Law Enforcement Personnel Research Articles

Risk factors for adverse health in military and law enforcement personnel; an umbrella review

Risk factors for adverse health in military and law enforcement personnel; an umbrella review

Certain aspects of combination of practical disciplines "Fire training" and "Special physical training" in institutions of higher education with specific learning conditions

The article discusses the impact of external and internal factors on the effectiveness of higher education systems, particularly in the context of training future law enforcement officers. It is noted that ensuring quality student training requires consideration of specific learning conditions, such as requirements for firearms and physical training. The article analyzes the role of disciplines such as «Firearms Training» and «Special Physical Training» in shaping the professional skills of future law enforcement officers. The importance of these disciplines in ensuring societal security and enhancing the combat readiness of law enforcement officers in various conditions, including wartime, is highlighted. Specifically, the necessity of firearm proficiency and the ability to effectively utilize it in situations requiring law enforcement intervention is discussed. It is also noted that preparation for armed conflicts and security maintenance requires students to have a high level of physical fitness and firearm interaction skills. In the context of contemporary challenges related to increasing crime rates and wartime, the importance of combining education with firearms and physical training to develop a well-rounded law enforcement personality is emphasized. The authors emphasize that this combination helps students become prepared for real-life situations they may encounter in their future careers. The conclusion underscores the need for continuous improvement of law enforcement professionals’ skills in contemporary conditions, including tactical-specialized, firearms, and physical training. The importance of physical education and sports as a means of promoting a healthy lifestyle is also emphasized. Additionally, it is noted that present conditions and periods of wartime require law enforcement officers to possess special skills and abilities beyond routine duties. Such situations may necessitate additional training for law enforcement personnel with elements of military preparation, including terrain orientation, grenade throwing, obstacle overcoming, engineering preparation, and other important aspects.

Psychological rehabilitation of law enforcement officers after the use of firearms

Alongside the global evolution in societal relations, characterized by the advancement of democratization and the humanization of the social environment, the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms has become paramount. In this context, the psychological well-being of law enforcement officers stands out as a critical concern, shaped by a multitude of factors. The intensity of this issue is magnified in countries experiencing military conflict, as the psychological burden on Ukrainian law enforcement personnel has escalated dramatically due to ongoing warfare. One of the most pressing concerns in this context is the use of lethal firearms. The professional duties of law enforcement officers are inherently stressful, exposing them to situations that can induce severe psycho-emotional disorders. The high-risk environment in which they operate, coupled with complex moral and ethical dilemmas and strenuous physical demands, highlights the urgent need for comprehensive psychological rehabilitation. Moreover, the challenges faced by law enforcement officers are not limited to the immediate dangers of their work. They also endure the long-term effects of repeated exposure to traumatic events, which can lead to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. The societal expectations placed upon them, particularly in times of crisis, further exacerbate the psychological strain, as they are often required to make split-second decisions that can have life-altering consequences. In addition to addressing these immediate psychological needs, there is a growing recognition of the importance of preventive measures. This includes providing officers with ongoing mental health support, training in stress management techniques, and fostering a work environment that prioritizes psychological resilience.

Policing of youth in the hospital

BackgroundEach year millions of children seek care in emergency departments, many of whom are from marginalized and minoritized groups who lack access to primary and preventive care. Law enforcement personnel are also commonly present in pediatric and adult emergency departments serving in a range of roles. Therefore, pediatric emergency departments sit at the nexus of the health system and the legal system for many vulnerable youth and families. ObjectiveHerein, we explore several common specific legal issues surrounding policing of youth in the hospital setting: patient privacy and disclosure of information, questioning and visitation restriction, autonomy and decision making, restraints and use of force, and patient property. MethodsOur team of legal scholars and clinician researchers examined the literature on policing of youth in healthcare settings and patients' legal rights in healthcare settings through searches using PubMed, Westlaw, and Lexis. FindingsThrough rigorous analysis of the medical literature, legal scholarship, and relevant case law, several important themes were identified which present challenges to clinicians caring for vulnerable children. Conclusions and relevancePediatric clinicians, highly trained professionals in the medical and social care of youth and children, are often unaware of legal rules and procedures that guide law enforcement interaction with youth. This lack of knowledge may result in unknowing and unwitting violations of patients' rights while also compromising the quality of health care provided. Therefore, it is imperative that clinicians are educated on their roles and their institutions' roles in safeguarding patients' privacy and autonomy while still promoting effective collaboration with law enforcement.

