RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: There is a need for improved drug driving enforcement to promote greater driver compliance with drug driving laws. In Australia, Roadside Drug Testing (RDT) suffers from operational challenges that undermine its effectiveness in reducing drug driving. OBJECTIVE: To identify potential improvements to RDT, this study investigated the extent to which drivers perceive RDT to be procedurally just and that the policing of drug driving and the associated laws are legitimate. These perceptions were then compared with those applying to Random Breath Testing (RBT) and examined in relation to their respective influence on intentions to drug and drink drive in the future. METHOD: A sample of 1,483 licensed drivers from three Australian states completed an online survey. RESULTS: Those participants who reported engaging in drug driving perceived RDT to be less procedurally just than non-drug drivers. Similarly, drug drivers perceived the police and associated drug driving laws to be less legitimate than non-drug drivers. Furthermore, drug drivers who had been tested at an RDT operation in the past perceived RDT to be less procedurally just and considered drug driving policing and laws to be less legitimate, compared with the corresponding perceptions of drink drivers who had been tested at an RBT operation. A regression analysis indicated that stronger intentions to drug drive in the future were associated with lower perceptions of police legitimacy and the legitimacy of drug driving laws, but not with the elements of procedural justice. However, follow-up analyses indicated that the influence of procedural justice on intentions was mediated by the two legitimacy variables, thus weakening its direct impact on intentions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The results highlight the need for road safety authorities to enhance the perceived legitimacy of drug driving enforcement and associated laws. Changes to current police practices and/or drug-driving laws may also be needed to enhance the effectiveness of RDT.

Asunto(s)

Conducir bajo la Influencia , Intención , Aplicación de la Ley , Policia , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Australia , Conducir bajo la Influencia/legislación & jurisprudencia , Adulto Joven , Conducción de Automóvil/legislación & jurisprudencia , Conducción de Automóvil/psicología , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Detección de Abuso de Sustancias/legislación & jurisprudencia , Percepción , Adolescente , Pruebas Respiratorias

RESUMEN

Recent high-profile incidents involving the shooting or killing of unarmed Black men have intensified the debate about how police violence affects trust in the criminal justice system, particularly among communities of color. In this article, we propose a quasi-experimental design that leverages the timing of the shooting of Jacob Blake by the Kenosha Police Department relative to when a large survey was fielded in the city of Chicago. We demonstrate that individuals interviewed 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the shooting are comparable across a large set of observed characteristics, thus approximating an experimental setting. We find that Blake's shooting caused substantial reductions in Black respondents' trust in the police, concentrated among younger residents and criminalized residents. These results suggest that police violence against racial minorities may lead to lower civic engagement and cooperation with law enforcement in those communities, exacerbating issues of public safety and community well-being. The pronounced distrust among younger Black residents suggests a generational rift that could risk further entrenching systemic biases and inequalities within the criminal justice system. Additionally, the higher levels of distrust among criminalized respondents could have implications for research detailing this population's decreased willingness to engage with public institutions more broadly.

Asunto(s)

Negro o Afroamericano , Policia , Confianza , Violencia , Humanos , Policia/psicología , Confianza/psicología , Masculino , Negro o Afroamericano/psicología , Adulto , Violencia/psicología , Femenino , Chicago , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , Adolescente , Aplicación de la Ley

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the association between burnout and sociodemographic, work factors, lifestyle habits and health conditions of military police officers in a municipality in the state of Paraná, Brazil. METHOD: cross-sectional research with 131 military police officers. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software and the R program. Chi-square, Fisher's exact and Poisson Generalized Linear Model tests were used. RESULTS: most participants (65.6%) had a high level of burnout. In relation to protective factors, those who carried out leisure activities had a 33.6% chance of not developing burnout. Conjugality was also a protective factor. Not practicing physical activity and leisure activities are factors that can contribute to the occurrence of burnout. CONCLUSIONS: important factors and high rates of burnout were observed in the police officers investigated. It is necessary to implement public health policies to reduce burnout with attention focused on this professional category.

