The police department has always been lauded for its outstanding job of enhancing security in society. As a police officer, I have always faced risks not only from the suspects but also from fellow police officers. Suicide, drug abuse, and personal issues are some of the key risks that police officers face in the line of duty. Failure to control depression and personal issues in the line of duty has always been a concern in recent times. For instance, in 2015 there were 51 cases of police suicide ( Parker, 2012). Working with police officers who are harboring suicidal thoughts is a major risk not only for my safety but also for other crew members. This concept affects my confidence in dealing with some criminals because of the fear that a traumatized colleague may jeopardize my safety. In most cases, law enforcers who have suicidal thoughts have the tendency to face criminals without fear which places all other crew members at risk. However, reporting of fellow police officers of their PTSD cases is a mitigation measure that can be used to apprehend the vice ( Stanley, Hom & Joiner, 2016). As a police officer, I have faced these challenges by talking through with traumatized fellow officers so as to provide them with emotional support.
Alcoholism is another rising concern in the police department. Statistical data clearly indicate that alcoholism among police officers is at a higher level as compared to the general public ( DeAngelo & Hansen, 2014). Working with drunk police officers not only places my position at risk but also to the whole police department. This is a very risky factor, especially when patrolling in an area inhabited by dangerous gangs. Generally, alcohol and other substance abuse impairs the police officer’s ability to make proper decisions in the line of duty. People’s inability to quit alcohol is another major concern. Alcoholism is normally associated with crime and violence in the society. Therefore, as a police officer, it is difficult to enhance security when the real ordeal of alcoholism and substance abuse is on the rise. Alcohol in the society is also a major cause of increased domestic violence. The 2003 statistical data corroborate that domestic violence is on the rise in the society ( Maguire, Nix & Campbell, 2017). Therefore, this risk can be mitigated by empowering the awareness programs to educate the public on some of the dangers of engaging in alcoholism.
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Traffic is another key risk factor that has haunted law enforcers on roads. Careless driving on roads is one dangerous aspect of most roads in the United States (Maguire, Nix & Campbell, 2017). In my quest to enhance law and order on the roads, careless drivers pose a risk to my life and other traffic law enforcers. Most traffic police officers are at risk of being hit by careless drivers. The police department should come up with strategic checkpoints which will help in reducing police deaths associated with road accidents. Also, the establishment of numerous checkpoints will help in monitoring over speeding among motorists.
As a police officer, I also face the threat posed by criminals involved in acts of a felony. Most officers are at risk in their pursuit to apprehend dangerous suspects in the nation. The rising cases of police murder affect my morale in instilling law and order in the society. In 2016 there were 66 deaths of police officers caused by dangerous assaults by suspects (Parker, 2012). This number is way above the felonious deaths of police officers in 2015 (Bishopp & Boots, 2014). This statistical data clearly indicates that currently, the criminals are becoming a threat to the police officers. This danger needs a swift mitigation measure so as to give police officers confidence in their line of duty. Therefore, there is a need to improve the surveillance system so as to assess the risk factors before the criminals are ambushed. This measure will also help in improving my confidence in apprehending some of these criminals in the society.
References
Bishopp, S. A., & Boots, D. P. (2014). General strain theory, exposure to violence, and suicide ideation among police officers: A gendered approach. Journal of Criminal Justice , 42 (6), 538-548.
DeAngelo, G., & Hansen, B. (2014). Life and death in the fast lane: Police enforcement and traffic fatalities. American Economic Journal: Economic Policy , 6 (2), 231-57.
Maguire, E. R., Nix, J., & Campbell, B. A. (2017). A war on cops? The effects of Ferguson on the number of US police officers murdered in the line of duty. Justice quarterly , 34 (5), 739-758.
Parker II, S. W. W. (2012). Dealing with Stress in Law Enforcement: Alcoholism, Divorce and Suicide.
Stanley, I. H., Hom, M. A., & Joiner, T. E. (2016). A systematic review of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. Clinical psychology review , 44 , 25-44.
