Officer Safety Corner: Athletic Trainers in Police Departments: Cost Efficiency and Risk Mitigation

Every day, law enforcement officers may be required to perform responsibilities that test their physical ability, endurance, and strength. They are often required to carry heavy loads, including body armor or equipment belts that can affect balance, lead to muscle fatigue, alter gait patterns, affect positive alignment, and increase their risk of injury. While law enforcement officers, along with other tactical personnel—“tactical athletes”—work in very physically demanding settings as they protect the general public, they are also exposed to various occupational dangers every day. As a result, their physical health and wellness are paramount to their readiness to perform on the job.