Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption among Australian Police Officers: 1989 to 2005

Abstract

Lifestyle factors represent a significant occupational health issue for law enforcement personnel around the world. Despite this fact, longitudinal investigations of alcohol and tobacco consumption trends among them are rarely undertaken, particularly on a national basis. The aim of the current study therefore, was to examine the changing nature of high-risk alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking habits among a nationally representative sample of Australian police officers, for what appears to be the first time. Data pertaining to law enforcement personnel were extracted from four National Health Surveys conducted in Australia between 1989 and 2005. A referent group was also formulated for the same time periods. Results from this investigation suggest that the proportion of Australian police who consume alcohol at high rates is slowly declining in recent years. On the other hand, tobacco consumption among them has remained relatively stable, with around one-fifth of Australian police still smoking in 2004–05. Law enforcement is clearly a high-stress occupation when compared with other jobs, and the impact of workplace issues continues to influence lifestyle factors beyond the work environment. This unique facet ensures that alcohol and tobacco consumption will remain an important occupational health issue for police management in future years. As the retention of healthy, experienced law enforcement personnel is essential for the smooth functioning of any police force, additional research and management efforts should focus on the continued reduction of these detrimental lifestyle factors.