April 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 4

AROUND THE COUNTRY

AROUND THE COUNTRY Spring Cleaning Protocol Tips to Protect Law Enforcement from Viral Threats By Dr. Ron Brown, M.D., CEO of AeroClave A healthy police department can mean the difference between a safe and crime-ridden community. Over the last four years, the U.S. has experienced a police staffing crisis that has significantly impacted the way police departments approach health and wellness. Police officers can face a multitude of health risks each time they wear the uniform, and department heads must help to mitigate these risks when or wherever possible. From mental health initiatives and workshops to supplying personal protective equipment in the wake of infectious diseases, departments can help to minimize the impact health risks can have on their respective communities. With an already dwindling staff of officers across the U.S., the prioritization of lowered unplanned sick leave through necessary infection control protocols can help to ensure communities are well protected and served. According to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, police departments across the country saw a 39% decrease in line-of-duty deaths in 2023. This statistic also represents a 56 The Blues - April ‘24 52% decrease in deaths caused by falling objects, fire-related incidents, and medical-related illnesses or events, including COVID-19. While these numbers are encouraging, law enforcement agencies must continue to put the necessary time and energy into creating effective protocols to defend officers from avoidable health risks. COVID-19 and other communicable diseases remain a consistent threat. This year so far, there have been several viral outbreaks, including Norovirus, RSV, and measles. It is doubtful that these risks can be entirely eliminated; however, maintaining a clean workplace for first responders can help to reduce their impact. Here are some effective spring cleaning tips departments can carry out to help keep their officers safe from viral spread and other health hazards in 2024. Organize a Gear Cleaning Station Police departments with proactive approaches to infection control can help mitigate health risks before they have the opportunity to cause a threat. This can be as simple as organizing a cleaning station for any police gear that has come into contact with potential viruses or communicable diseases. Setting aside a designated area for officers to clean their gear and clothes within the department can help prevent them from bringing unwanted contaminants into department common areas or back to their homes and families. This protocol can also help to ensure potential contaminants are disposed of in a consolidated space. Officers don’t have the liberty of choosing who or what they come into contact with; therefore, these proactive measures can help prevent others from being exposed. Disinfect Surfaces and Vehicles Daily While gear and clothing can be the perfect surface for spreading certain contaminants, objects including countertops, chairs, desks, and others can pose the same threats. Investing in disinfectants that can be used daily is the easiest way for departments to encourage the safety of their officers. Officers should always use surface-safe disinfectants such as antibacterial soaps or EPA-registered disinfectant wipes. Departments can also invest in more advanced decontamination tools and technology. From electrostatic sprayers to UV light systems and even large-area

fogging systems, there are several techniques departments can use for surface and air decontamination. To maintain a clean environment, however, a routine is necessary. Implementing a cleaning schedule for officers on duty can help ensure surfaces are not going untouched and that the next shift is presented with a clean environment. Stock vehicles with PPE While an officer may spend a large part of their day within the department headquarters, vehicles also play an important role. Law enforcement vehicles can act as a nursery for germs and other contaminants like the flu due to their high volume of traffic, escorting detainees. This is where the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) increases. Departments should not only provide access to PPE such as masks and gloves within the station, but also stock vehicles with the proper essentials for encountering a civilian with a potential viral contagion. Police gear goes through an extensive oversight process to make sure they provide the protections listed in their materials and product specifications. However, with PPE, as we saw during the wake of COVID-19 and the years following the pandemic, the increased need for PPE caused shortages which posed a tremendous challenge to the U.S. healthcare system and other first responders. With the wavering supply of PPE, law enforcement agencies must also ensure the items they offer meet the current safety standards to protect against viral threats. Departments have the opportunity to consult with local health organizations and utilize online resources like those provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By implementing some of these spring cleaning techniques and decontamination protocols, law enforcement agencies can assist in providing a clean and safe environment for their officers, ultimately protecting the communities they serve. Actions as simple as cleaning gear and equipment, wiping down surfaces, and stocking vehicles with prevention supplies can have a significantly positive impact on the health and wellness of officers to combat current staffing issues across the U.S. The Blues - April ‘24 57