debate público sobre violência e criminalidade e mostra a necessidade de retomar o debate ao seu nível anterior, tratando o tema não só como uma questão de segurança pública, mas também de saúde. Reafirma que é preciso enfrentar o contexto social em que jovens se matam mutuamente, que criam um inimigo odiado e desumanizado. Faz uma crítica à polarização em curso no país, na qual a possibilidade de ter compaixão pelo sofrimento do outro desapareceu. Sugere iniciativas que podem ajudar a enfrentar a disseminação do etos guerreiro, consolidando a segurança pública baseada na cidadania. E relembra que enfrentar a violência é enfrentar as assimetrias causadas por dominações autoritárias, seja pelo Estado, seja por facções criminosas.

The note shows the history of the public debate on violence and crime and the need to resume the debate at its previous level, addressing the topic not only as a matter of public safety but also the health problem. It reaffirms that it is necessary to address the social context where young people kill each other, creating a hated and dehumanized enemy. It criticizes the polarization in progress in the country, in which the possibility of having compassion for the suffering of the other disappeared. Initiatives that can help addressing the spread of the warrior ethos are suggested, consolidating public safety based on citizenship. Also, it recalls that facing violence is to confront the asymmetries caused by authoritarian dominations, whether by the state or by criminal factions.

La nota presenta un histórico del debate público sobre violencia y criminalidad y muestra la necesidad de retomar el debate a su nivel anterior, tratando el tema no sólo como un problema de seguridad pública, pero también de salud. Reafirma que es preciso enfrentar el contexto social en que los jóvenes se matan mutuamente, que crean un enemigo odiado y deshumanizado. Hace una crítica a la polarización en curso en el país, en la cual la posibilidad de tener compasión por el sufrimiento del otro desapareció. Sugiere iniciativas que pueden ayudar a enfrentar la diseminación del ethos guerrero, consolidando la seguridad pública basada en la ciudadanía. Y recuerda que enfrentar la violencia es enfrentar las asimetrías causadas por dominaciones autoritarias, tanto por el Estado, como por facciones criminosas.

Electromyographic analysis of postural overload caused by bulletproof vests on public security professionals

Abstract Introduction Military police activity individuals performing operational activity remain 12 hours using mandatory safety equipment. This work aimed to verify the electromyographic response in operational military police officers before and after a cycle of two working days. Methods Forty-four male individuals were evaluated, with an average age of 34.59 ± 8.05. The used protocol consisted in the evaluation of paravertebral muscles and rectus abdominis muscles in a maximum isometric voluntary contraction test (MVC) during trunk extension movements, starting from the sitting position. Moreover, the Roland-Morris functional evaluation questionnaire and the Corlett and Manenica diagram for painful areas were used. An electromyograph with 16 pre-set channels was used. Signals were processed in time (EMGME) and spectral (EMGMF) domains, using the MatLab® program. The Shapiro-Wilk test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test were applied. Statistical analyses were performed through the SPSS v21.0 software and Microsoft Office Excel 2010, considering p < 0.05 as significance level. Results Results showed statistical differences in the post-working day for time analysis, an EMGME decrease in the right rectus abdominis muscle (p = 0.016) and in the age-stratified sample, with individuals over 31 years old (p = 0.016); in the spectral analysis, EMGMF reduction in the right iliocostalis (p = 0.027) and right and left side in the stratified sample, in individuals over 31 years old and with more than 10 years of service. Conclusion The used protocol highlighted a decrease in the amplitude of the electromyographic signal, as well as possible muscle fatigue on the right side where officers usually carry their weapons.

