Research to Reduce Officer Injury and Fatalities

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

In general, research of law enforcement officer injuries and fatalities has typically been concentrated to small sample sizes and specific incident types. This panel will explore a few of the research efforts into enhancing the knowledge base for traffic related safety efforts and officer injury in general. More law enforcement officers die each year in traffic incidents than from any other cause, including shootings. Many of these deaths occur on the roadside as officers perform their duties. Understanding the circumstances behind line-of-duty deaths from vehicle crashes and roadside incidents is a critical step in reducing fatalities. Research into causes of injury and fatalities using larger sample sizes, as well as, development and assessment of remediation practices are vital to improving the quality of life for those that choose to work in the criminal justice profession.

Sub Unit

• Area VII. The Criminal Justice System / 38. Police Strategies, Interventions, and Evaluations

Individual Presentations

• Law Enforcement Officer Motor Vehicle Crash and Struck-by Fatality Investigation Pilot Program - Brian Montgomery, National Institute of Justice

• Conducting Field Assessments of Police Vehicle Lighting and Marking Packages - Ronald Gibbons, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

• Researching Causes of Officer Injury Requiring Emergency Room Visits - Hope Tiesman, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Chair

• Brian Montgomery, National Institute of Justice

Discussants

• Ronald Gibbons, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

• Hope Tiesman, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health