"This Time It Was Different:" Creating a Multidisciplinary, Trauma-Informed, Victim-Centered Approach to Sexual Assault Cold Case Investigations and Prosecutions.

Police and prosecutors recommend that sexual assault survivors have a medical forensic exam and the collection of a sexual assault kit (SAK; also known as a "rape kit") to preserve biological evidence (e.g., semen, blood, saliva, hair) if they want to pursue criminal prosecution. However, law enforcement personnel do not routinely submit SAKs to crime laboratories for forensic DNA testing. Instead, they often place untested kits in storage and close many of these reported cases after minimal investigation. Current estimates indicate there are 300,000 to 400,000 untested SAKs in law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. In response to this national problem, the U.S. Department of Justice created the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Project to support kit testing, re-investigation, and prosecution of these "cold case" sexual assaults. The SAKI program also provides training and technical assistance to police, prosecutors, and victim advocates on how to use a multidisciplinary, trauma-informed, and victim-centered approach in cold case prosecutions. This study examined the extent to which one SAKI-funded site implemented these three guiding principles in their interactions with victims while prosecuting cold case sexual assaults. We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with N = 32 sexual assault survivors from the first cohort of cold cases that were re-opened and prosecuted in this jurisdiction. Nearly all cases (n = 31) ended in a guilty plea or trial conviction, and the vast majority of survivors indicated that they had positive experiences with the SAKI team. Survivors noted that they were listened to, believed, supported, and well-prepared by a multidisciplinary team of practitioners who were personally invested in their cases and in their well-being. Implications for creating multidisciplinary, trauma-informed, and victim-centered approaches with other communities are discussed.

Emergency safe havens

This paper describes how to find or create protective shelter in disaster zones. Federal Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) teams pre-stage directly in the path of on-coming hurricanes and floods, and these forward-positioned teams must seek out buildings and rooms that can survive these events. Safe havens are also needed for those civilians who can’t be evacuated, including the disabled and critically ill. Safe havens are also important in the aftermath of a disaster. Critical work continues for days or weeks at disaster zones, at places where buildings and infrastructure are severely damaged, and where hazards persist. Protected spaces are needed for ongoing humanitarian and medical care for survivors. Rescuers, law enforcement, and medical personnel also need safe interior spaces to eat and rehab. US&R teams and other first responders also seek out safe havens inside the “red zone”, the areas of intense damage and hazards where first responders must operate during rescue, fire-fighting, or HazMat mitigation. The authors describe how safe havens can be rapidly identified or created in disaster zones. This aspect of protective structures is of growing importance as the world population becomes more vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters.

On the Effectiveness of the System of Delegating the Power of Administrative Punishment

The system of "delegating the power of administrative punishment" established in Article 24 of the "Administrative Punishment Law" breaks through the level restriction of the exercise of administrative punishment power and extends the power of administrative punishment to the grass-roots level to a certain extent, which is an important institutional way to improve the predicament of administrative enforcement power at the grass-roots level. However, with the continuous application of this system, the problem of its effectiveness has become increasingly prominent. In terms of the way and content of empowerment, "urgent need of grass-roots management" and "able to effectively undertake" should be used as the judging criteria for the delegation of administrative punishment power, and provincial subjects should establish a differentiated list of administrative punishment power delegation according to relevant provisions. In the operation of power, we should enhance the undertaking ability of the undertaking subject from the perspective of the establishment of law enforcement agencies in townships (streets) and the allocation of law enforcement personnel, so as to ensure the effective operation of power. In terms of system supervision, we should make clear the subject and way of supervision to prevent the abuse of the power of administrative punishment.

Community Policing Philosophy

A sociological understanding of crime can adequately respond to criminal challenges through practical engagement with society. Community policing is a proactive strategy that uses problem-solving methods and strategic partnerships to solve problems related to public safety, including crime and social disturbance. The core of this policing system is a flexible organizational structure and decentralized power, in which the officer decides how best to preserve security and order in line with local needs. Decentralized administration at both the command and decision-making levels has been used as an approach to promote the effectiveness of community policy. Consequently, police officers could independently interact with communities, identifying problems and developing feasible solutions. However, this idea has variations, particularly in the debate on how community policy can construct a social system to create better strategies against criminal acts. It is essential to analyze the sociological perspective to understand the main objective of the community-oriented policing strategy. Mainly, a theory that focuses on reducing crime and crime fear enhances the conditions of life for law enforcement personnel and members of society. Hence, this article analyses each strategy component using pertinent and specific sociological theories and criminological concepts, highlighting the significant contribution of sociologists in shaping the community policing strategy. Therefore, based on sociological perspectives, this article argues that community policy can create an inclusive social system within social actors’ collaboration. Keywords: community-oriented, crime, neighborhood, sociological perspective, partnerships