Asunto(s)

Agotamiento Profesional , Policia , Humanos , Brasil/epidemiología , Masculino , Policia/psicología , Policia/estadística & datos numéricos , Estudios Transversales , Adulto , Femenino , Agotamiento Profesional/psicología , Agotamiento Profesional/epidemiología , Agotamiento Profesional/etiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Personal Militar/psicología , Personal Militar/estadística & datos numéricos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations residing in confined settings such as refugee shelters: Physical distancing measures were challenging to implement in shelters due to shared rooms or communal use of kitchens and sanitary facilities, which increased the risk of infections. Meanwhile, individuals' capabilities for individual protection strategies were severely impaired by the structure of the shelters. Consequently, shelters had the duty to develop and implement strategies for the prevention and handling of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of refugees, NGO employees, and shelter directors regarding COVID-19-related measures in German refugee shelters. The study aimed to identify challenges and conflicts arising from implemented measures, as well as expectations for improved support during the pandemic. METHODS: Semi-structured and narrative interviews were conducted with 6 refugees, 6 facility managers, 12 NGO staff, and 2 social service agency staff from February to August 2022. Qualitative content analysis was employed to analyze the data, identifying overarching themes and codes. RESULTS: The study uncovered challenges and conflicts resulting from pandemic measures, particularly mass quarantine orders, within refugee shelters. Lack of transparency and ineffective communication worsened tensions, with refugees feeling distressed and anxious. The quarantine experience had a negative impact on refugees' mental health, which was exacerbated by limited social interaction and leisure-time activities. Shelter managers encountered administrative challenges when implementing measures due to facility constraints and limited resources, while NGO employees encountered obstacles in providing immediate assistance due to legal regulations and a lack of cooperation from shelter managers. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights that shelters are problematic institutions from a public health perspective. It shows the importance of implementing customized pandemic interventions in refugee shelters that take account of the diverse needs and experiences of both refugee and staff. To achieve this, we recommend to establish an ethics committee and involve various stakeholders in decision-making processes. Additionally, enhancing information dissemination to promote transparency and public understanding of measures is crucial. These insights can help develop comprehensive and effective pandemic plans for refugee shelters, ensuring better preparedness for future public health crises.

Asunto(s)

COVID-19 , Control de Infecciones , Refugiados , Humanos , COVID-19/prevención & control , COVID-19/epidemiología , Refugiados/psicología , Refugiados/estadística & datos numéricos , Alemania , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Policia/psicología , SARS-CoV-2 , Investigación Cualitativa , Persona de Mediana Edad , Participación de los Interesados/psicología , Pandemias/prevención & control

RESUMEN

More than 1200 civilians and military were killed in cities and villages by the Hamas attack on October 7th, 2023. The bodies and body-parts had to be identified and released for burial. This report outlines the challenges and mode of operation of the massive disaster victim identification (DVI) efforts. Bodies were delivered to a central mortuary. Each body was coded and undressed for external inspection and documentation of physical elements. Digital fingerprints were recorded and blood or toenails sampled for DNA. Odontology exams were performed by dentists describing dentition, aided by computerized tomography (CT). Whole-body CT was performed in cases the bodies were disfigured or burned from the second week. Simultaneously, families of missing civilians provided physical elements to the police to extract the DNA for antemortem documentation. The police took the responsibility over the reconciliation, which was based on comparison of the ante-mortem and post-mortem fingerprints, aided by DNA profile matching, odontology examination, clinical and/or radiological findings performed by forensic practitioners. Secondary identification elements were used assure the families regarding the identification. Precise scientific identification a was a priority, even if it slowed the rate of bodies release. Families were allowed to view their relative either at the mortuary or before burial. The DVI process required cooperation between several governmental agencies and police. To maximize the effectiveness, a synchronized approach should be adopted, specifying communication channels between the partners and dividing the responsibilities. The DVI should be led by a single, experienced authority to ensure interdisciplinary teamwork. This catastrophe required personal resilience of the teams for rapid and efficient functioning and communication between the partners.

