Safety in Numbers An insight into protecting your safety from one law enforcer to another

Failure of Imagination This is picture depicts an international tragedy which impacted not just on personal lives but also on most of the western world with it’s significance still being felt around the world today. When we hear about or observe a tragedy, even if we aren’t personally involved in it our body experiences increased arousal (such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, anger and hypervigilance). The ability to remember what you were doing at the time of that tragedy for example 9/11 (Watching it happen on Foxtel at home) or the assignation of John Lennon (Army Exercise), the death of Elvis (School Geography Camp) A failure of imagination is a circumstance wherein something seemingly predictable (particularly from hindsight) and undesirable was not planned for. Failure of Imagination

Appreciation An appreciation is a full understanding of a situation. Every day we conduct appreciations of what is happening around us. Some a very simplistic to the point of becoming a habit. A habit is a routine of behaviour that is repeated regularly and tends to occur unconsciously. To conduct an appreciation you need to have established a goal or aim. Using all your sensor gather as much information as possible this will assist you in achieving your aim Appreciation

Gathering as much information about an incident is like changing a sketch into a full colour picture.

Detail like the environment and associated information like other information from work colleagues, other departments or agencies.

We have a red car parked outside provides you with additional insight about who maybe at this address. Neighbours can also provide a source of information about the occupants of a premises.

By gathering as much information as you can will assist you in developing a plan that will achieve your aim or goal.

Use the example of crossing a road (look to the right, look to the left, look to the right again, walk across the road, don’t run) however what happens when you do this in the United States. What if you experience something that you haven’t planned for?

The human brain can store in excess of 2,500 terabytes of content addressable information. It is a self organising system. Simulating 1 second of human brain activity takes 82,944 processors. Using the most powerful super computer know as K in Taiwan this process took 20 minutes using 1,000 terabytes of memory. However like a computer if it receives a set of instructions that the programmer has not coded into it the result will be a shut down. What if something happens that you haven’t thought about (a failure of imagination)? This will result in Blue Screen of Death

What if? Do you want this to happen to you during a time which may compromise your safety. By thinking about the ‘What if’s?’ and becoming hypervigilant you can minimise any potential risks.

Parked car in front of the house – is this a visitor. House number on the rubbish bin to confirm correct address. Drive past the address and make observations of the house. While approaching maintain observations and listen. Look for any video security cameras. Metal gates restricting access to the front yard – is it a locked gate can you withdraw easily. If possible avoid approaching from expected areas – driveways, gates etc. Attempt to look through windows to observe the inside of the house and any occupants. Toys in the front yard indication that their could be children – are these objects trip hazards if you need to leave. Tinted windows on upper storey – difficulty seeing an person that may be observing your approach. Area in front of door restricts movement – when knocking on door you should move back and to one side if possible to encourage the occupant to come outside. House in a good state of repair located in a good neighbourhood – how can this change your perspective on the house your are visiting.

House number on the rubbish bin to confirm the correct address. Does this picture change your perception of how you would deal with the occupant of these premises? Beware of stereotyping and consider the ‘What if’s?’ no matter where or who you are dealing with.

Doorways Doorways are often seen as a fatal funnel. Screen doors offer security however it presents a problem due to the difficulty in seeing what the person is doing inside the house. Once entry is gained how does the door function and would you leave the door open to assist with an easy exit. No that your inside you need to continue to paint the picture.

Trip hazards being the rug on the floor. Speaker cables on the floor. If asked to sit down the consider only sitting on the edge of the seat rather than lounging back (it is easier to get back up in a hurry) Only sit if the client has sat down first. If doing paperwork consider how to do this safely, place on object between you and the client e.g. table When moving into an area of unknown always be aware of your exits and if possible move from an unknown back to a known.

Trip Hazards Rug on the floor and children’s toys are potential trip hazards. How do you deal with this would you remain in the this room or suggest an another alternative?

Weapons Often weapons within a house are not as obvious as this picture.

Drugs

Kitchens are one of the most dangerous rooms to deal with people. Access to edged weapons, blunt trauma weapons and even scolding fluids.

Health hazards and many other concerns with suggest that you wouldn’t remain in this room. What are the potential weapons in this room.

Safety is everyone's concern Always conduct an appreciation and gather as much information about an incident as you can, prior to and after arriving. Continually assess and reassess what is happening around you and consider your ‘What if’s?’ Share any information you have with co-workers by conducting a de-brief. Thank you for your participation.