The article defines stress and describes ways in which law enforcement officers are different from others in society: their work environment is very negative; they have "burst stress" (going from calm to high activity and pressure in one "burst"); they must constantly control their emotions; they work shifts; they wear uniforms to distinguish them from society, thus also separating them from society; they work in a quasi-military structured institution; and there are laws to follow, with no gray areas. Marital and other family-related stress can also affect a police officer's professional life. The article includes symptoms of stress (behavioral, physical, emotional and cognitive), coping with stress, stress in the family, how to simplify one's life and sort out what really matters, and seeking professional help.