The first step in a training strategy is to identify significant stressors in a department and then determine which ones training can influence; a table lists six categories of stressors with examples of each. Techniques to identify stressors include questionnaires, brainstorming, and interviews. Suggestions for inservice training methods begin with courses that are directly related to stress, such as coping techniques and spouse indoctrination. However, classes on supervision or media relations can decrease departmental stress indirectly. A function of recruit training is to evaluate the student's ability to handle the stress associated with police work. Assessment methods include role playing and teaming the trainee with a veteran officer who can evaluate reactions to stressful incidents on the street. Training can perpetuate stress when instructors exhibit a behavior pattern common to police officers known as the John Wayne syndrome. This syndrome is a response to stress seen in officers who are overly self-sufficient, macho, introverted, and unlikely to show emotions; they see their relationship to citizens as an adversarial one. This attitude does not reduce stress and may destroy officers' ability to communicate successfully with others. Charts, photographs, and 13 footnotes are included.