NCJ Number
247614
Editor(s)
Gene Voegtlin
Date Published
May 2014
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This is the annual issue of Police Chief dedicated to officer safety and wellness, addressing timely and notable issues such as officer fitness, personal body armor, mental health and suicide, officer seat belt use, and safety management and training strategies in other industries.
Abstract
"Protecting Officers against Pathogens" instructs officers in the dangers of pathogens that cause infectious diseases and the need to be alert to how various types of pathogens are transmitted, so as to avoid unnecessary risks. "Using NIBIN Ballistic Imaging Hits for the Strategic Targeting of Violent Criminal Networks" advocates using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) program, which links evidence from firearms that are used at multiple crime scenes or links confiscated firearms to evidence from crime scenes. This information can assist officers in identifying persons and gangs involved in firearms use. "A Proactive Strategy for a Unified Public Safety Network" emphasizes communication across jurisdictions in alerting officers to crimes and potential suspects who may be traveling across jurisdictional borders. "Changing the Culture of Officer Safety and Wellness" describes ways in which the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is facilitating improvements in officer safety and wellness. "Better Outcomes in Policing" argues for a structured effort by law enforcement agencies to improve strategies of physical training and fitness. "Keeping Our Heroes Safe: A Comprehensive Approach to Destigmatizing Mental Health Issues in Law Enforcement" suggests ways to convince officers that addressing their mental health issues is a critical aspect of a positive and safe personal and work life. "A Lesson Learned the Hard Way - One Agency's Recommendations for Increasing Seat Belt Use" describes efforts by the Los Angeles Police Department to prevent officer driving-related deaths by wearing their seat belts. Other articles address protective actions by police officers under a variety of scenarios uncounted by police officers.