IUS Psychology Program Hosts “Behind the Uniform” Workshop on Occupational Stress and Peer Support for Police Officers

On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) hosted the workshop “Behind the Uniform: Recognizing Stress, Coping, and Peer Support,” organized jointly by the IUS Psychology (PSY) study program and the Association “Network of Police Officers in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.

The workshop was held as part of the research project “Examining the Relationship Between Occupational Stress, Coping Strategies, and Personality Traits Among Police Officers in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina” conducted by IUS with the support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Science. The research team includes Prof. Dr. Selvira Draganović (Project Leader), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nina Bosankić-Čmajčanin, and Assistant Iman Ehnech-Seran from the IUS Psychology study program.

Through practical exercises, discussion, and shared experiences, participants explored sources of occupational stress, ways to recognize signs of psychological strain, and strategies for coping with demanding situations. Particular attention was given to peer support, approaching a colleague experiencing stress, and developing a personal coping and team support plan.

Participants included representatives of the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federal Police Administration, and the police administrations of the ministries of interior of Sarajevo Canton, Tuzla Canton, Zenica-Doboj Canton, and Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. Officials from the Sarajevo Canton Anti-Corruption Office also attended.

Bringing together representatives from different institutions enabled participants to exchange experiences about shared professional challenges and engage in an open conversation about mental health. The workshop aimed to provide a supportive setting in which stress and the need for assistance could be discussed without stigma, emphasizing the importance of recognizing difficulties early.

For the IUS Psychology Program, this initiative connects research with community needs and applies psychological knowledge within a professional setting. Cooperation with the Association provides a foundation for further activities aimed at preventing occupational stress and strengthening the psychological well-being of police officers.

Edin Kahrimanović, President of the Association “Network of Police Officers in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” highlighted that this was the first workshop of its kind the Association had participated in organizing and described it as the beginning of an ongoing effort to develop support for police officers. He noted that future plans include workshops and initiatives connecting police institutions, psychology professionals, and the academic community.