TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING FOR POLICE OFFICERS CONTROLING DANGEROUS GOODS TRANSPORT

Abstract

Abstract

The rapid development of science and the adoption of new technologies in the industrial sector have led to the emergence of previously unknown materials. While these materials offer positive attributes, they also harbor hidden dangers for human health, life, and work environments. The necessity of preventive action through continuous monitoring and control of participants in the hazardous goods transportation process, spanning from production facilities to their reaching end users, requires readiness on all levels of government administration. To achieve the stated goal, within the framework of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the government administration ensures adequate training for police officers responsible for supervising participants in road traffic engaged in the transportation of dangerous goods.

The training equips officers with essential knowledge, specific skills, and the right attitudes to effectively oversee this critical aspect of public safety. After completing the training, participants are equipped to apply their acquired knowledge about hazardous goods. They have thoroughly mastered the regulatory framework for hazardous materials transportation and can recognize the risks associated with such transport. Additionally, they are proficient in implementing safety measures and responding appropriately in case of incidents during dangerous goods transportation.

Design/Methods/Approach

Drawing upon decades of experience in developing training programs for law enforcement personnel, including response protocols for hazardous materials incidents, the authors have analyzed the content of the Training Program for Supervising Road Traffic Participants Involved in Hazardous Goods Transportation (Program No. 6136/20, dated September 19, 2020). Also, they examine the Handbook for Trainees in the same field, collaboratively developed by the National Emergency Management Training Center, Fire and Rescue Directory, i.e. Traffic Police Directory.

Findings

The study underscores the significance of comprehensive training and the necessity to prepare a substantial number of police officers to handle dangerous goods control effectively. Furthermore, the existing approach to expanding knowledge, skills, and attitudes among law enforcement officers in the field of dangerous material transportation represents a tailwind in boosting our safety capacity in contoling the dangerous goods transportation system.

Originality/Value

Its originality lies in the practical implementation of training programs under real-world conditions, ensuring a safer environment for all participants—both those directly involved in transporting hazardous goods and the officers responsible for its oversight, since these officers represent the first line of defense  in dangerous goods emergency response.

Key words: training, hazardous goods, supervision, traffic police.

About the authors

The authors of this paper are: Police Colonel Dejan Đurđević, Inspector General for Business Process Improvement and Coordination in the Lines of Work II at the Police Training Directorate, Logistics Sector, Ministry of Internal Affairs. Specialist in property and personal protection - protection against chemical, biological and radiological hazards. With 24 years of experience in the development and organization of the realization of professional training in the field of protection and rescue, creator of curricula and training programs for fire-rescue units and traffic police in the field of working with dangerous substances;

Police Colonel Slaviša Lakićević, Head of the Traffic Police Administration and Safety Consultant for Hazardous Materials Transport;

Police Colonel Sergej Uljanov, Chief Inspector for Business Process Improvement and Coordination in the Lines of Work II at the Traffic Police Directorate and Safety Consultant for Hazardous Materials Transport; Supervisor of specialized training for traffic police officers overseeing participants in road traffic engaged in hazardous materials transport

Police Lieutenant Colonel Ivica Stanković, Head of the Traffic Control and Regulation at the Traffic Police Department and Safety Consultant for Hazardous Materials Transport.