NCJ Number
154887
Journal
American Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (1993) Pages: 41-60
Date Published
1993
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This research explores police shooting behavior in both life-threatening and non-life-threatening situations in a simulated environment.
Abstract
The simulation system used is the Firearms Training System (FATS). Once activated, FATS displays realistic "shoot-don't shoot" simulated scenarios that are designed to test officers' judgment and skill in the use of deadly force under stressful conditions. FATS consists of a computer, a projector, a screen, and a standard service revolver that is retrofitted with a laser- emitting device. Whenever the laser gun is discharged, the system marks the bullet (a flash of light) instantly and sequentially on the screen in various colors. At the end of scenario, three scores are calculated by the computer: judgment, reaction time, and shooting accuracy. FATS can also combine various outcomes, life-threatening or non-life-threatening, and apply them to the same basic vignette. A total of 101 sworn officers from the Tallahassee Police Department (Florida) participated in 327 simulated life-threatening scenarios and 166 non-life-threatening scenarios. Results suggest that officers' characteristics, such as race and gender, are not associated with officer shooting behavior. The one exception is that officers with less police experience show more restraint than veteran officers in responding to non-life-threatening situations. Suspect demographics, such as race, gender, and age, show inconsistent relationships with officer shooting behavior. One consistent finding is that officers who show poor judgment, slow response, or poor marksmanship suffer a high casualty rate in reacting to life-threatening situations that involve multiple suspects. 1 figure, 2 tables, 4 notes, and 66 references