Examining Officers Use of High-Visibility Safety Apparel
RESEARCH
Traffic related incidents are leading cause of police officer injuries and deaths in the United States . Struck-by incidents that occur when officers are conducting ‘ traffic stops , roadblocks , directing traffic , and motorist assists ’ are particularly dangerous . The Federal Highway Administration Public Safety Vests Standards require officers to wear high-visibility safety apparel ( HVSA ), when working on the rightof-way of Federal-Aid highways except when in ‘ adversarial or confrontational roles ’ ( i . e . apprehending suspects , occupants who are armed and dangerous ). Studies find wearing florescent vests enhance individuals ’ visibility from 125 feet when not wearing HVSA to 891 feet when they are wearing reflective clothing . This is an increase is equivalent to more than 2 ½ football fields . Despite this , studies have found as many as 33 to 41 percent of officers do not or seldom wear the florescent vests when in traffic . The purpose of this study was to examine factors that contribute to officers ’ decisions to wear HVSA apparel .
Researchers surveyed officers from four Arizona communities who were required to use HVSA apparel . Participants had an average age of 37.6 years and 10.7 years ’ experience . The group was composed of 93.9 % males and 6.1 % female . Also , Caucasians made up the majority of the sample at 88.9 % and Hispanics ( 7.1 %) composed the remaining balance .
The survey instrument was designed to evaluate the influence of nine categories on officers ’ decision to utilize HVSA .
Researchers ’ analysis of the survey results revealed the officers who rated measurements higher for Safety Ethics ( Being safe is more important than being comfortable ), Safety Education ( Safety Education programs induce officers to wear high visibility vests more frequently ) and Professional Appearance ( HVSA help enhance officer ’ s professional look and authority ) were more likely to wear reflective safety vests . At the same time , those who scored zlow in those areas along with Occupational Risks ( I feel worried about my safety during patrol duty ), Functionality ( A high-visibility vest makes me a target in situations that I do not wish to be seen ) were less likely to wear reflective safety vests .
Using these findings , the researchers suggest establishing a strong safety culture and educational program is critical to officers wearing HVSA . To support these initiatives , it was recommended police leaders develop a strategic plan that includes operational policies , on-going safety training , goals , supervisor inspections , and positive reinforcement to improve the organizational safety culture .
In closing , the majority struck-by injuries and deaths of police officers are avoidable . This research is one of the few studies of officers ’ usage of high-visibility florescent vests and identifies critical attitudes for ensuring a strong safety culture . They also provided essential steps leaders should take to reinforce this culture .
Mijin Kim and Christina Soyoung Song , Understanding Police Officers ’ Usage of High-Visibility Safety Apparel : The Role of Safety Ethics and Professional Appearance , Safety , 2021 , 7 , 15 .
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