Reduction of prefrontal thickness in military police officers with post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract Background Brain-imaging studies in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have consistently revealed alterations in brain structure and function and this is correlated to symptomatology. However, few studies have investigated the role of biomarkers in PTSD some specific groups, as police officers. Objective To evaluate prefrontal and limbic volumes, and cortical thickness of police officers exposed to trauma during work who developed post-traumatic stress disorder, resilient matched controls (without PTSD), and compared to healthy civilians. Methods Prefrontal and limbic volumes, and cortical thickness of 12 police officers with PTSD, 12 resilient police officers, and 12 healthy civilians who underwent brain MRI were analyzed. Results Differences in limbic structures volume were not significative after Bonferroni correction. A significant reduction in cortical thickness on right rostral cingulate, right and left middle frontal gyrus, left superior frontal, left lingual, calcarine and cuneus were observed in PTSD group in comparison to controls was observed. Discussion Although preliminary, our results suggested not only the association between cortical thickness and PTSD, but also indicated that patients and controls have anatomical differences.

Estresse, qualidade de vida e estressores ocupacionais de policiais: sintomas mais frequentes / Stress, quality of life, and occupational stressors among police officers: frequent symptoms / Estrés y calidad de vida, estresores ocupacionales de policías: los síntomas más comunes

Avaliou-se níveis de qualidade de vida, de estresse ocupacional e suas fontes em 1.837 (um mil, oitocentos e trinta e sete) policiais do Estado do Mato Grosso, sendo 77% (setenta e sete por cento) do sexo masculino e 23% (vinte e três por cento) do feminino, com idade entre 19 e 65 anos. Participaram 1.017 (um mil e dezessete) membros da Polícia Militar, 108 (cento e oito) do Corpo de Bombeiros Militar, 454 (quatrocentos e cinquenta e quatro) da Polícia Civil, 68 (sessenta e oito) de Peritos Criminais e 190 (cento e noventa) do Pessoal Administrativo. Verificou-se que 52% apresentavam estresse. Os dados mostram uma associação significativa entre altos níveis de estresse e má qualidade de vida, principalmente na saúde e revelam necessidade de ações institucionais que promovam aquisição de estratégias de enfrentamento para melhorar a qualidade de vida na Segurança Pública do Estado.

Quality of life, occupational stress, and its causes were evaluated in 1,837 members of the police force in the State of Mato Grosso. The sample ranged from 19 to 65 years of age, with 77% of participants male and 23% female. It was comprised of military police (n=1,017), military fire brigade (n=108), civil police (n=454), forensic specialists (n=68), and administrative staff (n=190). It was found that 52% exhibited symptoms of stress. Quality of life was found to be lacking, primarily regarding health. The data show a significant association between high stress levels and poor quality of life. The study reveals that there is a need for institutional actions to stimulate the acquisition of stress coping strategies that can promote a better quality of life among public security servants in the state.

En este estudio se evaluaron niveles de calidad de vida, de estrés ocupacional y sus causas en 1.837 (mil ochocientos treinta y siete) policías del Estado de Mato Grosso, del sexo masculino (77%) y del femenino (23%), con edades entre 19 y 65 años. Participaron 1.017 (mil diecisiete) miembros de la Policía Militar, 108 (ciento ocho) del Cuerpo de Bomberos, 454 (cuatrocientos cincuenta y cuatro) de la Policía Civil, 68 (sesenta y ocho) de Peritos Criminales y 190 (ciento noventa) del Personal Administrativo. Se verificó que 52% presentaban estrés. Los datos muestran una asociación significativa entre altos niveles de estrés y mala calidad de vida, sobre todo en lo que a su salud se refiere. Además, revelaron la necesidad de acciones institucionales que promuevan adquisición de estrategias con vistas a mejorar la calidad de vida en la Seguridad Pública del Estado.

Atividade física de policiais: uma revisão sistemática / Physical Activity of Police Officers: A Systematic Review

La actividad física es un aspecto importante de la salud humana, especialmente las personas que dependen del cuerpo y la mente para el buen desempeño de sus funciones profesionales, como es el caso de la policía. Este estudio se propuso resumir la literatura científica sobre la actividad física de policías, a través de una revisión sistemática. Fueron revisadas las bases de datos MEDLINE, via PubMed, CINAHL y SCOPUS así como artículos identificados a través de una búsqueda manual. La estrategia de búsqueda incluyó descriptores relacionados con actividad física y la población de la policía, sin restricción de fecha ni idioma. Con los resultados, se observó que hay estudios incipientes relacionados con la actividad física de la policía. Sin embargo, hubo un nivel inadecuado de actividad física, así como consecuencias cardiovasculares, ortopédicas, sociales y emocionales relacionadas con esta población(AU)

