NCJ Number
110267
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1988) Pages: 39-42
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article presents an instructional outline for overcoming problems encountered in firearms and defensive tactics education for police officers.
Abstract
Problems discussed include insufficient instruction in nondeadly use of force, firearms, impact weapons, and unarmed defense; finding a system for teaching unarmed defensive tactics that meet a department's needs; determining the appropriate amount of realism to put into the learning situation to avoid injury to students; and using techniques that are too complicated. Lack of sufficient information or steps in each technique and teaching too much in the allotted time are also cited as problems. Several suggestions offered for instructors of police defense tactics are to find out (1) if students are recruits or in-service personnel; (2) how officers are assaulted; (3) which impact weapons are allowed; (4) how much space will be needed for physical demonstrations and practice; and (5) the amount of time needed to teach the class and allow students to practice the techniques. Other topics discussed include class conduct and safety, and special equipment. Instructors are encouraged to tailor courses to the special needs of the majority of students, keep goals of instructing defensive tactics in mind, keep information updated, and find a teaching format that fits one's individual style.