The Guardians of the Streets: Frontline Law Enforcement Officers

This study explores the intricate realm of frontline law enforcement personnel, the sentinels who patrol the streets and deal with the day-to-day challenges of maintaining community safety. The aim is to investigate the obstacles and prospects they face, with a particular emphasis on mental health, de-escalation strategies, and community involvement. Principal Subjects: The Effects of Prolonged Stress: We will look at how common stress and trauma-related illnesses like depression and PTSD are in front-line law enforcement personnel. De-escalation Techniques and implicit bias the study will examine how well de-escalation training programs reduce the need for force as well as how implicit bias affects officers' judgment when they engage with members of the public. Establishing trust through community Policing. This section will look at ways to help frontline police and the communities they serve build strong bonds, with an emphasis on underserved areas. Principal Arguments Frontline officers' mental health is greatly impacted by ongoing stress. Officers who receive specialized de- escalation training may be better able to settle disputes amicably and use less force. Officers' interactions with the public can be less affected by unconscious stereotypes when they get implicit bias training. Building trust is a key component of effective community policing tactics that can boost public safety and strengthen ties within the community. Significance by looking into these topics, the research hopes to. Develop efficient stress management methods that will improve officer well-being. Implementing evidence-based de-escalation training will improve public safety. improved community-police ties by implementing programs aimed at fostering trust. Target audience: A wide range of people are intended to read this research, including Policymakers and law enforcement leaders who can put the findings into practice by implementing better policies. mental health specialists who are capable of creating focused interventions to enhance the wellbeing of officers. Community organizations trying to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public. Additionally, the general public is interested in learning more about the opportunities and difficulties that frontline law enforcement officers encounter.

Egy hivatás ABC-je

Aim: The ABC of the police profession, published by Ludovika Publishing, explores the dilemmas, moral and fundamental professional issues related to police practice. Methodology: The book is a revised version of ‘Serve with Integrity – Thoughts on the Ethics of the Police Profession’ by Dr. Major General József Horváth, published in 2003. The specific structure of the book details the concepts related to the performance of police duties in alphabetical order, so that the reader can browse through the various topics according to their own interests. Findings: The global changes of recent decades and events requiring special law enforcement intervention (e.g. migration, pandemics, war, etc.) have had an impact on the attitudes and organisational culture of law enforcement personnel (Farkas et al., 2018; Farkas & Horváth, 2022). The book provides findings that are dynamically adapted to this, and therefore newcomers and members of the organisation may browse the authors’ findings with interest. Value: In addition to its unconventional nature, the book stands out for its approach, which encourages self-reflection, new insights and discourse.

Hungarian legislation regarding implementing a forensic DNA elimination database

The inception of forensic DNA elimination database represents a pivotal advancement in forensic science, aiming to streamline the process of distinguishing between DNA found at crime scenes and that of individuals involved in the investigation process, such as law enforcement personnel and forensic lab staff. In subsequent phases, once familiarity with the database is achieved by its administrators and other stakeholders, and they have accrued sufficient experience, the possibility of expanding the database to encompass first responders—including firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other emergency services personnel—can be contemplated. Key challenges in managing these databases encompass the grounds for collecting samples, ensuring the integrity of both samples and profiles, along with the duration of retention, access to the database, and the protocols to follow when a match is found in the database. This paper outlines the conceptual and detailed legislative framework in Hungary, where the forensic DNA elimination database was introduced in 2022.

Determinants of Wellness Program Utilization Among Law Enforcement Personnel: A Focus on Psychological and Physical Health

Determinants of Wellness Program Utilization Among Law Enforcement Personnel: A Focus on Psychological and Physical Health

Determinants of Wellness Program Utilization Among Law Enforcement Personnel: A Focus on Psychological and Physical Health

Determinants of Wellness Program Utilization Among Law Enforcement Personnel: A Focus on Psychological and Physical Health

Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray: An Assessment of Respiratory Health and its Management Following Accidental and Deliberate Exposures.