Asunto(s)

Restos Mortales , Dermatoglifia del ADN , Incidentes con Víctimas en Masa , Terrorismo , Humanos , Israel , Entierro , Antropología Forense , Dermatoglifia , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Víctimas de Desastres , Policia , Prácticas Mortuorias , Odontología Forense/métodos

RESUMEN

We sought to investigate the perceptions of indirect victims or family members of homicide victims, about the repercussions of these deaths on their health. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study was carried out, based on eight semi-structured individual interviews with two groups: family members of police officers victimized by lethal violence, and family members of people killed as a result of police intervention, designated here as homicide. Both groups reported the perception that their health deteriorated after the homicide, and mentioned problems such as depression, panic disorder, insomnia, heart conditions and eating disorders. They also highlighted the acquisition of habits that are harmful to health, such as the consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and self-medication, and the worsening of pre-existing health issues. It was observed that the homicide committed and suffered by police agents affects various aspects of the lives of indirect victims that are inseparable from health issues in a broader sense. These people are also victims of this violence, although their suffering is often made invisible. Studying this topic helps to give space to the suffering and mourning of these people and to subsidize the best performance of the institutions and services involved.

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Buscou-se investigar as percepções das vítimas indiretas, ou familiares de vítimas de homicídio, sobre as repercussões dessa morte em sua saúde. Fez-se um estudo qualitativo, exploratório, descritivo, a partir de oito entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas com dois grupos: familiares de agentes policiais vitimados por violência letal, e familiares de pessoas mortas em decorrência de intervenção policial, aqui designada como homicídio. Ambos os grupos relataram a percepção de que sua saúde piorou após o homicídio, e mencionaram problemas de depressão, síndrome do pânico, insônia, problemas cardíacos e distúrbios alimentares. Destacaram ainda a aquisição de hábitos danosos à saúde, como consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, tabaco e automedicação, e o agravamento de problemas de saúde pré-existentes. Observou-se que o homicídio praticado e sofrido por agentes policiais afeta vários aspectos da vida das vítimas indiretas que são indissociáveis das questões de saúde em sentido ampliado. Essas pessoas também são vítimas dessa violência, embora muitas vezes tenham seu sofrimento invisibilizado. Estudar o tema contribui para dar espaço ao sofrimento e ao luto, e para subsidiar a melhor atuação das instituições e serviços envolvidos.

Asunto(s)

Familia , Pesar , Violencia , Humanos , Brasil , Familia/psicología , Homicidio/psicología , Salud Mental , Policia , Violencia/psicología , Entrevistas como Asunto , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Investigación Cualitativa

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Toxocara spp. are two types of parasites that can infect humans and various animals, including dogs. Police dogs and their trainers have a vital role in law enforcement, and their health and well-being are crucial for them to effectively carry out their duties. No study has yet been conducted on the prevalence of T. gondii and Toxocara spp. infections among police dogs and their trainers in Iran. The objective of this study was to determine the sero-molecular prevalence of T. gondii and Toxocara spp. infections in police dogs and their trainers in Tehran, the capital of Iran. METHODS: In Tehran province, the anti-narcotics police have nearly 200 well-trained police dogs. Each dog is assigned a dedicated trainer and upon completing missions, is housed separately in a designated area. In the present study, a total of 150 samples were gathered. These included 50 blood samples from randomly selected police dogs, 50 fecal samples from the same dogs, and 50 blood samples from their trainers. The Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) was performed to detect T. gondii antibodies in dog blood samples and the ELISA system was utilized to identify anti-Toxoplasma and anti-Toxocara antibodies in the sera of the dog trainers. A specific segment of the SAG2 and ITS genes were amplified via nested-PCR in order to molecularly detect T. gondii in human blood samples and Toxocara spp. in dog fecal samples. RESULTS: Regarding serological findings, the prevalence of T. gondii in dog and human blood samples was 4% (2/50) and 10% (5/50), respectively. According to reports, the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in human blood samples was 6% (3/50). No statistically significant association was found between the prevalence of the examined parasites and variables (age, sex, and breed) in dogs, as well as the age variable in military personnel. Molecular findings showed that out of the 50 dog fecal samples and 50 human blood samples, there was no presence of Toxocara spp. and T. gondii, respectively. CONCLUSION: Understanding the prevalence of parasitic infections helps public health officials assess the risk to human and animal populations. This information can guide the development of prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of these infections. Overall, the prevalence of parasitic infections, particularly T. gondii and Toxocara spp., in police dogs and their trainers remains uncertain and necessitates further in-depth research.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de los Perros , Policia , Toxocara , Toxocariasis , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis Animal , Animales , Perros , Irán/epidemiología , Toxoplasma/genética , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Toxocariasis/epidemiología , Toxocariasis/parasitología , Toxocara/aislamiento & purificación , Toxocara/genética , Toxocara/inmunología , Humanos , Toxoplasmosis Animal/epidemiología , Toxoplasmosis Animal/diagnóstico , Toxoplasmosis Animal/parasitología , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Heces/parasitología , Femenino , Masculino , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática/veterinaria , Prevalencia

