OSHA Probes Reveal Need for Police Safety Protocols

Inspections of law enforcement agencies have more than doubled since 2019, highlighting the importance of workplace safety programs.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:30am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Federal and state inspections of law enforcement agencies by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have more than doubled from 2019 to 2025, with around 50% of inspections resulting in citations. The rise in inspections underscores the need for law enforcement agencies to maintain and document comprehensive safety programs and protocols to protect employees, avoid costly penalties, and serve as a positive example for other high-risk industries.

Why it matters

The increase in OSHA inspections of law enforcement agencies reflects a growing focus on workplace safety, especially in high-risk sectors. As more stringent requirements and enforcement measures spread to other industries like healthcare and retail, all employers need to prioritize compliance to safeguard their workers.

The details

OSHA inspections have revealed common issues for law enforcement, including failure to report serious injuries or fatalities, lack of workplace violence prevention plans, and inadequate training for supervisors. Recent cases in California highlight how OSHA can cite and penalize agencies, even when they believe they have proper safety procedures in place.

  • OSHA inspections of law enforcement agencies have more than doubled from 2019 to 2025.
  • In 2024, California's SB 553 created new workplace violence prevention requirements for most employers in the state.
  • Cal/OSHA is developing a general industry workplace violence prevention regulation expected to pass this summer.

The players

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety standards.

California's SB 553

A 2024 law that created sweeping workplace violence prevention requirements for most employers in California.

Cal/OSHA

California's state-level occupational safety and health agency, which is developing a new workplace violence prevention regulation.

Los Angeles County Probation Department

A law enforcement agency cited by Cal/OSHA for failing to implement an effective injury and illness prevention program after a probation officer was assaulted by a ward.

San Francisco Police Department

A law enforcement agency cited by Cal/OSHA following the death of a recruit during training exercises due to failure to identify and evaluate safety risks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The rise in inspections underscores the importance of maintaining and documenting safety programs and protocols.”

— Karen Tynan, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins

“As these inspections continue to increase, law enforcement agencies can prioritize compliance to protect their employees, avoid costly penalties, and serve as a positive example for others.”

— Robert Rodriguez, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins

What’s next

Cal/OSHA's new workplace violence prevention regulation is expected to pass this summer, providing more detailed requirements for employers.

The takeaway

The ramped-up OSHA inspections of law enforcement agencies highlight the need for all high-risk industries to proactively develop and document comprehensive safety programs to protect workers, avoid penalties, and set a positive example for workplace safety.