National Officer Safety and Wellness Group

The first OSW Group meeting was held September 22, 2011 with more than 40 participants representing federal, state, and local law enforcement; national associations; unions; and researchers. The group examined the problems and challenges with officer safety and wellness, established initial priorities, and focused on deaths and injuries related to gunfire.

A brief description of the 16 main issues: OSWG's Priorities page More detailed overview of these issues: Officer Safety and Wellness: An Overview of the Issues OSW Group Annual Summary Safety and Health Information and Education for Law Enforcement Departments

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) announces the national Officer Safety and Wellness (OSW) Group. The OSW Group will bring together law enforcement thought leaders, criminal justice practitioners, and colleagues to share their broad perspectives on improving officer safety and wellness. Participants in this group will contribute information and ideas that may enhance officer safety and wellness products, tools, resources, and services available to the field. The group is comprised of representatives from law enforcement agencies and associations, federal agencies, and the research community who can impact public safety, officer health, and wellness.

The OSW Group will contribute to the improvement of officer safety and wellness in the United States by convening a forum for thoughtful, proactive discussion and debate around relevant programs and policies within the law enforcement field. The OSW Group hopes to encourage the adoption of cultures of safety and wellness among the nation’s law enforcement agencies. Information and insight gained and shared will help to enhance programs, policies, and initiatives related to officer safety and wellness. The goals of the group are:

• To create an opportunity and environment for law enforcement organizations and researchers to collaborate on improving officer safety and wellness
• To bring law enforcement organizations and researchers together quarterly to share knowledge and information about officer safety and wellness initiatives
• To broadly disseminate information and best practices to the field through the government and law enforcement organizational communications mechanisms

The first OSW Group meeting was held September 22, 2011 with more than 40 participants representing federal, state, and local law enforcement; national associations; unions; and researchers. The group examined the problems and challenges with officer safety and wellness, established initial priorities, and focused on deaths and injuries related to gunfire.
The OSW Group planning meeting, held July 20, 2011, discussed 16 important issues that are the basis for the group’s meetings and mission (the Attorney General prioritized the first three as the group’s top priority):

1. Gunfire injuries and death
2. Premeditated and unprovoked ambush situations
3. Rifle/long-gun threats/assault weapons
4. Education and training
5. Leadership and safety practices
6. Emergency vehicle operation and safety
7. Physical health training (fatigue, alcohol, weight, and nutrition)
8. Psychological health
9. Foot pursuit safety
10. Task force operations (federal and local)
11. Offender history (before and during incident)
12. Court security
13. Deployment strategies and communications technologies
14. Maintaining good health
15. Physical health training
16. Former military in law enforcement

A brief description of each of these 16 issues is provided on OSWG's Priorities page

For a list of meeting reports, please refer to OSW Meetings

For a more detailed overview of these issues, please refer to Officer Safety and Wellness: An Overview of the Issues