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Safety in Policing and Security

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Policing and Security in Practice

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Abstract

Police and security work are both widely perceived as dangerous, and the deaths of police officers or security officers attract major headlines. Despite this high profile, there is surprisingly little in-house research on safety, and basic safety measures are frequently neglected. This chapter summarizes international research, showing that both groups are at considerable risk from workplace violence and are also at risk from workplace accidents. There is also a major problem with preventable deaths and injuries to members of the public as a result of the actions of police and security officers. Analysis of the circumstances of deaths and injuries for all stakeholders indicates a wide scope for improved safety, often through simple changes to procedures, along with the guided adoption of current and emerging technologies.

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© 2012 Tim Prenzler

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Prenzler, T. (2012). Safety in Policing and Security. In: Prenzler, T. (eds) Policing and Security in Practice. Crime Prevention and Security Management series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137007780_10

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