Emergency response and disaster management institutions depend on tactical teams and police officers to react quickly and prevent the escalation of crises. However, the first-line response is a high-risk occupation because Special Response Teams (SRTs) arrive at crime scenes as soon as they are informed of security threats. On most occasions, officers in special units are forced to engage offenders in gun battles and hot pursuits that expose them to safety hazards. Thus, though SRTs are beneficial, administrators in law enforcement should effectively manage the risks associated with special response police officers.
SRTs operate in high-pressure environments where factors like confusion can cloud their judgment. Therefore, they might act without carefully assessing their environments and incur injuries. In some instances, law enforcement agencies deploy SRTs to counter hijackings, intervene in hostage situations, detonate bombs, and address issues associated with weapons of mass destruction (Kaplan et al. 162). Hence, these individuals are exposed to risks, including fire hazards, exposure to chemical compounds, and physical injuries from falling debris in bombed buildings. Moreover, the experiences these people endure might result in mental breakdowns, anxiety, depression, and stress. Therefore, effective risk management strategies are critical to ensure their safety.
SRTs are critical for the success of first-line respondents in other sectors, such as healthcare and the fire department, because they are responsible for neutralizing the threat and ensuring safe passage for respondent teams. Emergency response and preparedness advocates for prompt evacuation, medical assistance, and resuscitation of individuals following a disaster or an attack (Kaplan et al. 170). However, it is impossible to offer this assistance when assailants are at large. Therefore, SRTs provide real-time intelligence, coordinate risk management after disasters, and cover other officers during mobilization and deployment. As a result, first-line respondents have an easier time executing their obligations.
Despite risk management being critical in SRT initiatives, several challenges limit reliable results and positive outcomes. For example, the lack of information regarding the scope and nature of incidences increases the risks associated with a special response as officers walk into situations without effective preparation (Phillips 32). In addition, there is limited incorporation of SRTs’ medical emergency contingencies due to their prompt arrival at the crime scene and increased focus on victims. As a result, most officers who are harmed during action suffer severe injuries.
SRTs face liability issues during hot pursuits because of the scope of damages associated with high-speed car chases. The issue of whether law enforcement agencies should be held accountable for incidents involving property destruction and injury of civilians is still an issue that is under scrutiny (Phillips 46). However, the law of high-speed pursuits suggests that an officer can only be liable if there is sufficient proof that they acted carelessly (Phillips 48). Nevertheless, deciding whether an officer was negligent or careful during a high-speed chase is a complicated endeavor.
Criminal activities like armed robberies, terrorist activities, and other threats to national security are often unprecedented and severe. As a result, the general public expects special response teams to come to the rescue in split seconds. Although SRTS are trained and well-equipped for their responsibilities, there is a high probability of being harmed, getting captured, or killed by assailants because officers are obligated to use force to achieve their initiatives. The lack of information and limited access to emergency services during the critical moments of the incident introduces challenges to SRTs risk management. In addition, they face liability issues in case of incidents beyond their control. Therefore, it is reasonable to create clear guidelines regarding SRTs operations, especially in hot pursuit, and channel more resources to their advancement to ensure their safety.
Works Cited
Kaplan, Lewis J., and Samuel Tisherman. “Disaster Preparedness and Management.” In J. Hidalgo, J. Pérez-Fernández, and G. Rodríguez-Vega, Critical Care Administration. Springer, Cham, 2020. 159-175.
Phillips, Scott W. Police militarization: Understanding the perspectives of police chiefs, administrators, and tactical officers. Routledge, 2018.