SJPD shares saftey protocols when responding to dangerous calls
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Earlier this year, an officer-involved shooting took place in St. Joseph, which resulted in one suspect dead in the dangerous encounter.
Additionally, community members saw numerous reports throughout 2025 of law enforcement officials being targeted and even killed in Kansas City.
A recent case was when a Kansas City, Kansas, police officer died after a fleeing driver veered into him on Tuesday.
In life-threatening situations, casualties and injuries unfortunately can happen to officers, but what protocols are in place to keep them safe?
St. Joseph Police Department Sgt. Jeremy Peters shared what gear and procedures are in place to protect officers.
"If we remove our weapon from our holster, it kicks on our body-worn camera, and that's a protection for us. If our officers are injured and they end up lying on their back or on their stomach, and the body camera detects that position, it automatically sends out an alert to send us help," said Peters.
The body cam is not the only equipment that police use to help themselves; the drug Narcan is also an important tool.
"And we carry Narcan with us, on us at all times for citizens, but also for us, because as we're handling things or processing, you know, seized items, sometimes we run a risk of becoming exposed ourselves," said Peters.
Peters believes the typical use of firearms and first aid training prepares them for any dire situation they may find themselves in, to make sure they are ready for whatever the frontlines throw their way.
