NCJ Number
189626
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 28 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 130-132,134-136,138
Date Published
July 2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article examines the dangers of front-line police officer fatigue.
Abstract
The article claims that getting enough sleep needs to be treated as a safety issue just like firearm safety. Fatigue caused by lack of sleep is strongly associated with traffic accidents. The effects of fatigue have been compared to the effects of alcohol. No sleep for 18 hours is equivalent to a .05 to .06 percent blood alcohol, or being legally drunk in many European countries. Among the negative consequences of sleep deprivation are cellular changes, stress on the immune system and the heart, and a heightened glucose level. Some agencies are trying to get officers out of their police vehicles and onto bicycles or walking the beat, using physical activity as a way to fight off fatigue. Some departments are also encouraging officers to come in and take a nap when things are quiet. The article encourages police agencies to use fixed shifts as much as possible and avoid backward shifts, i.e., going against the clock. The article also encourages officers to take responsibility for their own sleep regimen and make it part of their overall health care and safety procedures.