Policing stress can have various effects on officers. Which is a potential effect of organizational stress?

• A. Increased empathy and sensitivity
• B. Burnout and reduced job satisfaction
• C. Improved physical health
• D. No impact on morale

Answer: (B)

Organizational stress in policing often comes from heavy workloads, bureaucratic constraints, limited resources, and insufficient supervisory support. When these stressors persist, officers can experience burnout—emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment—which directly lowers job satisfaction. This pattern is a common, well-supported outcome of ongoing organizational stress, making burnout and reduced job satisfaction the best description of a potential effect.

Other options don’t fit as well. Chronic organizational stress tends to undermine morale and can erode empathy over time rather than increase it, and it is unlikely to improve physical health or have no impact at all.