Final answer:
Being a policeman is not one of the most dangerous jobs, according to statistics from the Bureau of Labor. Police work has become progressively safer over time. It is important to separate fact from misinformation in discussions about officer safety and understand that police officers are also victims in dangerous situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor, being a policeman is not one of the most dangerous jobs you can have. Police work is getting progressively safer compared to historical averages. In the last 40 years, the trend has been a downward decrease in police deaths. For example, in the five years from 2008 to 2012, only one policeman in New York City was killed by a firearm in the line of duty. Additionally, police officers are more likely to commit sui cide than to be killed by a criminal. It is important to separate fact from misinformation when discussing officer safety.
The fear of not getting home safely has become a theme song and an excuse for shooting unarmed individuals. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that police officers are victims as well. They are often put in dangerous situations, suspecting almost every citizen they encounter. This fear can affect their ability to protect and serve effectively.
To foster empathy and restraint, military police and security personnel are even required to be pepper sprayed during their training. While there are no guarantees, this experience is believed to increase the likelihood of officers using these substances judiciously.