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Should first responders wear sunglasses?

While good for protecting your eyesight, be aware that wearing sunglasses as a first responder could be seen as intimidation

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Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol.

Today’s Tip is for my friends in public safety who drive or work outdoors. Today I am talking about sunglasses. Most of us know that the sun’s rays are bad for our skin and that sunscreen is important protection from sunburn, skin cancer, and other sun damage.

Those sunny rays can also cause serious damage to our eyes. Cataracts and macular degeneration are just some side effects from too much sun. A good pair of sunglasses can help protect our eyesight.

Choose quality sunglasses that block out 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Make sure the frames don’t block your peripheral vision. Be smart about when and where you don those cool shades!

Be aware that some people think that wearing sunglasses can make you appear more intimidating. They may even elicit negative reactions from others. On the flip side, sunglasses may provide you with a tactical advantage by concealing your eye movements.

For several reasons, avoid mirrored lenses. Pick professional-looking sunglasses to wear while on duty. Be sure to consult your agency’s policy manual for further guidance.

Public safety professionals are keenly aware of items that provide a layer of protection while on the job. Your eyesight is the window to safety. If you wear sunglasses, choose and wear them wisely.

That’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.

Gordon Graham has been actively involved in law enforcement since 1973. He spent nearly 10 years as a very active motorcycle officer while also attending Cal State Long Beach to achieve his teaching credential, USC to do his graduate work in Safety and Systems Management with an emphasis on Risk Management, and Western State University to obtain his law degree. In 1982 he was promoted to sergeant and also admitted to the California State Bar and immediately opened his law offices in Los Angeles.