Police and fire services are critical and are expected to be given priority access to fuel (whether gasoline, diesel or biofuels) at all times. Police are expected to be affected more than fire services.

In a scenario of gradual energy decline, peak oil will cause dislocations in employment. As neighborhoods, families and individuals become more stressed, there may be an increase in drug and alcohol use, domestic disputes and violence, loitering and property crimes (shoplifting, burglary, larceny, robbery, etc.). As social services are reduced, police may become the primary social service provider. Demand for fire protection services may increase because of unsafe heating methods and weather-related medical emergencies.

If peak oil is punctuated by sudden price spikes or supply cutoffs, impacts will be more severe and may include sudden and severe dislocations in transportation, employment and the price and distribution of goods. Tempers will flare and panic could set in. Police and fire personnel will be first responders in such situations.