Glossary of Terms
For Experts
- The definition of “Public Safety Personnel” (PSP) is continuing to evolve.
- Currently used primarily in Canada.
- Broad term meant to encompass personnel who ensure the safety and security of Canadians.
- PSP include, but are not limited to, border services officers, public safety communicators, correctional workers, firefighters (career and volunteer), Indigenous emergency managers, operational intelligence personnel, paramedics, police (municipal, provincial, federal), and search and rescue personnel.
- History:
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- In the 2016 Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security Report, “Healthy minds, safe communities”, Public Safety Canada defined a “Public Safety Officer” as a broad term meant to encompass front-line personnel who ensure the safety and security of Canadians, including first responders / tri-services (i.e., firefighters, paramedics, police), search and rescue personnel, correctional services officers, border services officers, operational intelligence personnel, and Indigenous emergency managers.
- Feedback regarding the word “officer” in the term “Public Safety Officer” indicated many professional groups intended to be included felt excluded because they did not identify as officers; as such, the term PSP has been adopted to reference persons acting in professional capacities to fulfill public functions with duties related to public safety.
For General Public
- The definition of public safety personnel (PSP) is continuing to evolve.
- All first responders can also be referred to as PSP.
- Broad term meant to include personnel who ensure the safety and security of Canadians.
- PSP include, but are not limited to, border services officers, public safety communicators, correctional workers, firefighters (career and volunteer), Indigenous emergency managers, operational intelligence personnel, paramedics, police (municipal, provincial, federal), and search and rescue personnel.
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