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: South Korea grapples with a disproportionately high incidence of unmet medical needs, a concern that is particularly acute among police officers, who are exposed to significant occupational risks. Given the pivotal role of police officers in upholding democratic values and public safety, their well-being holds critical societal implications. This study aims to determine the incidence of unmet medical needs among police officers and identify the influencing factors. DESIGN: This is a retrospective and cross-sectional study. Applying the Andersen behavioural model and multiple logistic regression analysis, we explored factors impacting unmet medical needs. SETTING: The study took place in South Korea and involved its total force of police officers. PARTICIPANTS: Our analysis encompassed data from 6591 participants, representing 5.2% of South Korea's total police officers. OUTCOME MEASURES: Unmet medical needs. RESULTS: Our findings revealed several influencing factors. First, predisposing factors included sex, with women experiencing a higher incidence of unmet medical needs. Second, enabling factors highlighted the significance of job positions and reduced annual leave guarantees in influencing unmet medical needs. Finally, need factors demonstrated the substantial impact of chronic diseases, heightened levels of depression, reduced subjective health assessments, increased stress levels and exposure to rough physical activity on driving unmet medical needs. CONCLUSIONS: To mitigate and pre-empt the long-term health repercussions associated with unmet medical needs, intervention strategies should prioritise these identified factors. An integrated healthcare programme emerges as a critical necessity for addressing the healthcare challenges faced by police officers.

Asunto(s)

Policia , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , República de Corea/epidemiología , Femenino , Masculino , Adulto , Estudios Retrospectivos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Necesidades y Demandas de Servicios de Salud/estadística & datos numéricos , Modelos Logísticos

RESUMEN

Since 1995, national forensic DNA databases have used a maximum number of contributors, and a minimum number of loci to reduce the risk of providing false leads. DNA profiles of biological traces that do not meet these criteria cannot be loaded into these databases. In 2023, about 10 % of more than 15,000 trace DNA profiles analyzed in western Switzerland were not compared at the national level, even though they were considered to be interpretable, mainly because they contained the DNA from more than two persons. In this situation, police services can request local comparisons with DNA profiles of known persons and/or with other traces, but this occurs in only a small proportion of cases, so that DNA mixtures are rarely used to help detect potential series. The development of probabilistic genotyping software and its associated tools have made possible the efficient performance of this type of comparison, which is based on likelihood ratios (LR) rather than on the number of shared alleles. To highlight potential common contributors for investigation and intelligence purposes, the present study used the mixture-to-mixture tool of the software STRmix v2.7 to compare 235 DNA profiles that cannot be searched the Swiss DNA database. These DNA profiles originated from traces collected by six different police services in 2021 and 2022. Traces were selected by the police based on information that indicated that they were from potential series. Associations between profiles were compared with expected investigative associations to define the value of this approach. Among the 27,495 pairwise comparisons of DNA profiles, 88 pairs (0.3 %) showed at least one potential common contributor when using a LR threshold of 1000. Of these 88 pairs, 60 (68.2 %) were qualified by the police services as "expected" (60/88), 22 (25.0 %) as "possible", and six (6.8 %) as "unexpected". Although it is important to consider the limits of this approach (e.g., adventitious or missed associations, cost/benefit evaluation, integration of DNA mixture comparison in the process), these findings indicate that non CODIS loadable DNA mixtures could provide police agencies with information concerning potential series at both the local and national level.

