Officers encounter various levels of violence and use varying levels of aggression to manage situations. In such circumstances, officers experience stress which is handled with coping mechanisms that include increased assertiveness, cynicism, detachment, intolerance, and manipulativeness. Counselors must establish credibility with officers before officers will be willing to seek their help. Counselors can enhance their credibility by understanding officers' perspectives, participating in ride-along programs, reading police journals, and working with the department to establish mandatory counseling for all officers involved in violent incidents. In the course of counseling, counselors should recognize that the intensity of the violence may vary with the type of situation and that officers who encounter violence often may develop debilitating defense mechanisms. Working with significant others in the life of an officer may be necessary to help the officer deal with the effects of violence. Counselors should also help police supervisors and managers develop policies that will address the effects of violence on officers. 18 references.