Introduced into law enforcement in 1976, the oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray has been labeled as one of the most significant and radical developments in law enforcement. However, epidemiological research on OC health effects is deficient, receiving little public support. The major responses to acute exposure to OC spray can be found in the pulmonary system. The molecular mechanism(s) involved in the action of capsaicinoids, the active constituents in OC, are complex cascades of reactions which end up in necrosis or apoptosis. OC may also damage and deplete biological redox systems in the epithelial lining fluids and within cells and mitochondria, modifying structural proteins and nucleic acids and leading to enzyme inactivation. Since there are no characteristic laboratory tests available for identification or confirmation of OC exposure, and on the basis of prevailing data, reassessment of the health risks of OC exposures in vulnerable populations and in-depth study of the molecular mechanics of receptors is the need of the hour for the development of effective countermeasures. This review aims to consider evidence for adverse effects of OC spray used in ways comparable to their application by law enforcement personnel and civilians, with possible treatment recommendations that are precedent for improved management.

PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AND JOB PERFOR-MANCE OF LAW ENFORCERS IN MALITA

This study determined the perceived social support and job performance of law enforcers in Malita. Descriptive - correlational research design was used in this study. Data were gath-ered using adopted survey questionnaires and tallied and tabulated with the aid of statisti-cal software. The statistical tools used to interpret the data are mean, standard deviation, Spearman’s rank-order correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results of the study showed that the perceived social support of the law enforcement per-sonnel in terms of significant others, family and friends is described as “high” which means that social support towards law enforcement personnel is always manifested. The job performance of law enforcers across all domains is described as “excellent”. This im-plies that the law enforcers have distinguished job performance. Therefore, we reject the null hypothesis and conclude that there is a significant relationship between perceived social support and the job performance of the law enforcers. Furthermore, the friends' construct was considered the best predictor of the dependent variable, job performance.

A Self-Assessment Tool for Helping Identify Police Burnout Among Investigators of Child Sexual Abuse Material

IntroductionLaw enforcement professionals who investigate child sexual abuse material face increased risk of mental health challenges, including burnout. This study aims to develop a data-driven self-assessment tool for law enforcement personnel exposed to child sexual abuse material. The tool assesses burnout symptoms and related mental health issues, offering a proactive approach to identifying and supporting individuals at risk. MethodsA mixed-methods investigation involved 500 police investigators and forensic examiners from the United States. The study utilized a convenience sample recruited through various channels connected with the National Criminal Justice Training Center. ResultsTwenty percent of participants exhibited high burnout. The BURNT demonstrated a sensitivity of 69.6% and specificity of 74.6% at a cutoff point of ≥2; correctly classifying 73.6% of the sample. Individuals with scores of 2 or more were 3.47 times more likely to be experiencing high burnout compared to peers with a score of zero with increasing odds with each additional score. High burnout was associated with longer tenure in current positions. ConclusionsThe BURNT offers a short and simple self-assessment tool for law enforcement professionals exposed to child sexual abuse material, aiding in the early identification of burnout symptoms. A cutoff point of ≥2 provides a data-driven strategy for identifying individuals at increased risk, promoting timely intervention and support to mitigate burnout's adverse effects on mental well-being and professional performance. The BURNT's sensitivity and specificity balance enhances its utility, providing a proactive approach to address the unique mental health challenges faced by law enforcement personnel combating child sexual abuse material.

Relationship between Civilian Injuries Caused during Contact with Law Enforcement and Community-Level Sociodemographic Characteristics.

Civilian injuries caused during contact with law enforcement personnel erode community trust in policing, impact individual well-being, and exacerbate existing health inequities. We assessed the relationship between ZIP code-level rates of civilian injuries caused during legal interventions and community-level sociodemographic characteristics using Illinois hospital data from 2016 to 2022. We developed multivariable Poisson regression models to examine whether legal intervention injury rates differed by race-ethnicity and community economic disadvantage across three geographic regions of Illinois representing different levels of urbanization. Over the study period, 4976 civilian injuries were treated in Illinois hospitals (rate of 5.6 per 100,000 residents). Compared to non-Hispanic white residents, non-Hispanic Black residents demonstrated 5.5-10.5 times higher injury rates across the three geographic regions, and Hispanic-Latino residents demonstrated higher rates in Chicago and suburban Cook County, but lower rates in the rest of the state. In most regions, models showed that as the percent of minority residents in a ZIP code increased, injury rates among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic-Latino residents decreased. As community economic disadvantage increased at the ZIP code level, civilian injury rates increased. Communities with the highest injury rates involving non-Hispanic white residents were significantly more economically unequal and disadvantaged. While the injury rates were consistently and substantially higher among non-Hispanic Black residents throughout the state, the findings illustrate that the association between overall civilian injuries caused during contact with law enforcement and community sociodemographic characteristics varied across regions. Data on local law enforcement agency policies and procedures are needed to better identify appropriate interventions.