Asunto(s)

Dermatoglifia del ADN , ADN , Bases de Datos de Ácidos Nucleicos , Repeticiones de Microsatélite , Programas Informáticos , Humanos , Suiza , ADN/genética , Funciones de Verosimilitud , Genotipo , Policia

RESUMEN

There is abundant research showing the disproportionate impacts of violence on health in disadvantaged neighborhoods, making an understanding of recent violent crime trends essential for promoting health equity. Carjackings have been of particular interest in the media, although little research has been undertaken on this violent crime. We use interrupted time series models to examine the impact of the police killing of George Floyd on the spatiotemporal patterns of carjacking in Minneapolis in relation to neighborhood disadvantage. To provide grounding, we compare our results to the well-studied patterns of homicides. Results indicate that carjackings both increased and dispersed spatially after the murder of George Floyd and subsequent social unrest, more so than homicides. Socially disadvantaged neighborhoods experienced the greatest absolute increase while more advantaged neighborhoods saw a greater relative increase. The challenge ahead is to identify policy responses that will effectively curb such violence without resorting to harsh and inequitable policing and sentencing practices.

Asunto(s)

Homicidio , Análisis de Series de Tiempo Interrumpido , Policia , Humanos , Homicidio/estadística & datos numéricos , Homicidio/tendencias , Policia/estadística & datos numéricos , Características de la Residencia/estadística & datos numéricos , Violencia/estadística & datos numéricos

RESUMEN

Physical restraint is usually used when trying to control and terminate a violent episode. Many causes are possible behind aggressive, agitated, and violent behavior. Some of these are such factors that can either be detected in forensic autopsies or can be evident from the person's medical records. Various causes for deaths during physical restraint have been suggested. In this study, we wanted to review all incidents in which physical restraint was employed, ending in death of the restrained person, whether the restraint was applied by police officers, security guards, police custody personnel, health care personnel or ordinary civilians. The main aim was to see if this new kind of study design would increase our knowledge in circumstances and causes leading to death in restraint situations. Data was collected retrospectively from all forensic autopsies performed in the Southern Finland area during 2010-2015. We went through 21,036 forensic autopsy cases and found 12 cases (0.06 %) in which a physical restraint was employed before death. Police officers were involved in the physical restraint in 7/12 of the cases: in two of these cases, police alone; in three cases, police and guards; and in two cases, police and health care personnel. Civilians carried out the restraint in 5/12 cases. With civilians responsible for the restraint, the cause of death was more likely considered to be a result of the restraint itself than in cases where police and other authorities were responsible for the restraint. This could be because civilians aren't educated about safe restraint methods, and they might themselves be intoxicated. Alcohol was the most common psychoactive substance found in this study and could be a risk factor for not only aggressive behavior but also death, since alcohol use can provoke cardiac arrhythmias and even sudden death. Based on this study, and previously published studies, we see restraint deaths as a varying spectrum of deaths, in which the death is often possibly a result of many factors, including the effects of agitation and restraint, intoxication, and cardiac and other illnesses.

Asunto(s)

Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas , Policia , Restricción Física , Humanos , Restricción Física/efectos adversos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Masculino , Adulto , Femenino , Factores de Riesgo , Persona de Mediana Edad , Finlandia/epidemiología , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/epidemiología , Adulto Joven , Causas de Muerte , Anciano , Personal de Salud

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To study the study the impact of negative factors of professional activities on the health of law enforcement officers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The research involved 89 law enforcement officers (58 men, and 31 women) who served for a year in practical police units after graduating from a higher educational institution. Methods: analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, anthropometry, physiometry, testing, and statistical methods. The health status was assessed by body mass index, Robinson index, and vital index. RESULTS: Results: It was found that the body mass index of law enforcement officers for one year of service in practical units deteriorated in both men and women by 1.3 kg/m2 and 0.9 kg/m2, respectively. More negative changes were observed in men. At the same time, after one year of service, the number of men with overweight (27.5 %) and even obesity of the first (13.9 %) and second (5.2 %) degrees increased significantly. In women, the changes were less pronounced. The dynamics of Robinson and vital indices, as well as the level of physical fitness, were also negative. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The results of the research indicate a negative impact of professional factors in terms of professional activities on the health of law enforcement officers. It has been found that adherence to the principles of a healthy lifestyle, in particular, a regimen of rationally organized motor activity, is an important area in combating the impact of negative factors of professional activities on the health of law enforcement officers.

