The Real Dangers of Police Work
Many people count the possibility of getting shot as the most significant danger that a police officer faces. Officer involved shootings appear to be on the rise. Today’s law enforcement officers face a multitude of dangers in their everyday duties that rival the threat of getting shot. For example: Foot pursuit, vehicle pursuits, making an arrest, traffic control, heat stroke, Stress, duty equipment and bio-hazard exposure / sun exposure.
Officers’ are exposed to these dangers on a daily basis. They wear bulletproof vests and heavy belts containing batons, pepper spray, handcuffs, a radio, and a handgun. The equipment they wear can weigh up to 20 pounds which puts a tremendous amount of stress on the back, hips, knees, and feet. They must also get into and out of a patrol vehicle up to 50 times a day wearing this equipment. As a result many officers injure themselves to the point of being unable to work in law enforcement.
Officers are also exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods of time. Whether they are conducting traffic control at an accident scene in 100 degree heat or providing crime scene security in freezing temperatures, they are at the mercy of the elements. Most time they have not had time to stop at the store or the station before they are sent to the call so they can be standing out there without the proper protection or hydration they might need.
In addition to the physical dangers officers must deal with they also must always be ready for the worse. This can place a significant amount of physical and mental stress on the officer. They must be aware of their environment at all times. Officers need to remain vigilant and prepared for any situation that develops. Rarely does an officer have time to fully prepare for the emergency call for service. They have to rely on their training and make split second decisions based on an ever changing set of circumstances.
In the United States between 1993 and 2002, 636 police
Officers’ are exposed to these dangers on a daily basis. They wear bulletproof vests and heavy belts containing batons, pepper spray, handcuffs, a radio, and a handgun. The equipment they wear can weigh up to 20 pounds which puts a tremendous amount of stress on the back, hips, knees, and feet. They must also get into and out of a patrol vehicle up to 50 times a day wearing this equipment. As a result many officers injure themselves to the point of being unable to work in law enforcement.
Officers are also exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods of time. Whether they are conducting traffic control at an accident scene in 100 degree heat or providing crime scene security in freezing temperatures, they are at the mercy of the elements. Most time they have not had time to stop at the store or the station before they are sent to the call so they can be standing out there without the proper protection or hydration they might need.
In addition to the physical dangers officers must deal with they also must always be ready for the worse. This can place a significant amount of physical and mental stress on the officer. They must be aware of their environment at all times. Officers need to remain vigilant and prepared for any situation that develops. Rarely does an officer have time to fully prepare for the emergency call for service. They have to rely on their training and make split second decisions based on an ever changing set of circumstances.
In the United States between 1993 and 2002, 636 police