Aim of the study:
Police officers working with individuals who have directly experienced trauma are exposed to the negative consequences of such exposure to the tragic experiences of others, including secondary traumatic stress (STS). The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between empathy, job satisfaction, and secondary traumatic stress among police officers exposed to indirect trauma.

Subject or material and methods:
The study analyzed data from 220 police officers who, as part of their official duties, provided assistance to individuals who had directly experienced trauma. Their age ranged from 22 to 59 years (M = 39.08, SD = 7.00). The majority of the respondents were men 83.2%). The research utilized a specially designed survey, the Secondary Traumatic Stress Inventory, the Empathic Sensitivity Scale and the Job Satisfaction Scale.

Results:
Police officers exhibited relatively low levels of secondary traumatic stress. Job satisfaction was negatively correlated with the severity of secondary traumatic stress. Moreover, specific aspects of empathic sensitivity were positively related to the intensity of secondary traumatic stress. The strongest predictor of secondary traumatic stress was one of the components of empathic sensitivity—personal distress.

Discussion:
A lower level of empathy and high job satisfaction may protect police officers working with trauma survivors from developing secondary traumatic stress. Therefore, it is important to enhance officers' skills in maintaining their mental health and increasing job satisfaction.

Conclusions:
Implementing strategies that support police officers' mental health can enhance their effectiveness in working with trauma survivors.