Asunto(s)

Índice de Masa Corporal , Policia , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Estado de Salud , Persona de Mediana Edad , Aplicación de la Ley , Obesidad/prevención & control , Obesidad/epidemiología

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To investigate the dynamics of law enforcement officers' physical and mental health components while performing their duties during the war in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The research, which was conducted in 2022-2024, involved 114 law enforcement officers (male) from the Kharkiv oblast (Ukraine) of different ages: under 30 (n = 35), under 40 (n = 41), over 40 (n = 38). To test law enforcement officers' physical and mental health indicators, we used 3 methods: 1) "Fatigue-Monotony-Oversaturation-Stress"; 2) "Well-being-Activity-Mood"; 3) "Assessment of Nervous and Emotional Stress". RESULTS: Results: The negative dynamics of most components of the physical and mental health of law enforcement officers of all three groups while performing their duties during the martial law were revealed. The most pronounced significant changes occurred in such components as "Fatigue", "Oversaturation", "Stress", "Well-being", "Mood", "Nervous and Emotional Stress". The most pronounced negative changes in most components occurred in law enforcement officers over 40 years old, which is due to both the age characteristics of the subjects and their length of service. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The research confirms the high complexity and extremity of law enforcement officers' service activities during the martial law, as well as the high requirements for law enforcement officers' readiness to perform tasks in the context of a significant expansion of the National Police's powers. The results obtained also necessitate the search for effective ways to preserve and maintain the physical and mental health of law enforcement officers.

Asunto(s)

Salud Mental , Policia , Humanos , Ucrania , Masculino , Adulto , Estrés Psicológico , Persona de Mediana Edad , Aplicación de la Ley , Femenino

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To study the attitude of law enforcement officers to motor activity and investigate its impact on their health. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The research, which was conducted in 2022-2024, involved 163 law enforcement officers under the age of 30. Research methods: bibliosemantic, questionnaire, testing, medical and biological methods, methods of mathematical statistics. RESULTS: Results: It has been found that the vast majority of law enforcement officers (85.3 %) understand the importance of motor activity as a factor of a healthy lifestyle, its impact on physical and mental health, and quality of their professional activities. At the same time, only 27.6 % of law enforcement officers systematically engage in motor activity, 52.8 % do it sporadically, and 25.8 % do not engage in it at all. Among the reasons that prevent them from exercising are lack of time (65.6 %), lack of desire (31.3 %), and fatigue after a service day (28.1 %). It has been found that law enforcement officers who systematically engage in motor activity have a significantly better level of health (7.31 points) compared to those who engage in occasional motor activity (5.07 points) and do not engage at all (2.19 points). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The positive impact of motor activity on the level of health of law enforcement officers has been proved. Good health is a guarantee of high resistance of law enforcement officers to negative factors of professional activities, professional longevity, and quality of their professional tasks.

Asunto(s)

Estilo de Vida Saludable , Policia , Humanos , Adulto , Masculino , Femenino , Motivación , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Actividad Motora , Ejercicio Físico , Aplicación de la Ley

