NCJ Number
197254
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 69 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 116-119
Date Published
October 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article details the policies for safe conduct within the police agency.
Abstract
In an average year, 60 or more law enforcement officers die at the hands of violent criminals. Many good police officers that have had good training still take safety shortcuts on occasion. All of those in a position of leadership should make it clear through policies, procedures, rules, and their own actions that a mandate for safe conduct exists throughout an agency. All employees must know that safety rules and procedures will be enforced and penalties imposed in the case of intentional unsafe practices. Of all the areas of employee performance police supervisor must oversee, none is more important to the welfare of the employee and the organization than officer safety. One variety of unsafe police employee behaviors is the “cowboy” or “cowgirl” police officer--an officer that intentionally engages in reckless, unnecessarily risky conduct, just for the excitement of it. The supervisor’s job is to control and remedy such behavior through counseling, remedial training, and correction. The best available course materials, practical exercises, and instructors must be included in the training of every novice law enforcement officer. In-service or refresher training covering officer safety topics, such as verbal de-escalation and arrest control tactics, must take place every year. The field training officer (FTO) has a key role to play in overall safety training. They must be willing to step forward and recommend that an unsafe trainee be counseled to seek employment elsewhere. The responsible police leader will ensure that from whatever funding is available, a large portion is designated for safety-related needs. Even the best equipment must be inspected, maintained, and replaced as required to ensure a safe workplace. Police leaders need to support their officers when complaints arise because of something the officer did in the interest of safety. Examples of fatal errors of officers include missing danger signs, failing to wear body armor, and taking a bad approach or position.