Officer Intimidation & Assault Over the course of their careers 64% of probation and parole officers felt intimidated in their jobs 14% were physically assaulted in one way or another Source: Federal Judicial Center, 1997
Locations of Risk Officers are at Greatest Risk of an incident with a probationer in Home Visits (24% of total) Office Visits (21% of total) Streets/Community (18% of total) Source: Federal Justicial Center, 1997
Announced Home Visit Surprise Home Visit Offender Arrest
Ultimate Survival Tool In potentially assaultive situations, well-trained and experienced probation officers depend on: Mental skills 75% of the time Shooting skill 15% of the time Physical skill 5% of the time Luck 5% of the time
Probation officers are increasingly seen by offenders as: A threat to their freedom An adversary A target for aggression
Officer Safety “Officer safety is not a community corrections philosophy or mission; it has nothing to do with whether you perceive your role as a social worker or police officer. Officer safety is a commitment to a specific and practical plan to ensure the safety, survival, and welfare of officers.” Richard Kipp Chief, Lehigh County Probation
Officer Safety “Officer safety is, foremost, a state of mind. For many it is simply a cognitive exercise, but for others, it is an emotional confrontation with risks and uncertainties…. Unfortunately, the value of training is acknowledged by some only after they have been injured.” Richard Kipp Chief, Lehigh County Probation