RESUMEN

Background: Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease favoured by shaving. It is particularly common among black Africans belonging to certain socio-professional categories who are obliged to shave. Its aesthetic and professional damage is very significant. However, very few data are available for this condition, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: To determine the epidemiological and clinical aspects, and the risk factors associated with the occurrence of PFB in Dakar. Population and methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in March 2019, including 655 police students at the National Police Academy in Dakar, all of African descent and with curly hair, who were required to shave weekly and agreed to participate in this study. The diagnosis of PFB was clinically based. Data analysis was processed using Epi-info version 6.0 software. Pearson's chi-square test was used for bivariate analysis with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. The Odds Ratio, with its 95% confidence interval, was used to determine the risk factors. Results: Among the 655 officers, 254 had PFB, with a prevalence of 38.8%. The prevalence of PFB was 43.7% in men (242 men out of 554) and 11.9% in women (12 women out of 101). The average age of patients with PFB was 26.80 years (± 2.59), ranging from 22 to 36 years. The age of onset of PFB was between 18 and 20 years for the majority (39.8%), with a mean age of onset of 22.2 years (± 3.6). PFB lesions were pruritic in 84.6% of cases, papular in 96.8%, and/or pustular in 60.2%. The submandibular region was the most affected site (69.8%). Complications were noted in 90.1% of cases in the form of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (87%) and keloid scars (3.1%). The risk factors associated with PFB were male sex (p<0.0001; OR=5.7; CI95% [3.07-10.75]), family history of PFB (p<0.0001; OR=5; CI95% [3.35-7.37]), keloid-prone skin (p<0.0001; OR=2.9; CI95% [1.63-4.96]), association with acne keloidalis nuchae (p<0.0001; OR=8.8; CI95% [5.55-14.08]), use of a single-blade razor (p<0.0001; OR=2.5; CI95% [1.69-3.70]), use of a fixed-head razor (p<0.0001; OR=1.8 CI95% [1.28-2.77]), shaving against the grain (p<0.0001; OR = 6.3; CI95%= [4.33-9.08]), non-use of shaving products (p = 0.009; OR = 1.5; CI95%= [1.06-2]) and waxing (p<0.004; OR=2.7; CI95% [1.33-5.77]). On the other hand, the use of clippers (p<0.0001; OR = 0.5 CI95% [0.33-0.65]), pre-shave products (p<0.0001; OR = 0.4 CI95% [0.29-0.61]) and the use of razors with movable heads (p<0.0009; OR = 0.2 CI95% [0.17-0.35]) were protective factors against PFB. Conclusion: Our study confirms the high incidence of PFB in this population of black men of African descent. A genetic abnormality revealed by shaving must be evoked in the occurrence of PFB. Further genetic and immunohistochemical studies would be needed to support this hypothesis.

Asunto(s)

Policia , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Factores de Riesgo , Estudios Transversales , Adulto , Adulto Joven , Policia/estadística & datos numéricos , Senegal/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Estudiantes/estadística & datos numéricos , Adolescente , Foliculitis/epidemiología , Enfermedades del Cabello/epidemiología

RESUMEN

Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, considers the dilemma faced by the police and health trusts where a hospital bed is not available for a person in a mental health crisis.

Asunto(s)

Policia , Humanos , Trastornos Mentales , Reino Unido , Medicina Estatal

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The increase in online enticement has led to law enforcement agencies engaging in more proactive policing through undercover chat sting operations. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the topics and communication strategies triggering suspicion in chats between law enforcement officers and offenders and why those topics do not result in suspicion in victim-offender conversations. METHODS: We conducted a thematic analysis identifying: (1) how LEOs trigger suspicion, (2) how offenders communicate suspicion, (3) how LEOs attempt recovery from suspicion, and (4) how these triggers were present but did not trigger suspicion in victim-offender chats. We examined 20 LEO-offender chats and 20 victim-offender chats from US ICAC task forces. RESULTS: We identified four themes that triggered suspicion: risk assessment by the LEO's persona, LEO avoidance measures, details related to the offense and evidence, and proof of identity of chat participants. Offender responses to triggers revealed three themes: discomfort navigating boundaries and uncertainty, risk identification, and risk mitigation. Themes for the LEO's responses to suspicion included: risk assessment for chatters, issues with technology, appeasement, and negative emotional reactions. Finally, juxtaposing triggers onto minor-offender chats yielded four themes: explicit boundary setting, victim risk assessment, deep relationship forming and disclosures, and technology issues. CONCLUSION: This study has implications for law enforcement agencies seeking to reduce suspicion and risk assessment by offenders during internet sting operations.

Asunto(s)

