The Effect of Night Shift on the Life of the Nigeria Police Officer
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The specific objectives are as follows:
- To examine the sleep patterns of Nigeria police officers working night shifts.
- To investigate the mental health challenges faced by police officers working night shifts.
- To investigate the social and family challenges arising from night shift work among police officers.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework for this study is the HCM, which is an extension of Gilbert’s (2013) behavioral engineering model first developed in 1974. The framework supported exploration of the mission, goals, system processes, and clarity in accomplishments that existed in the U.S. Coast Guard MIP. Fusch and Gillespie (2012) evaluated the HCM by exploring the desired result for an organization. The HCM is grounded on the need to improve organizational output by reducing the performance gap—that is, the existing gap between result and the real outcome or reality (Fusch & Gillespie, 2012). Workplace culture is an enabler of performance improvement. Realizing that personnel training does not necessarily result in performance, the focus of the organization shifts to activities that generate results hinged on the organization’s planning and strategy. This premise was helpful to the study the performance of police officers in Lagos State, Nigeria and the importance of improving their activities against the result of delivering service to the people. Exploring organizational performance begins by 5 defining an organization’s vision, mission, strategies, and overall accomplishments, or results (Fusch & Gillespie, 2012). For instance, rather than aligning and validating visions, missions, and objectives, the Nigeria Police force performance target could be based on monitoring activities, not work accomplishments (see Fusch & Gillespie, 2012). However, work accomplishment is what matters to begin performance improvement, not how many activities occurred to achieve that accomplishment (Gilbert, 2013). Lack of mission clarity and defined objectives may be affecting the Nigeria Police Force management and measurement. Thus, the exploration of mission clarity was the first essential component in this study’s theoretical framework. Further, Fusch and Gillespie (2012) provided an overview of how to explore performance supports at an organizational level by explaining that there are two central dimensions inherent in improving performance (or human competence) in the workplace once the desired result is defined: environmental supports and worker behavior. Environmental supports include factors extrinsic to a performer, and worker behavior incorporates intrinsic factors. Fusch and Gillespie also segmented the model into three types of factors: information, instrumentation, and motivation. Information is the communication received by police force in discharging their duties effectively. Instrumentation represents the tools used in carrying out civic duties as contained in the code of conducts of the police force, which can include arms and ammunitions, uniforms, and vehicles. Motivation can involve salary increase, recognition, promotion, transfer to family union, and self-actualization. These factors affect environmental support and worker behavior in the sense that the information received for duties contribute to the 6 effectiveness of the performance of the police force. For instance, a police officer who has information about a robbery incident in time is likely to act faster. A police officer with adequate instrument at the time an information is received is also likely to respond more effectively, and an officer with sufficient motivation in response to their needs may perform adequately more than a demotivated officer.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the effect of night shift on the life of the nigeria police officer. Nigeria Police Authority, Akwa Ibom state form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the effect of night shift on the life of the Nigeria police officer. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing an the effect of night shift on the life of the Nigeria police officer.
Summary
This study was on the effect of night shift on the life of the Nigeria police officer. Three objectives were raised which included: To examine the sleep patterns of Nigeria police officers working night shifts, to investigate the mental health challenges faced by police officers working night shifts and to investigate the social and family challenges arising from night shift work among police officers. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study’s insights serve as a foundation for informed decision-making and policy development aimed at improving the overall well-being and effectiveness of Nigeria police officers working night shifts. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing targeted interventions, law enforcement agencies can create an environment that prioritizes the health, safety, and job satisfaction of their officers, ultimately fostering a more resilient and efficient police force.
Recommendation
- Law enforcement agencies should consider implementing flexible scheduling policies that allow for a more balanced distribution of night shift duties. Rotational schedules and the incorporation of rest days between night shifts can help mitigate the adverse effects of continuous nighttime work.
- Develop and implement sleep hygiene education programs to educate police officers about the importance of maintaining healthy sleep patterns. Training sessions should include information on creating conducive sleep environments, managing stress, and adopting practices that promote quality sleep.
- Establish a system of regular health assessments for police officers engaged in night shift work. These assessments should include screenings for sleep disorders, mental health evaluations, and overall physical well-being checks. Early identification of health issues can facilitate timely intervention and support.
- Integrate mental health support programs within law enforcement agencies to address the psychological challenges associated with night shift work. This may include counseling services, peer support groups, and access to mental health professionals trained to work with police personnel.
References
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2007, June 12). Sleep Disorders Highly Prevalent Among Police Officers. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 1, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070612075008.htm#
- Baker, Lois(2009). Police on Night Beat at Risk for Heart Disease. Futurity. Retrieved November 5, 2011 from http://www.futurity.org/society‐culture/police‐on‐night‐beat‐at‐risk‐for‐heart‐disease/
- Brinkley, Marcy (2010). Effects On Health For the Night Shift Worker. LIVESTRONG.COM. Retrieved November 7, 2011 from http://www.livestrong.com/article/112321‐effects‐health‐night‐shift‐worker/
- CCOHS (2010). Rotational Shiftwork. Canada’s National Occupational Health & Safety Resource. Retrieved November 2, 2011 from http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/shiftwrk.html insomnia. (n.d.) Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. (2008). Retrieved November 9, 2011 from http://medical‐dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/insomnia National Institute of General Medical Sciences (July 2008). Circadian Rhythm Fact Sheet. Retrieved November 9, 2007 from http://www.nigms.nih.gov/Education/Factsheet_CircadianRhythms.htm U.S.
- Department of Justice‐Federal Bureau of Investigation (2010). Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2011 from http://www2.fbi.gov/ucr/killed/2009/officersassaulted.html
- Violanti, John (2009). Atypical Work Hours and Metabolic Syndrome Among Police Officers. Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health, Vol 64, No. 3, 2009.
