Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Gianna Castano, Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Gianna Castano
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Elizabeth Blickensderfer
Abstract
Police officers are challenged with numerous musculoskeletal risks and are subject to stressful psychosocial factors during each tour. A day in the life as a cop varies greatly depending on the precinct jurisdiction and the amount of criminal activity in that area. Some days and nights are quiet, while others feel eternal. Seventy-two hours shifts and overtime impact the cops’ agility, sharpness, reaction, and response times. Demanding orders and situations not only put cop lives in danger for the sake of others, but generate high cortisol levels, leading to unhealthy blood pressure levels, insomnia, and other health concerns. The current project used a methodical approach to examine the job of a police officer, identify possible ergonomic issues present in police work, and provide recommendations for improvement. The first steps were to conduct a task analysis and explore anthropometrical issues in relation to their impact on work-related pain and injuries. Next, the work-related musculoskeletal risk exposure of a police officer was evaluated using readily available musculoskeletal disorder tools. Finally, recommendations on how to redesign the job of a police officer to make the duties less physically and mentally taxing and more efficient are discussed.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Musculoskeletal Disorders of a Cop
Police officers are challenged with numerous musculoskeletal risks and are subject to stressful psychosocial factors during each tour. A day in the life as a cop varies greatly depending on the precinct jurisdiction and the amount of criminal activity in that area. Some days and nights are quiet, while others feel eternal. Seventy-two hours shifts and overtime impact the cops’ agility, sharpness, reaction, and response times. Demanding orders and situations not only put cop lives in danger for the sake of others, but generate high cortisol levels, leading to unhealthy blood pressure levels, insomnia, and other health concerns. The current project used a methodical approach to examine the job of a police officer, identify possible ergonomic issues present in police work, and provide recommendations for improvement. The first steps were to conduct a task analysis and explore anthropometrical issues in relation to their impact on work-related pain and injuries. Next, the work-related musculoskeletal risk exposure of a police officer was evaluated using readily available musculoskeletal disorder tools. Finally, recommendations on how to redesign the job of a police officer to make the duties less physically and mentally taxing and more efficient are discussed.