Based on a self-administered survey of 239 officers and interviews with 35 patrol officers in 4 urban departments, data were obtained on police officers' most recent tragic event as well as their most tragic event, their emotional responses during the event, and its effects on their professional and personal lives. Results showed that because professional conduct norms within the police culture dictated a suppression of emotional display, officers did not deal with pent up feelings engendered by tragic events. Thus the aftermath of tragedies were not discussed in terms of the impact on the officer involved. Emotional expression was viewed as an occupational weakness and inability to perform duties effectively. Officers in the present study were willing to reflect on memories that aroused deep emotions and occurred in early stages of their careers. These experiences seem to have profoundly impacted on the officers' view of emotion and work in policing. As a result, interpersonal barriers, rather than seeking a common solution to problems of emotional work, were created and maintained. 29 references (Author abstract modified)