Vol. 13 No. 1 (2025): Salus Journal - Law Enforcement, National Security and Emergency Management

Welcome to Salus Journal Issue 13 No. 1. This current issue tackles critical developments in law enforcement methodology and officer well-being, offering insightful perspectives on physical and simulation-based training, the ethics of riot control, and the vital importance of mental health support for frontline officers.

Salus Journal is proud to maintain its interdisciplinary and international coverage. With contributors representing diverse global perspectives—including research from the United States, Türkiye, and Australia—the journal offers unique insights and methodologies. From rural policing tactics to high-tech training simulations and policy reviews on the use of force, our exploration spans a broad spectrum, offering valuable perspectives on contemporary challenges and opportunities in the security and policing sectors.

The issue features four original research articles.

Richard Segovia addresses the transformative potential of martial arts in law enforcement in his study on Jiu-Jitsu training in rural central Texas. Utilising Brizin and Kernspecht’s general theory of combat, Segovia integrates interviews and observations to demonstrate how Jiu-Jitsu enhances not only tactical skills but also daily operational effectiveness. The findings advocate for the incorporation of such training into standard programs to improve officer safety and community relations, proposing a scalable framework for agencies worldwide to develop partnerships with martial arts institutions.

Emrah Altintas, Aslıhan Tüfekci, and Vedat Yilmaz scrutinise the efficacy of technology in police education through an experimental study on simulation-based handgun training. Comparing the performance of 80 officer candidates, the authors found that those exposed to simulation training achieved significantly higher accuracy and overall scores compared to those utilising traditional dry-firing methods alone. The authors advocate for the systematic integration of simulation systems within law enforcement academies to optimise resource utilisation and elevate operational readiness.

Ercan Seyhan and Ahmet Keser attend to the complex ethical and tactical considerations of riot control, specifically regarding the use of Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper gas). By reviewing the long- and short-term effects of exposure and investigating legal regulations through a policy transfer approach, the authors propose adding specific levels to the force continuum. Their work aims to balance the effectiveness of riot control with human rights obligations, proposing safeguards to prevent the use of disproportionate force.

Vanessa Phillips addresses the critical, often overlooked issue of officer well-being in her study on Australian police self-perception of mental health. Through a qualitative survey of General Duty officers, Phillips reveals that while half of the participants identified having difficulties with their mental health, a significant lack of awareness regarding available support services remains. The study highlights barriers preventing access to help and serves as a call to action to improve the visibility and accessibility of mental health resources for police officers globally.

This issue of Salus Journal explores pressing contemporary issues across different contexts. It explores the integration of martial arts in rural policing, the quantifiable benefits of simulation technology in firearms training, the regulatory frameworks surrounding chemical agents in riot control, and the systemic barriers to mental health support within police forces. The articles contained within this Issue underscore the need for comprehensive approaches to address these multifaceted challenges and advocate for urgent policy changes to improve training standards, ethical guidelines, and officer welfare.

Once again, we express our sincere appreciation to the authors whose invaluable contributions have made this issue a reality. Their commitment, expertise, and enthusiasm in advancing scholarly discourse are truly commendable, and we take great pride in featuring their work in Salus Journal.

We also extend our gratitude to the exceptional peer reviewers who generously dedicated their time, expertise, and attention to detail. Their commitment to upholding the highest standards of academic rigour and impartiality has greatly enriched the quality of the journal, and we deeply appreciate their invaluable contributions.

We would also like to acknowledge the support provided by Associate Professor Doug Allan, Head of School at the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security (AGSPS). We also thank our reviewers for their high-quality reviews of the articles.

Last but not least, we thank our technical guru, Patrick McKenzie, for keeping our systems running smoothly.

The collaborative efforts in this issue push the boundaries of knowledge, aim to influence practice, and challenge our perspectives. Salus Journal is proud to foster a dynamic academic community committed to excellence, offering perspectives relevant to industry stakeholders. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to the next issue in 2026.

Editor-in-Chief  Dr Amanda Davies

Co-Editor-in-Chief  Dr Leo S.F. Lin