Practical Action Tips on Officer Safety for Tribal Probation Personnel

• NCJ Number: 250401
• Date Published: May 2014
• Author(s): Kimberly A. Cobb
• Agencies: BJA-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance), Report (Grant Sponsored), Instructional Material
• Grant Number(s): 2009-AC-BX-K001

Annotation

This bulletin provides tribal probation officers with some practical action steps they can take to ensure they are safe in the office and in the field.

Abstract

Although probation officers generally supervise individuals with the potential to put officers in serious and often fatal situations, there is no standardized data collection system that addresses the number of probation and parole officers injured or killed in the line of duty. This bulletin advises probation officers to assume that every individual, regardless of risk assessment determination, is an "unknown risk" under every circumstance of contact. Danger can be posed not only by the probationer/parolee but also by his/her neighbors, family members, or pets. Mental preparation and protective/safety precautions are recommended for the office and the field. Protective actions in the field encompass officer vehicle safety. Considerations when deciding whether or not to arm tribal probation officers are outlined. The bulletin notes that it is not exhaustive in its guidance on officer safety; however, it does provide some practical action steps officers can take in being proactive in addressing issues of personal safety. 6 references