NCJ Number
174592
Date Published
1996
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Data on reported injuries sustained by police officers in the Queensland Police Service in Australia in connection with assaults were studied with respect to their incidence and nature, changes in injuries over time, situations that make police vulnerable to assault, and information that might aid police safety.
Abstract
Data were collected from the Workers Health and Safety forms for the full calendar years 1990, 1991, and 1995 and for the first 6 months of 1996. Fiscal years 1990-91 and 1995-96 were also compared to determine the extent and nature of changes in the reporting of assault-related injuries. Results revealed that injuries were generally minor; few officers required hospitalization or were unable to work. Most injuries were the result of direct physical contact with another person, particularly through hitting or punching. Contrary to popular belief, weapons were rarely used to injure a police officer. Streets or footpaths, private residents, or police watchhouses were the most common locations where injuries occurred. Most injuries occurred between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sixty-four percent of police officers who reported injuries had 7 years of experience or less. Findings highlighted the need for proper training of police officers in a wide range of conflict resolution skills and indicated the significant contribution that experienced field supervision of junior officers may make to reducing assault-related injuries. Findings also indicate the importance of education and training in effective occupational health and safety practices to help allay unnecessary fears about the risk or fear of a disease-related injury. Tables, figures, footnotes, and 3 references