Hazard experience and risk perception among Special Constables

Despite injury rates that are more than double that of other industries, to date, no research has examined risk perception in Police Service personnel. Equivocal findings across other high-risk industries suggest that, for frontline workers, risk perception is not homogenous. Risk appraisals of those closest to hazards are dependent on domain- or role-specific cognitive, social, and cultural factors. In turn, these are shaped by situational features specific to a particular work environment. The present study examined the magnitude and correlates of risk perception among Special Constables (SCs). SCs reported high levels of risk perception, associated with greater hazard exposure. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.