Physical activity is an important aspect of human health, especially for people who depend on the body and mind for good performance of their professional functions, as is the case of the police. This study aimed to summarize the scientific literature on the physical activity of police officers through a systematic review. Medline, PubMed, CINAHL and SCOPUS databases were reviewed as well as articles identified through a manual search. The search strategy included descriptors related to physical activity and the police corps population, with no date or language restriction. The results showed there are incipient studies related to the physical activity of the police corps. However, there was an inadequate level of physical activity, as well as cardiovascular, orthopedic, social and emotional consequences related to this population(AU)

Occupational stress, coping and mental health in Jamaican police officers.

BACKGROUND: Police are exposed to a wide range of stressors and this is especially true in developing countries such as Jamaica. Exposure to psychosocial stressors and use of maladaptive coping styles can result in mental ill-health. AIMS: To examine the relationship between work characteristics, coping and mental health in Jamaican police officers and to test whether work characteristics are indirectly associated with mental health outcomes through perceived job stress and job satisfaction. METHODS: Police officers from the Jamaican police force completed a questionnaire using a cross-sectional design. We analysed the data using hierarchical regression. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 134 police officers; the response rate was 94%. Negative work characteristics, lower levels of positive work factors and work support and emotion-focused coping styles were associated with increased levels of depression (F(8, 125) = 7.465, P < 0.001). Subjective feelings of anxiety were positively associated with negative work characteristics and emotion-focused coping (F(8, 125) = 7.586, P < 0.001). The relationship between work characteristics and mental health outcomes was mediated by perceived stress. Job satisfaction mediated the relationship between positive work characteristics and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Stress management and intervention programmes should address modifiable work conditions, monitor stress levels and reduce maladaptive coping.

Validação fatorial do "Spanish Burnout Inventory" em policiais portugueses / Factorial validity of the "Spanish Burnout Inventory" among portuguese police officers

O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar a estrutura fatorial e a consistência interna da adaptação ao português do "Spanish Burnout Inventory" (SBI) numa amostra composta por 245 policiais de diversos esquadrões da região de Lisboa. Realizou-se uma análise fatorial exploratória (AFE), de onde foram extraídos 4 fatores com autovalor > 1, que reproduziram a distribuição dos itens da versão original: no primeiro fator ficaram agrupados os itens da subescala Entusiasmo pelo Trabalho, no segundo os itens da subescala Culpa, no terceiro os itens da subescala Indolência, sendo que os itens da subescala Desgaste Psíquico se distribuíram pelo quarto fator. Todas as subescalas do SBI alcançaram valores alfa de Cronbach superiores a 0,70. Os resultados sugerem que a versão portuguesa do SBI é um instrumento valido e fiável para avaliar a síndrome do burnout em policiais portugueses.(AU)

This study was designed to assess the factor structure and the internal consistency of the Portuguese adaptation of the "Spanish Burnout Inventory" (SBI) in a sample of 245 Portuguese police officers working in Lisbon. Using an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), 4 factors were extracted with eigenvalue > 1, reproducing the original model: the first factor was constituted by the items of "enthusiasm toward the job", the second factor was constituted by the items of "guilt", the third factor was constituted by the items of "indolence", and the fourth factor was constituted by the items of "psychological exhaustion". Internal consistency values for all subscales showed values of Cronbach's alpha higher than .70. The results suggest that the Portuguese adaptation of the SBI is an adequate instrument to assess burnout in Portuguese police officers.(AU)

Validação fatorial do "Spanish Burnout Inventory" em policiais portugueses / Factorial validity of the "Spanish Burnout Inventory" among portuguese police officers

