Police officers face various risks in their duties, including (but not limited to) the risk of injury or death due to assaults, vehicular accidents, and other types of incidents.
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), in 2020, 669 federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers died in the line of duty, with traffic-related incidents being the leading cause of death.
Personal safety devices can save police officers at work. They include items such as body armor, which can protect officers from bullets and other forms of ballistic trauma, and batons, stun guns, and other types of defensive equipment to protect themselves and others.
Most importantly, a personal safety panic button is particularly needed in situations where officers are responding to violent or dangerous incidents or when working in areas with a higher risk of assault or injury.
What Safety Risks Are Police Officers Vulnerable To?
Police officers are vulnerable to multiple safety risks, including:
Physical Attacks
Physical attacks on police officers can include any type of assault or violence directed towards an officer while they are on duty. These attacks can range from minor physical confrontations to more serious assaults that result in injury or death. According to the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) report, 52,830 officers were victims of line-of-duty assaults in 2020, with an assault rate of 13.0 per 100 sworn officers.
Police officers may be more vulnerable to physical attacks when responding to high-stress or volatile situations, such as domestic disputes or active shooter incidents. They may be at greater risk of physical attack when interacting with individuals who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Poor visibility or lighting can make it more difficult for police officers to defend themselves against physical attacks.
Vehicle Accidents
Police officers may be involved in traffic accidents while patrolling or responding to calls. They may be involved in accidents while pursuing suspects at high speeds.
Accidents may be more likely if police vehicles are not properly maintained. It is important for police officers to drive defensively and be aware of the potential risks on the road to prevent accidents and stay safe while on duty.
Stress & Mental Health Issues
Police work can be stressful and demanding, and officers may be at risk for developing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Officers often work irregular shifts, which can disrupt their sleep patterns and lead to fatigue, which in turn can affect their mental health.
Disease Transmission
During an investigation, police officers may come into contact with bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, or vomit while interacting with the public or handling materials. They may handle contaminated materials, such as needles or other drug paraphernalia which can expose them to disease and sometimes, may cause medical emergencies.
How Does A Personal Safety Device Help Police Officers?
A panic button like Silent Beacon is a device that allows a police officer to quickly alert other officers or emergency services in the event of an emergency or attack. When activated, a panic button can send a signal to a central dispatch location or other officers in the area, alerting them to the officer’s location and the need for assistance.
Panic buttons can be worn by the officers, such as on a belt or in a pocket, or they can be installed in a patrol car. There are several reasons why police officers may carry safety devices:
Personal Protection
Safety devices can protect police officers in dangerous situations, such as when responding to a call or interacting with a suspect.
Improved Communication
A panic button can facilitate communication between officers and other emergency personnel, allowing them to share information and coordinate their efforts more effectively. Some panic buttons are equipped with two-way communication capabilities, allowing officers to communicate directly with each other or with a central dispatch location.
Deterrent Effect
The presence of a safety device may deter potential assailants or attackers, making it less likely that a police officer will need to use force. Activating a panic button sends a signal to a central dispatch location or other officers in the area, alerting them to the officer’s location and the need for assistance. This quick response can serve as a deterrent to potential assailants, as they may be less likely to attack an officer if they know help is on the way.
Enhanced Response Time
Safety devices can be used to quickly alert other officers or emergency services in the event of an emergency or attack. A panic button can help to coordinate the response of multiple officers or agencies, ensuring that the necessary resources are mobilized and dispatched to the officer’s location as quickly as possible.
Improved Situational Awareness
A panic button can provide other officers with information about an officer’s location and the situation they are facing, which can help to improve situational awareness and enable a more effective response.
Final Thoughts
There are various safety devices and technologies that police officers can use to protect themselves, and personal safety panic buttons can be one of them. These devices allow officers to quickly and discreetly call for help in an emergency, such as if they are being attacked or are in danger.
Personal safety panic buttons can be worn on the officer’s body, such as on a lanyard or as a wristband, and can be activated by pressing a button or activating a sensor.
One such device is Silent Beacon’s panic button which connects to your smartphone using Bluetooth. It lets you customize your emergency contacts and sends emergency alerts to your desired contact via email, SMS, and push notifications. The device also shares your real-time GPS so you can get help faster. This National Law Enforcement appreciation day, pledge to prioritize personal safety and state safety with Silent Beacon.
