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