NCJ Number
172149
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 21 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1997) Pages: 24-28
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Equipment, training, and tactics are all equally important in ensuring police safety for both uniformed and plainclothes officers.
Abstract
Body armor is one of the most important pieces of equipment, if not the most important. Body armor is now lighter and more comfortable than ever before. A piece of equipment that receives much attention is the sidearm, but the ability to use a gun effectively is more important than the type of gun involved. Both ammunition and guns are now better than they have ever been. The police shotgun is often overlooked, although it is one of the most versatile, effective weapons available to the police officer. Training is also crucial to police. Instructor ingenuity and some basic props and targets can help police officers survive in the street. Firearms training must coincide with training in other areas of use of force. The most important tactic that any police officer can master is the proper attitude and use of the mind. Awareness and willingness are the two central attitudes needed in life-threatening situations. A useful model for situational awareness is called OODA: (1) Observation of the situation, (2) Orientation as to what is happening, (3) Deciding based on what is observed and oriented, and (4) Action. Police officers must also be willing to fight whenever placed in danger. Understanding and using cover is probably the most important physical tactic. Overall, police officer survival is based on solid common sense. Photographs