NCJ Number
103405
Journal
Police Journal Volume: LVIX Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1986) Pages: 300-320
Date Published
1986
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The incidence of assaults against police is examined, and measures to reduce attacks against police are discussed.
Abstract
As of July 1985, the millionth assault on American police occurred since records were first kept in 1960. Further, since that time, both assaults and police fatalities have shown steady increases. Measures that may be taken within police departments to reduce causalities include improving police training, streamlining police policies and procedures, and keeping records of potentially dangerous individuals or organizations. Additional countermeasures include upgrading protective equipment and clothing; improving and centralizing dispatching and communication systems; and using available, sophisticated weaponry and detection systems. Further, greater attention must be paid to the safety needs of officers serving in particularly hazardous roles, such as jailing and undercover work. Legislative countermeasures could include gun control laws, mandatory capital sentences for certain offenses, mandated license plate improvements, and outlawing the use of reflective or nontransparent glass in vehicles. Finally, public education and information and research could help enhance the safety of police officers. 35 references.