Despite a fierce dedication to serving their communities, police officers have gotten a bad rap. Some people hold all police responsible for the outliers who behave poorly, and it’s unfair. To combat this, the National Police Association (NPA) works tirelessly to reduce the anti-police sentiment in our society. This is necessary because police officers are more important in emergencies than most people realize.
Whether it’s a fire, an active shooter, a traffic accident, a bombing, a medical emergency, or a natural disaster, police play a central role as first responders. In emergency situations, first responders are responsible for providing first aid and maintaining order. Typically, first responders are police officers and EMS workers, like fire and medical.
Although police can and will provide medical attention when needed, if that’s already being handled, they assume the role of maintaining law and order, protecting people from danger, and containing or engaging the problem.
Police officers have numerous responsibilities as first responders, and it’s challenging for them to respond to emergency situations. However, that’s what they signed up for when they stepped into their role, and by doing so, they help keep communities safe.
Swift response for crisis management
The primary responsibility of a police officer acting as a first responder is to respond fast to the emergency at hand. Every second counts and just a few seconds can change the outcome of a situation.
Police officers are trained to quickly assess emergency situations and provide assistance to those in need. In some situations, their presence can deter others from joining in on the criminal activity, like with riots and looting.
In the beginning, when police are the only ones on the scene, their priority is usually to administer first aid to anyone in need. However, they might pursue and detain a suspect if they pose a danger to others. Once medical teams arrive and take over triage, law enforcement can begin the task of restoring order, although it’s not an easy process. They’ll start by neutralizing any active threats, reassuring victims, and getting as much information as possible from witnesses.
Law enforcement will do their best to secure the scene so that nobody can get in or out without their knowledge. If they’re responding to a car accident, they’ll manage traffic by directing people around the accident and/or blocking off the road.
Police provide emotional support, too
First responders, whether it’s a police officer or EMS worker, are trained to provide emotional support to people during emergencies. The psychological impact of an emergency can create both emotional and physical trauma, depending on the person. For example, car accident victims often experience post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and can be in a fragile mental state at the scene. Police tending to victims are trained to keep this in mind while providing emotional support.
Police coordinate communication
Communication during an emergency situation can be difficult to impossible, mainly because every agency that responds to the scene will have communication devices operating on a different frequency. Even ambulances can have eight or more radios to ensure they can communicate with all the local police agencies and fire.
Police officers responding to an emergency will do their best to establish communication despite the different frequencies. For example, they’ll create a command post where people can go to exchange information and stay up-to-date with what’s happening. Officers usually end up being the main point of contact for other first responders, and they coordinate communication efforts.
Law enforcement supports communities after an emergency
Once an emergency is over, a community might be shaken from the experience. Law enforcement officers often continue to interact with the community by extending empathy and checking in on people. Sometimes the spokesperson from the local Sheriff’s Department will give an official statement or express their condolences on behalf of the department for injuries and casualties.
If the incident is still an unsolved crime, police will do everything possible to investigate suspects and bring the perpetrator to justice.
When police officers remain involved in a community that has experienced a devastating disaster, it fosters a sense of trust, security, and resilience, which strengthens their relationship with the community.
Police officers assume all the risks
Police officers willingly assume risks that most people would never take. They run toward gunfire in active shooter situations, and administer first-aid even when a threat is still lurking. They walk into hazardous situations without a second thought, risking their lives to save others.
Police officers are crucial as first responders, and their ability to act fast, coordinate, and respond to threats is indispensable in a crisis.
