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Officer safety

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Director’s Corner: Responding to Sexual Assaults

David B. Muhlhausen, Ph.D.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and I want to take this opportunity to reflect upon all the strides we have made to sexual assault response practice as a country, and how the lessons learned, investments, and technological advances have made it possible for the apprehension of more criminals, and for victims of sexual assault to find closure.

Research to Improve Officer Decision-Making, Solicitation Webinar (FY 2017)

March, 2017

March 2017

This webinar will provide details and guidance for potential applicants to NIJ’s Research to Improve Officer Decision-making solicitation. The presenters will discuss the purpose and goals of this opportunity and address frequently asked questions. A Q&A session will conclude this webinar.

Officer Safety

Law enforcement officers face many different dangerous and stressful situations in the line of duty. Some, such as gun violence, are obvious; others dangers (e.g., fatigue) are hidden, but common, and can greatly hinder officer performance. Officer performance is also affected by training and other factors.

How Best Protect Your Force Against Officer Suicide

May, 2017
May 2017

John Violanti, Research Professor at Buffalo, discusses the importance of making police departments aware that officer suicide is a problem. According to Violanti, police officers have a significantly higher rate of suicide than the general public. Reasons for this higher risk include the accumulative effects of trauma and stress.

How to Encourage a Culture of Officer Safety

July, 2017
July 2017

Jeff Rojek, Associate Director for the Center for Law and Behavior at the University of Texas, explains what the research shows about why law enforcement officers are more or less likely to use seat belts. Rojek describes how training, improved policy and accountability, and organizational justice create a more comprehensive approach to officer safety.