Officer Safety
The Officer Safety topic page has the specific mission of keeping cops safe through current & quality information, with tips, columnist commentary and the latest news updates. The Officer Safety topic page is a key resource for officers everywhere.
The Terry stop is a versatile law enforcement tool for officers, but we must be aware of the hazards in these contacts and use tactics to mitigate them
From reasonable suspicion to courtroom scrutiny, here’s what officers need to know about executing Terry stops properly
A good place to mark the beginning of the modern patrol rifle concept – in which a rifle is a normal part of the everyday kit – is the Norco bank robbery
When officers had no designated impact tool, necessity inspired officers to use firearms, radios, or flashlights to avoid the use of deadly force
Maintaining your situational awareness will provide good judgment, clear analysis, and proper decisions as you face the tactical challenges of a barricaded gunmen
How to master the art of speedy handcuff application and removal
Smith discusses the TASER 10, VR-based training and the impact of AI on policing, highlighting how these advancements enhance officer safety, efficiency and effectiveness
From the fireman’s rule to the doctrine of governmental immunity, public safety professionals face long-standing legal doctrines that prevent them from suing for injuries sustained in the line of duty
The leak and initial lawsuits occurred in 2022 when undercover officers’ personal information was mistakenly released along with other data in a public records request
This special episode of the Policing Matters podcast explores the shift from reactive to preventative strategies in emergency services and the crucial role of technology and health initiatives
Cpl. Tye Simcox was parked in his patrol vehicle when a driver fired multiple shots at him; the driver then pulled over, got out and continued firing at the officer
Officer Zane Coolidge and another officer were struck by gunfire while responding to a report of an attempted vehicle break-in
Under the newly enacted Valentine’s Law, fleeing a traffic stop and creating a risk of injury is now classified as a felony, carrying a sentence of at least one year in prison
“This wasn’t just an attack on [the wounded officers]. This was an attack on the entire Milwaukee Police Department,” Mayor Cavalier Johnson said
SROs can start by being prepared, proactive, resourceful and decisive
Two SROs at Apalachee High School encountered the shooter within minutes; The 14-year-old suspect, a student at the school, immediately surrendered
Equip yourself with cutting-edge tactics, psychological insight and decisive strategies to effectively neutralize threats and protect lives during an active shooter response
10 codes have been replaced bit by bit for 10 years, but reform is slow. So why are departments are holding on?
A simple trip to the convenience store is anything but routine for cops
Occupants of a vehicle sprayed water on officers as they drove by a traffic stop in progress; one male passenger told the police “he meant to scare them”
If your agency doesn’t have a plan for how to deal with fire as a weapon, it’s time to get to work
”Our department is hurting,” department spokesperson Kristin Lowman said. “We have officers who are injured, who are in the hospital, and we lost one of our own”
“To get woke up at 3:12 in the morning that four police cars are on fire…my heart sunk to my stomach. I’ve never had that call before.” McKeesport Police Chief Mark Steele said
The man swung a knife at the Stonington Police Officer’s head; he ended up striking the officer in the face with only his hand
Gracie, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, discusses a new method of lateral restraint he developed where two subjects can control one person using a novel set of grips
Repetition and realistic scenarios in training are crucial for developing quick and effective responses
Alton Police Department Officer Allen Averbeck was treated at a hospital and is expected to recover; K-9 Odin was taken to an animal hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries
Carroll County Investigator Taylor Bristow was shot while attempting to serve a warrant; he was taken to a hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery
A state police vehicle was hit by at least one round, according to an arrest warrant affidavit, but the officer was not struck by gunfire
“Even being on the bottom, [the officer] was in more control than the aggressor,” said Officer Adam Sears, who leads the Gracie Survival Tactics training for the LMPD
Advanced protective helmets are essential, providing crucial protection while being lightweight and comfortable enough for extended wear
Neuroscience research can help guide police training for better decision-making and performance under life-threatening stress
Fight complacency caused by the “routine” by establishing a “tactical routine” oriented toward personal survival
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