Aplicación de la Ley , Policia , Humanos , Aplicación de la Ley/métodos , Internet , Criminales/psicología , Medición de Riesgo/métodos , Víctimas de Crimen/psicología , Comunicación , Masculino , Femenino , Niño , Adulto , Maltrato a los Niños/diagnóstico , Maltrato a los Niños/prevención & control , Estados Unidos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The risk of terrorist attacks in the Federal Republic of Germany is present and is currently increasing. Publicly funded acute care hospitals and their owners are involved in disaster control as part of their remit and are responsible for taking comprehensive precautions to ensure their operational capability in the event of disasters. This mandate must also be ensured in the event of terrorist attacks and amok incidents. For this purpose, an optimal cooperation between preclinical and clinical care is indispensable. AIM: Recommended actions for collaboration between nonclinical and clinical planning to manage a mass casualty incident in terrorist life-threatening response situations are presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Inter-Hospital Security Conference Baden-Württemberg (IHSC BW) is an association of representatives of acute hospitals in Baden-Württemberg, the Ministry of the Interior, Digitalization and Migration Baden-Württemberg, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Integration Baden-Württemberg, the State Police Headquarters Baden-Württemberg and the Baden-Württemberg Hospital Association. From 2018 to 2020, the IHSC BW developed recommendations for action on cooperation between police, hospitals and non-police emergency response. The recommendations for action were agreed by the group members in 6 working sessions and initialled in two subsequent video conferences. A recommendation was considered adopted when the IHSC BW plenary assembly finally gave its approval with an absolute majority. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Competence-based interface solutions for a smooth cooperation between prehospital and hospital management in the care of patients who have become victims of a terrorist attack are to be demanded. For preliminary planning, the establishment of a local safety conference at the county disaster control authority level with the following participants is recommended: disaster control authority, fire department, regional police headquarters, chief emergency physician, rescue services and disaster control officers of affected clinics. It is recommended to set up a joint command and situation center (CSC), where management personnel from the police, rescue service, fire department and disaster control can meet to organize the handling of the incident jointly, competently and without loss of time. From this CSC, a liaison officer should then provide the clinics with information at regular intervals. Exercises should take place regularly. Cross-organizational exercises are particularly important, and this is one of the tasks of the local safety conference.

Asunto(s)

Planificación en Desastres , Policia , Medidas de Seguridad , Terrorismo , Humanos , Alemania , Planificación en Desastres/organización & administración , Hospitales/normas , Servicios Médicos de Urgencia/normas , Servicios Médicos de Urgencia/legislación & jurisprudencia

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Using facility dogs during police investigative interviews is a recent practice in Canada. While the common use of this intervention is decidedly an indicator of sympathy capital, its utility in this context is relatively unknown and no study has specifically evaluated the effect of using facility dogs on children's collaboration during investigative interviews. OBJECTIVE: This study compares police investigative interviews conducted in the presence of a service dog (n = 46) to those without (n = 45) to examine the effects of the presence of and interactions with a dog on children's reluctance. PARTICIPANTS, SETTING AND METHODS: The interviews were done with children aged 3 to 15 years and were coded for children's reluctance, their physical interactions with and comments about the dog, as well as for investigator's verbal support. RESULTS: No significant group differences were found in terms of children's overall reluctance (p = 0.700), though the children accompanied by a dog showed significantly more digression (p = 0.008). Among the children who were accompanied by a dog, those who interacted with the dog more frequently (p = 0.035) and who made more comments about the dog (p < 0.001) showed more signs of reluctance, even after accounting for child age and investigator support. No association was observed between children's reluctance and the total duration of dog-child physical interactions (p = 0.097). CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to an enhanced understanding of the usefulness of facility dogs and the factors that influence children's reluctance during investigative interviews.

Asunto(s)

Entrevistas como Asunto , Policia , Niño , Animales , Humanos , Masculino , Preescolar , Femenino , Perros , Adolescente , Canadá , Perros de Trabajo , Conducta Infantil/psicología

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: The article examines the experiences of protesters and bystanders who have sustained eye injuries from rubber bullets fired by the police. Use of rubber bullets by police officers during public protests is officially regulated, but there is insufficient documentation about the nature of fatal and non-fatal injuries linked to rubber bullet use during protests in South Africa. METHODS: We pres-ent three case studies based on data gathered from student protests, community protests, and media reports. Through the analysis of these sources, the article presents the personal stories of individuals who have experienced eye injuries, detailing how the incidents occurred and the subsequent impact on their lives. It also examines the accessibility of medical, psychological, and legal services available to victims in addressing the consequences of these injuries. RESULTS: The cases studies illustrate that rubber bullets were used frequently and often without due caution by police officers during the events examined. The use of rubber bullets was linked to numerous eye injuries, resulting in lasting psycho-logical and physical consequences for those affected. DISCUSSION: Rubber bullet-related eye injuries during protests are disturbingly common in South Africa. Consequently, there is an urgent need to provide essential services and support to those who suffer from these life-altering incidents.

Asunto(s)

Lesiones Oculares , Goma , Humanos , Sudáfrica , Masculino , Adulto , Heridas por Arma de Fuego , Policia , Femenino