Police Ergonomic Parameters as a Method to Evaluate the Training at Cadiz Public Security School on the Use of Police Force of Candidates to Become Local Police Officers in Andalucía

Abstract

Background: Because of the numerous debates about the training on the use of force provided to police officers, this study intends to evaluate several parameters (police ergonomic parameters, PEP) in connection with such training. Research Method: A smartsuit equipped with a set of 19 wireless sensors, including triaxial accelerometers, inertial measurement units, gyroscopes, and geomagnetic sensors, was used. Biomechanics of Body software application was used to evaluate the risks associated with the basic technique number 1 of the operational-tactical procedures (OTP) with regard to the established parameters (PEP). The OTP basic technique number 1 was performed by four novice police officers. Results: According to the evaluation of a number of specific parameters such as rapid entire body assessment, asymmetry over the sagittal plane, compression force at the L5‑S1 junction, and shear force at the L5‑S1 junction, it was observed that the measured values clearly varied depending on each individual’s performance, although they remained consistent with the values established by PEP and were significantly different from the values measured when a police officer used a traditional physical intervention procedure, in which case, the values measured were indicative of higher risks. Conclusions: To achieve lower and more uniform values in terms of risk, we believe that it is necessary to employ a greater number of hours for the training of police officers on the use of force and also the convenience of conducting further studies on a larger and more representative sample of officers.