When I was a kid, Independence Day was one of my favorite holidays. It meant a fun-filled party at someone’s house followed by the big fireworks show in town, and the exhilarating knowledge that it was only mid-summer, still weeks before school started. Now, after 28 years on the street, I have a very different, some might say cynical, view of the Fourth of July. If you, like me, will be working this holiday weekend, here are a few things to be mindful of:
“Routine” Fireworks Calls
You’re probably going to be running to hundreds of fireworks calls and noise complaints. Don’t assume every “pop” heard is simply an M80 or a bottle rocket; don’t let routine lull you into letting your guard down. Criminals have been known to use the noise of fireworks to disguise gunfire or create an ambush for responding officers. And if you end up confiscating some of those illegal fireworks, use extreme caution when transporting and storing them, even commercial fireworks can be extremely unstable.
Alcohol and More
Let’s face it; the Fourth of July is a “party” holiday. You’re going to be dealing with people who are drunk, high or all of the above. In additional to your usual players, you may encounter folks who don’t imbibe very often and become unpredictable or irrational when intoxicated. And when you arrive at those “loud party” calls, be alert for the possibility of someone thinking it’s fun to launch a big rocket right at you or your squad car.
Domestic Disputes
Extended family members tend to gather on holidays, which means the increased likelihood for heated domestic disputes, often fueled by alcohol and/or drugs. All domestics are dangerous and unpredictable, but a large drunken family brawl can be especially hazardous and hard to control. Make sure you have back up and be ready with the proper force option if someone’s uncle from out of town likes to brawl with the police.
Crowd Control
If your jurisdiction, like mine, has any kind of festival to celebrate the long weekend, you’ve got to think about crowd control. If you’re working an event, make sure you get a feel for the entire area; know the exits and the problem spots, like the beer tents, the “cooler check” areas, people handling cash. Many agencies are cutting back on the number of officers assigned to these events; find out if your administration has made plans for a call-out, mutual aid, or something to bring in extra personnel quickly if needed. If they don’t have a plan, make sure you have one of your own.
Fatigue
There’s a good chance that you’ll be working an overtime detail or an extra shift or two during the three-day weekend or you may get held over to work extra hours at the end of shift. Try to get some sleep, eat several small, high protein meals during your shift and stay hydrated. Go easy on the caffeine at work and easier on the alcohol during your time off.
First Aid
Check your first aid kit; make sure it’s well stocked, up to date and you have plenty of sterile gauze and latex gloves. With all the backyard pyrotechnics going on, chances are you may have to respond to a fireworks-related injury, and if you get there before the medics, you want to be able to perform proper first aid.
Traffic Control
If you’re city hosts a fireworks display, a parade or other large celebration or event, you may find yourself directing traffic, most likely in the dark. Make sure you have a reflective vest on, and use flares, your flashlight and your vehicle’s overheads to your advantage. Don’t forget that 60% of us get killed each year in traffic-related incidents.
Take a Minute to Remember
There’s a reason it’s called “Independence Day.” Remember what the day really means, why we are a free people, how we got that way, and remember especially all of those who continue to sacrifice each and every day to help us stay that way. Happy 4th of July!