Performance assessment of portable Raman spectroscopy in determining ecstasy tablets

AbstractEcstasy tablets, a type of common street drug originally consisting of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), provide stimulant and hallucinogen psychoactive effects. They are frequently found in nightclubs, musical festivals or other recreational events believed to create a relaxing experience for the users. From a forensic perspective, when the drug of abuse is suspected in such scenarios, the law enforcement personnel would then require an easy‐to‐perform, quick and accurate method to detect the existence of such controlled substance prior to the seizure and subsequent forensic examination. In this study, we assessed the performance of a portable Raman spectroscopy as the primary aid in determining ecstasy tablets at the point of use. A total of 130 ecstasy tablet samples were analysed by Raman spectroscopy and characterised by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Active chemical substances and cutting agents detected by the two instrumentations were then compared. The performance of Raman spectroscopy was further assessed in terms of its accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, corresponding to the analysis results obtained from GC–MS analysis. Overall, portable Raman Spectroscopy used in this study shows an accuracy of 85.4% in analysing ecstasy tablets obtained from case samples, while the sensitivity and specificity were determined as 85.2% and 100%, respectively. No false positives for MDMA or other drugs were reported. Our results show that portable Raman spectroscopy is a suitable technique for targeted determination of the presence of ecstasy tablets, especially in forensic cases that require non‐destructive, rapid and mass screening during on‐site testing by law enforcement personnel.

‘Then I Met This Lovely Police Woman’ Young People's Experiences of Engagement with the Criminal Justice System

AbstractYoung people's voices detailing how they experienced engagement with the criminal justice system following child sexual abuse, what was helpful or unhelpful and how services can be improved to minimise secondary victimisation and maximise the potential for healing are largely absent from the research literature. This paper draws on semi‐structured interviews with a culturally diverse sample (n = 47) of young people aged 14 to 25 across Ireland and Canada about their experiences of disclosure and engagement with systems. Data were collected pertaining to experiences engaging with law enforcement personnel using thematic analysis with a trauma‐informed lens. The research identified three key themes: the importance of feeling safe through kindness, transparency and being believed; the importance of having a say; and the importance of timely court processes. The study builds on the small body of qualitative research illustrating young people's lived experiences of engaging with the criminal justice system and provides empirical support for promoting a trauma‐informed approach in how police engage with young people. Guidance is offered for police professionals on how to engage with adolescents following sexual abuse.

Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea: History and Modernity

The article is devoted to the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter RoK, Republic). The authors examine the history of the creation in the Korean government of the department responsible for the implementation of laws, law enforcement personnel, and judicial processes. The Ministry of Justice functioned until the Japanese occupation in 1910. The new history of the Ministry began after the liberation of Korea. In 1948, the Korean Constitution came into force. Currently, the system of executive authorities of the Republic is determined by the Law on the Organization of Public Administration. In accordance with this law, the Ministry of Justice is an independent structure. The Presidential Decree on the Ministry of Justice and its subsidiaries regulates the structure and competence of the department. Certain powers of the Ministry of Justice are regulated by the laws on the prosecutor’s office, on probation, on immigration, on lawyers, on notaries, on civil servants and other regulations. A wide range of issues fall within the scope of the Ministry. The Ministry of Justice is responsible for the execution of laws, the prosecutor’s office, migration, correctional institutions, prosecutorial and legal personnel, legal assistance in civil and criminal cases. The article analyzes in details the provisions of Korean legislation on the structure and competence of the Ministry of Justice. The authors examine closely the status of Ministry employees and holding them accountable. Contemporary issues related to the activities of the Ministry of Justice are revealed. The role of the Ministry of Justice in the supervision of the prosecutor’s office, the legal profession, correctional institutions and probation is highlighted. The powers of the Ministry of Justice in the field of execution of punishment, rehabilitation of off enders and immigration are analyzed. The authors show how the Ministry is involved in international cooperation. Particular attention is paid to the importance of the Ministry of Defense in the process of improving Korean legislation.