Compassion fatigue is a form of emotional and physical exhaustion that can develop after prolonged exposure to others’ trauma, suffering or distress. In law enforcement, both sworn officers and civilian professionals — including dispatchers, analysts, victim advocates, records personnel and other support staff — may experience compassion fatigue due to repeated exposure to critical incidents, victims’ stories and high-stress environments.
WHAT CAUSES COMPASSION FATIGUE?
Law enforcement professionals frequently encounter situations involving violence, loss, crisis and human suffering. Over time, continually absorbing these experiences can contribute to compassion fatigue. Civilian personnel, such as dispatchers or records staff reviewing sensitive reports or recordings, may also experience secondary trauma despite not being physically present at incidents. Some additional compassion fatigue contributing factors include:
• Repeated exposure to traumatic events
• High workload and operational demands
• Pressure to remain composed and resilient
• Limited time to process difficult experiences
• Organizational or cultural barriers to discussing stress
COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Compassion fatigue can affect emotional well-being, physical health and job performance. If not addressed, compassion fatigue can contribute to burnout, decreased job satisfaction and long-term mental health challenges. Common indicators include:
• Emotional exhaustion or feeling numb
• Increased irritability, frustration or cynicism
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Sleep disturbances or chronic fatigue
• Reduced empathy toward the public, victims or colleagues
• Withdrawal from co-workers, family or social support
WHY AWARENESS MATTERS
Recognizing compassion fatigue is an important step toward maintaining personal wellness and professional effectiveness. When law enforcement professionals take care of their own mental and emotional health, they are better able to support colleagues, serve the community and sustain long-term careers in public safety.
STRATEGIES FOR SUPPORT
Several strategies can help reduce the risk and impact of compassion fatigue:
• Peer support: Talking with trusted colleagues who understand the job
• Critical incident debriefings: Structured opportunities to process difficult events with trained law enforcement psychologists
• Healthy routines: Sleep, exercise and balanced nutrition
• Boundaries: Taking breaks and using leave when needed
• Spiritual support: Talking with law enforcement chaplains who understand the unique toll of law enforcement work
• Professional resources: Law enforcement psychologists or other licensed mental health professionals
KEY TAKEAWAY
Compassion fatigue is a normal response to the extraordinary demands of law enforcement work for both sworn and civilian personnel. By recognizing the signs early and actively seeking out activities and supportive resources, you can strengthen your personal well-being and professional effectiveness.
Here is how you can confidentially connect with a peer supporter:
1. Call PSB at (213) 738-3500 and ask to be connected with a peer supporter.
2. Use the “Contact Us” feature in the LASD Lighthouse app.
3. Access the Peer Support roster on the intranet under “Employee Services” and reach out to a peer supporter directly.