Officer Survival
Files
Date
2018
Authors
Cornelius, Danny
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT)
Abstract
Description
This writing will explore the importance the effect training, or lack thereof, has on an officer while attempting to do his/her job. New officers, or rookies as some endearingly call us/them, are just that – new officers. One day they are in the civilian world working a “normal” job that really does not have any issues regarding safety of life. Next, after just a few months of training, some of which includes on-the-job training, he/she is called a police officer and is responsible for his/her life and others on a daily basis. Some rookies, those who receive training in an academy then on-the-job training through a field training officer program, are more prepared than others who receive a badge, uniform and weapon then are sent out to work the street the same day, required to learn everything on their own.
Research shows that officers who receive regular training during their careers are better prepared to handle situations than those who do not. After all, when one is trained on how to handle an issue, or at least advised how to handle it, he/she will have the confidence to settle it. An officer who has never experienced this training will wonder if he/she is doing the right thing and lack that confidence.
This paper addresses physical fitness, self-defense, defensive tactics, and firearms training, along with the lack of training on safety, body language – fight or flight signals, and stress management. The lack of training, usually due to budget cuts, is sometimes a reason a department is held liable for property damage, injury, or death. It is common sense that attorneys will request an officer’s training records first in any situation. Lack of training could result in a negative outcome not only for the officer and others, but also for the agency’s city.
Keywords
Police Training, self-defense for police