O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar a estrutura fatorial e a consistência interna da adaptação ao português do "Spanish Burnout Inventory" (SBI) numa amostra composta por 245 policiais de diversos esquadrões da região de Lisboa. Realizou-se uma análise fatorial exploratória (AFE), de onde foram extraídos 4 fatores com autovalor > 1, que reproduziram a distribuição dos itens da versão original: no primeiro fator ficaram agrupados os itens da subescala Entusiasmo pelo Trabalho, no segundo os itens da subescala Culpa, no terceiro os itens da subescala Indolência, sendo que os itens da subescala Desgaste Psíquico se distribuíram pelo quarto fator. Todas as subescalas do SBI alcançaram valores alfa de Cronbach superiores a 0,70. Os resultados sugerem que a versão portuguesa do SBI é um instrumento valido e fiável para avaliar a síndrome do burnout em policiais portugueses.

This study was designed to assess the factor structure and the internal consistency of the Portuguese adaptation of the "Spanish Burnout Inventory" (SBI) in a sample of 245 Portuguese police officers working in Lisbon. Using an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), 4 factors were extracted with eigenvalue > 1, reproducing the original model: the first factor was constituted by the items of "enthusiasm toward the job", the second factor was constituted by the items of "guilt", the third factor was constituted by the items of "indolence", and the fourth factor was constituted by the items of "psychological exhaustion". Internal consistency values for all subscales showed values of Cronbach's alpha higher than .70. The results suggest that the Portuguese adaptation of the SBI is an adequate instrument to assess burnout in Portuguese police officers.

Representações sociais de violência urbana entre policiais civis / Social representation of violence among civil police / Representaciones sociales de violencia urbana entre policías civiles

Este artigo teve como objetivo compreender as representações sociais de violência urbana entre policiais civis do Recife e a relação com suas práticas profissionais. Utilizou-se como suporte a teoria das representações sociais que visa compreender as teorias do senso comum construídas coletivamente. Foi realizada uma associação livre por meio de questionário acessado on-line, respondido por 108 participantes, e, em seguida, entrevistas individuais, com 12 participantes. O conteúdo das entrevistas foi analisado através do software Alceste que gerou cinco classes, reunindo discursos sobre a valorização e o investimento na formação do policial, as mudanças nas práticas policiais, as práticas criminais, a família "desestruturada" como uma causa da violência, causas e consequências da violência, e, finalmente, os procedimentos policiais nas abordagens à população. Os resultados demonstraram que os participantes objetivam a violência urbana nos crimes e as representações sociais dessa violência podem estar ancoradas em uma ligação entre pobreza, violência e drogas.

This article presents some results of a research that aims to understand the social representation of urban violence between Recife's police officers and their professional practice. Used as theoretical support, the Theory of Social Representation studies the common sense theories collectively constructed. Data collection occurred in two stages: initially an online questionnaire based on free association, answered by 108 participants. Then 12 participants were individually interviewed. The content of these interviews was analyzed through Alceste software that generated five classes, bringing together discourses of valuing and police training investments: changes in the police practice, the criminal practice, 'dysfunctional' family as a cause of violence, causes and consequences of violence and, finally, the policies approaches to the population. The result shows that the participants objectify the urban violence in crimes and social representation of violence may be anchored in a link between poverty, violence and drugs.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo entender las representaciones sociales acerca de la violencia urbana que tienen los policías civiles de Recife y la relación con sus prácticas profesionales. Para ello, se utilizó como base teórica la teoría de las representaciones sociales que visa comprender las teorías del conocimiento del sentido común como conocimientos construidos colectivamente. Se realizó la asociación libre a través de cuestionario on-line respondido por 108 participantes, y en seguida, entrevistas individuales a 12 participantes. El contenido de las entrevistas fue analizado utilizando el software Alceste que generó cinco clases reunindo discursos sobre la valoración y la inversión en la formación del policía, los cambios en las prácticas policiales, las prácticas criminales, la familia desestructurada como una causa de la violencia urbana, causas y consecuencias de la violencia, y, finalmente, los procedimientos policiales en las abordajes a la población. Los resultados demostraron que los participantes tienen el concepto de que la violencia urbana en los crímenes y las representaciones sociales de esta violencia, pueden estar ancladas en una vinculación entre pobreza, violencia y drogas.