Back injuries amongst police officers

Abstract

Since the author of the study has joined the Malta Police Force way back in 1996, has heard many of his colleagues complaining about back pain and back injuries. Even the author himself in the past years has experienced back pain. In this study the author aimed to understand what can be the cause of back pain and back injuries amongst police officers. From his study he also tried to learn how injuries can be avoided or minimised as reasonably possible. A number of police officers from various sections and branches of the force were interviewed face to face in order to establish if continuous to long standing, prolonged sitting in police vehicles or driving, sitting for long hours in an office, and carrying equipment is related to back trouble and musculoskeletal disorders. The research also included a comparison of police officers doing different types of police tasks. The author obtained information about causes of back pain from books, and from the internet. Also reference was made to other studies conducted amongst other Police Forces in the World. Results of study showed that it is evident that the majority of police personnel have never suffered from any back pain before joining the force, and problems occur whilst they are serving members. From study also emerged that back problems are caused from the police activities rather than the equipment being carried by officers.