By Todd Duncan, Law Enforcement and Safety Specialist
This month’s NIRMA law enforcement Safety Short will highlight an example of excellent public service by the Gage County Sheriff’s Office with a loss prevention twist. On September 5, 2024, a citizen with preexisting balance issues lost his footing while leaving the Gage County courthouse. He tumbled to the bottom of the steps striking his head on the concrete. Sergeant Davidson saw the fall on the courthouse security camera system and quickly requested a deputy to check on the citizen.
Deputy Ernst responded and, upon arrival, assessed the citizen for injuries. Learning that the citizen had struck his head during the fall and was having difficulty with his balance, Deputy Ernst summoned emergency medical services (EMS) to the courthouse. Upon arrival, EMS evaluated the citizen and determined he did not need to be transported. Once the citizen was cleared by EMS, Sergeant Hanson, who was also present, drove the citizen home to ensure he arrived safely with Deputy Ernst following in the citizen’s vehicle.
Once at the citizen’s apartment, deputies learned that the citizen lived on the second floor and had been falling on the stairs at home as well. Concerned with the citizen’s welfare, the deputies discussed various services in the community that may be able to assist and spoke with the citizen’s daughter to make sure she was aware of the situation. The deputies also notified Health and
Human Services so additional follow-up could be done to ensure the man’s welfare.
Following the incident, the involved deputies made copies of the video footage from the courthouse security system that clearly depicted how the fall occurred. They also completed detailed reports to document their actions. The Sheriff’s Office then promptly notified NIRMA of the fall and provided copies of all recordings and reports from the incident.
The goal of risk management is to prevent harmful events from occurring in the first place. But sometimes things like this happen, and when they do, how counties respond can make a significant difference in the outcome of the incident from the loss prevention perspective. In this case, the teamwork, professionalism, compassion, and thorough documentation, including video footage, by Sheriff’s Office personnel will undoubtedly reduce the likelihood of a claim, or at least put NIRMA and the County in the best position possible to defend any claim that may arise.
For questions or more information on training opportunities, contact NIRMA’s Law Enforcement and Safety Specialist Todd Duncan at (402) 742-9220 or [email protected].
