Tip: Don't assume safety in numbers

Having more than one officer involved when dealing with a potentially challenging subject is ideal, whether they’re present at the outset of the contact or they arrive as backup. However, be vigilant in resisting any temptation to let your guard down just because there are other officers with you. A study that explored assaults on U.S. Fish & Wildlife officers found that 47 percent of those who were attacked were working with at least one other officer at the time of the assault. In Canada, that number rose to 62 percent. Having multiple officers involved can help prevent a lot of things, but it can’t completely eliminate the potential for an attack. Never let your guard down, even when you’re with others.

About the author

Doug Wyllie is Editor in Chief of PoliceOne, responsible for setting the editorial direction of the website and managing the planned editorial features by our roster of expert writers. In addition to his editorial and managerial responsibilities, Doug has authored more than 500 feature articles and tactical tips on a wide range of topics and trends that affect the law enforcement community. Doug is a two-time (2011 and 2012) Western Publishing Association "Maggie Award" Finalist in the category of Best Regularly Featured Digital Edition Column. Doug is also a member of the Public Safety Writers Association and an Associate Member of the California Peace Officers' Association. Even in his "spare" time, he is active in his support for the law enforcement community, contributing his time and talents toward police-related charitable events as well as participating in force-on-force training, search-and-rescue training, and other scenario-based training designed to prepare cops for the fight they face every day on the street.

Read more articles by PoliceOne Editor in Chief Doug Wyllie by clicking here.

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