There is no branch of public service where a man or women is so dependent upon their own intuition and resources than in police departments (Brereton, 1935). These men and women are subject to department policies, as well as the publics array of opinions and accusations.The use of force is a sensitive topic in todays society, where the public expects text–book strategies for deescalating confrontational scenarios. To police officers, use of force is a necessary part of the job, yet no one can predict when they will encounter a potentially life threatening scenario. The internal and external pressures placed on police officers are factors that often work against an individual. Unfortunate cases such as Rodney King brings to question the quality
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An officer must be taught how to assess a threat and than trained how to counter a threat. Assessing a threat can be done in a classroom setting, with instruction and interpretation of police fundamentals. Scenarios are best used to show an officer how to practically implement textbook instructions to real life encounters. Practical applications of scenarios should be completed and followed by classroom meetings, according to Mark. These practical applications would involve each of the force options, which are employed so that the officer is comfortable with the options and when a specific option should be used (Wittie, n.d.). With the practical training, such as the implications highlighted above, the use of force options become second nature to policeman. The training emphasized here is necessary in order to assure one is comfortable with using force under extreme stress. Seeing that the use of force has been a long lived issue, continual repetition will benefit all who are involved. Mark elaborates by saying, “In scenarios involving the use of deadly force, tools such as simulated ammunition, or paint firing weapons (paint ball guns) can be used to simulate gunfire.” Physical objects expose the officer to what it is like to be shot at, as well as the reality of returned shots (Wittie, n.d.). Using physical weapons in simulation helps the mind grasp the reality of potential and life threatening encounters. The benefits of simulated training, allows officers psychological insight and physical acknowledgment to the effects associated with use of
An officer must be taught how to assess a threat and than trained how to counter a threat. Assessing a threat can be done in a classroom setting, with instruction and interpretation of police fundamentals. Scenarios are best used to show an officer how to practically implement textbook instructions to real life encounters. Practical applications of scenarios should be completed and followed by classroom meetings, according to Mark. These practical applications would involve each of the force options, which are employed so that the officer is comfortable with the options and when a specific option should be used (Wittie, n.d.). With the practical training, such as the implications highlighted above, the use of force options become second nature to policeman. The training emphasized here is necessary in order to assure one is comfortable with using force under extreme stress. Seeing that the use of force has been a long lived issue, continual repetition will benefit all who are involved. Mark elaborates by saying, “In scenarios involving the use of deadly force, tools such as simulated ammunition, or paint firing weapons (paint ball guns) can be used to simulate gunfire.” Physical objects expose the officer to what it is like to be shot at, as well as the reality of returned shots (Wittie, n.d.). Using physical weapons in simulation helps the mind grasp the reality of potential and life threatening encounters. The benefits of simulated training, allows officers psychological insight and physical acknowledgment to the effects associated with use of