Public Safety

RAND research on crime, violence, and substance abuse offers objective analysis in place of emotion or ideology. Much of this research is conducted by the Safety and Justice program of RAND Infrastructure, Safety, and Environment. View all Public Safety Documents Available Online, all Substance Abuse Documents Available Online, or find general information at Reports and Bookstore.

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Pennsylvania's Rail System Will Require Collaborative Approach to Improve Safety and Security — Nov. 24, 2008

Pennsylvania leaders have an active role to play in coordinating public and private efforts to improve the safety and security of Pennsylvania's extensive and complex railroad system.

Full Document News Release

Easing Restrictions on Deliveries to Postal Mailboxes Could Hurt Efforts to Keep Mail Safe — Oct. 23, 2008

Allowing private courier services to deliver items into mailboxes could hamper efforts by the U.S. Postal Service to safeguard the nation's mail. Although the impact of such a change is likely to be moderate, it could diminish public safety and security by diluting the effectiveness of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Full Document News Release Research Brief

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Police Recruitment and Retention: Online Personnel Clearinghouse for Law Enforcement — Jun. 19, 2008

Part of the RAND Center on Quality Policing, the Police Recruitment and Retention Clearinghouse is a web-based resource that serves as a “one-stop-shop” for information about recruitment and retention specifically designed for the law enforcement community in order to promote evidence-based personnel planning.

November 24, 2008: Pennsylvania's Rail System Will Require Collaborative Approach to Improve Safety and Security

November 16, 2008: Obama's First International Crisis, By Brian Michael Jenkins (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

October 23, 2008: Easing Restrictions on Deliveries to Postal Mailboxes Could Hurt Efforts to Keep Mail Safe

September 24, 2008: Strategies Suggested to Address San Diego Police Officer Recruiting Shortage

September 8, 2008: Previously Deported Immigrants More Likely to Be Rearrested After Leaving Jail

View All »Featured Reports

Protecting Emergency Responders, Volume 4: Personal Protective Equipment Guidelines for Structural Collapse Events

This monograph serves as a technical source for National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) incident commander guidelines for emergency response immediately following large structural collapse events. It gives guidelines for personal protective equipment (PPE), focusing on required modifications to responders' typical PPE ensembles because of the duration of response and the need to prevent exposures to likely hazards from pathogens, airborne dusts, and gaseous hazardous materials.

Full Document

Individual Preparedness and Response to Chemical, Radiological, Nuclear, and Biological Terrorist Attacks: A Quick Guide

Offers suggestions about how individuals can prepare for and what actions they can take during chemical, radiological, nuclear, or biological attacks to protect their own health and safety. A pull-out reference card is included.