When we surveyed our readers previously in 2020, 92% of participants said LEOs must get danger pay, but breaking down what that in fact appears like, in addition to how to define a "risk" in an already harmful profession, made the issue anything but specific. Among the most popular services our readers suggested was tax-free spend for the months that officers are working during the crisis, similar to combat pay in the armed force.
"Our local FOP tried to get it, we got struck with the 'hazard pay is already part of your wage' line from the brass," Philly, Blue85 composed. "I currently accept that I may need to make the ultimate sacrifice during the performance of my responsibility, however my family shouldn't be a part of that sacrifice." Other readers were more worried about the long-lasting results of COVID-19 and its possible influence on their capability to work in the occupation long after the pandemic has actually gone away.
While some firms have executed types of risk pay in the months since the seriousness of the crisis became clear, numerous PDs have not. Another Point of View impacted the method policeman interacted with the neighborhood. On the one hand, it presented incredible chances for favorable outreach. Throughout the year, LEOs made headlines for acts of generosity ranging from tossing birthday parades for kids stuck in quarantine, assisting overworked parents with their kids's schooling through online academic videos, and helping the most vulnerable stock up on much-needed supplies.
Among the stories that produced the most heated discussion on Police1 this year was the arrest of an Idaho mother who declined to abandon a public playground that had actually been closed due to shelter-in-place orders, and our readership was greatly divided on where the line on enforcement ought to be drawn.
And the emergence of COVID-19 vaccines has produced another issue: Should LEOs be first in line to get it!.?.!? And should companies need LEOs to get a jab!.?.!? The enormous protests sparked by the in-custody death of George Floyd strike every part of the country this summertime and even spread worldwide.