A groundbreaking study conducted at Suriname’s De Nieuwe Grond police station has exposed a critical burnout epidemic among law enforcement officers, revealing systemic causes that threaten both officer welfare and national security effectiveness. The research, spearheaded by serving police officer and Academy for Higher Art and Cultural Education graduate Dharmveer Balai, identifies chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, overwhelming workloads, and deficient leadership support as primary drivers of this occupational health crisis.
Officers reported severe symptoms including impaired concentration, heightened irritability, and pervasive feelings of powerlessness, with multiple cases requiring mandatory medical leave prescribed by police physicians. The investigation highlights a dangerous cyclical pattern: absenteeism due to stress-related illnesses increases pressure on remaining staff, subsequently triggering further burnout cases and ultimately compromising street safety, operational budgets, and public trust in law enforcement.
Balai’s research advocates for implementing Work-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (W-CGT) as a targeted intervention. This innovative approach actively engages the workplace environment in the recovery process, enabling officers to progressively regain control over their professional responsibilities with crucial support from supervisors and colleagues. “Within a profession where teamwork and operational readiness are paramount, this methodology proves exceptionally valuable,” Balai emphasized.
The study proposes comprehensive recommendations across three organizational tiers:
– Micro-level: Enhanced mental resilience training and psychological support following traumatic incidents
– Meso-level: Formal recognition programs for officers and revised scheduling systems to reduce pressure
– Macro-level: Institutionalized psychosocial support frameworks and ongoing stress management initiatives
While acknowledging research limitations due to its single-station focus and modest sample size, the findings provide actionable insights for potential corps-wide implementation. Balai stresses that the Suriname Police Force (KPS) must cultivate an organizational culture that prioritizes mental health, ultimately benefiting officer wellbeing, service delivery quality, public perception, and community confidence in policing institutions.