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Protecting the Occupational Health and Safety of Police Officers

NCJ Number
188190
Author(s)
Claire Mayhew
Date Published
February 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Based on international research, this paper outlines a range of preventive strategies designed to protect the occupational health and safety of Australian police officers through engineering and technical interventions to reduce risks, as well as administrative policies, strategies, and training to reduce risks.
Abstract
Regarding engineering and technical interventions to reduce risks to police officers, the paper focuses on reducing risks through the use of body armor, capsicum and other nonlethal incapacitating sprays, and unarmed combat skills. Also discussed are ways of reducing risks from unintentional firearms discharges; laser pointers, which can damage the retina and cornea of the eyes; raids on illicit drug laboratories; and the transmission of communicable diseases. A discussion of administrative policies, strategies, and training to reduce risks to police officers addresses the obtaining of improved data to identify high-risk situations, the recognition of constant risk, ways of reducing the risks of excessive stress and fatigue, and reducing risks through training. The paper advises that of greatest importance is the commitment of police chiefs to improved occupational health and safety. 46 references