Effects of COVID-19 on the Honduras National Police and lessons learned regarding police officer well-being and occupational stress

Abstract

In early 2020, the world watched as a global pandemic linked to a coronavirus, known as COVID-19, quickly spread and government authorities scrambled to respond implementing travel restrictions, social distancing, testing, and quarantines. By early March, the Republic of Honduras implemented strict protocols requiring greater attention from the police in enforcing the mobility restrictions and working with government and public health officials to contain spread of COVID-19. Using mixed methods, this article reports the descriptive results of 15 semi-structured qualitative interviews with high-level command staff from the Honduran National Police (HNP) and a representative sample of 143 line-officers drawn from police districts In Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, and La Lima. Supplemented by official homicide statistics provided by the HNP, emerging crime trends and shifts in service patterns due to COVID-19 are impacting police outreach activities related to crime prevention, investigations, and human resource assignments. Moreover, few police protocols have been updated to reflect this new work environment and steps to protect the well-being of police officers have been inconsistent, and stress levels among officers are elevated. Specific steps to address planning and training deficiencies are recommended.