NCJ Number
69495
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS POLICE TRAINING FILM USES EXAMPLES OF SITUATIONS IN WHICH A POLICE OFFICER WAS PRESENT WHILE A CRIME WAS IN PROGRESS TO SHOW WHAT THAT OFFICER SHOULD AND SHOULD NOT DO.
Abstract
IT IS COMMON FOR OFFICERS IN THESE SITUATIONS TO EXPERIENCE 'THE JOHN WAYNE SYNDROME'; I.E., TAKING MATTERS INTO THEIR OWN HANDS AND BECOMING TOO AGGRESSIVE. THE OFFICER SHOULD NEVER WALK OR DRIVE IN TOO CLOSE TO THE CRIME LOCATION. IF THE OFFICER IS ALREADY AT THE SCENE AND THE CRIME IS TAKING PLACE, IT IS BEST FOR THE OFFICER TO ASSUME A ROLE OF BEING THE BEST POSSIBLE WITNESS. OFFICERS SHOULD NOT TAKE THE MATTER INTO THEIR OWN HANDS WITHOUT ANY HELP. A DISPATCHER SHOULD BE USED AS A CONTACT SO THAT THE CRIMINAL WILL NOT BE AWARE OF THE POLICE PRESENCE. AFTER THE CRIME IS COMPLETED, A SEARCH CAN BE ORGANIZED. IF OFFICERS RECEIVE A CALL INFORMING THEM THAT A CRIME IS BEING COMMITTED NEARBY, THEY SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE CALL, KEEP COMMUNICATIONS, AND USE INVISIBLE DEPLOYMENT. IN THESE SITUATIONS, IT IS A QUESTION OF WHAT OFFICERS DO, NOT WHAT THEY KNOW. AN INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE IS INCLUDED.