Public safety is in everyone’s interest. After all, residents’ safety is the cornerstone of a thriving community. Like it or not, in order for public safety to be upheld, you need law enforcement. Police officers are there for so much more than just responding to public emergencies. They’re there to take proactive measures to build a safer, healthier, and ultimately happier living environment for everyone.
And while recently the idea that police officers contribute to a more violent and unsafe community is gaining traction, this couldn’t be further from the truth, which is what The National Police Association is here to defend. Here are some of the most important ways that police improve public safety as a whole.
Visibility
One of the most effective ways to stop crime from happening is by developing a strong police presence. When criminals are aware of police in the area and they are visibly surrounded, they are much less likely to commit a crime. Regular patrols in a community act as a deterrent to criminals, and ultimately make public spaces safer. Although some people may see police presence in a negative light, as if order is being forced on them, in truth it’s fostering a sense of security.
This isn’t a new concept, either. Police visibility everywhere from neighborhoods to business areas significantly lowers criminal activity.
Crime Prevention Measures
Police officers are trained to employ a wide variety of crime prevention measures and develop a wide range of strategies to identify and address public safety threats. These kinds of measures range from community outreach programs to education campaigns, to teaming up with local organizations. The goal of each is to target and address specific safety concerns. Not only does this promote overall awareness, but it also addresses root causes creating a safe living environment for everyone in a community.
Emergency Response
When an emergency takes place, who’s the first person you’re going to call? The police of course! Police are there to respond and arrive as quickly as possible to emergencies, whether it’s a medical emergency or crime-related. They are carefully trained to handle emergencies and crises in an effective way that keeps everyone safe.
They have specific protocols in place for each type of emergency to ensure their responses and decisions are effective based on the specific set of circumstances. From basic CPR training to active shooter scenarios, police are trained to neutralize these kinds of threats and keep civilians safe.
They also are there to help de-escalate situations like a potential suicide, or hostage scenarios. De-escalation techniques are critical for handling tense situations without resorting to violence. Finding a peaceful resolution is in everyone’s best interest in a community.
Community Programs
In communities that are known for a considerable amount of violence, the youth are at risk of being influenced to start a life of crime. Police officers are there to build partnerships with youth through community organizations and programs to keep youth on the right path. Programs like these can help shift the narrative that police are not our allies, and instead encourage the idea they’re here with the public’s best interest in mind.
In addition to reaching out to the youth, collaborative efforts with community programs help address specific safety concerns. Community members can bring up concerns directly with local law enforcement and work together to find solutions as a community.
Surveillance
Police technology has totally changed the way police officers can help protect the community. Thanks to surveillance systems, technology allows law enforcement to not only go back and potentially identify the culprit of a crime but also stay ahead of potential threats. Advancements like these help police do their job even better and ultimately make their community a much safer place.
