Development of NIOSH Training for Law Enforcement Delayed

NIOSH is requesting an extension for a project intended to inform the development of a training program to raise awareness among the law enforcement community about the risks associated with shift work and long work hours. The agency has experienced delays recruiting participants and initiating data collection due to the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest following the May 25 death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed during an arrest by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a result of law enforcement leaders’ request to delay data collection, NIOSH seeks to extend the data collection end date for the project to May 31, 2021.

NIOSH plans to pilot test its training with 30 recent graduates of a police academy and 30 experienced officers. The agency intends to use the findings from the pilot test to improve the training program; researchers will reinforce or expand training content based on these results. NIOSH will make the finalized training available on its website, and the agency hopes the new program will improve management practices, including the design of work schedules, and help officers cope with the demands of shift work and long work hours.

A new public comment period is open for this project through Nov. 30, 2020. Further details are available in the Federal Register.