NCJ Number
38331
Date Published
1976
Length
0 pages
Annotation
SECOND IN A SERIES OF SIX POLICE TRAINING FILMS ON MAXIMIZING OFFICER SURVIVAL AMD MINIMIZING THE POSSIBILITY OF ASSAULT AND POLICE/CITIZEN INJURY THROUGH USE OF THE DISCRETIONARY ALTERNATIVES APPROACH.
Abstract
THIS APPROACH INVOLVES INTRODUCING AN IMPARTIAL THIRD PARTY INTO THE DISPUTE, GETTING THE CONFLICT OT THE POINT WHERE THE DISPUTANTS CAN TALK TO ONE ANOTHER CALMLY, AND THEN QUICKLY MOVING BEYOND THE PRECIPITATING INCIDENTS TO IDENTIFY THE UNDERLYING ISSUE OR ISSUES. TWO CONFLICT RESOLUTION MODELS ARE EMPHASIZED - THE NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT PROCESS KNOWN AS MEDIATION AND REFERRAL TO COMMUNITY AGENCIES. THIS FILM ILLUSTRATES TO THE PATROL OFFICER HOW TO ARRIVE AT THE CALL, MAKE CONTACT WITH THE DISPUTANTS, AND AVOID GETTING HIMSELF, HIS PARTNER, OR CITIZENS INTO A SITUATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INJURY OR FATALITY. THE EMPHASIS IS ON REINFORCING THE POTENTIAL DANGER INVOLVED IN HANDLING DISTURBANCE CALLS. AS IN FILM ONE, OFFICERS HERE SET THEMSELVES UP FOR POTENTIAL INJURIES OR FATALITIES. THIS FILM DIFFERS, HOWEVER, IN THAT IT PRESENTS A NEGATIVE ACTION FOLLOWED BY AN SAA (SURVIVAL AWARENESS ACTION), DESIGNED TO STIMULATE DISCUSSION AS TO ITS APPROPRIATENESS IN THE SITUATION AS USED. IT FOCUSES ENTIRELY ON THE ISSUE OF OFFICERS APPROACHING POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE SITUATIONS. IT USES ONE DISPUTE SITUATION WHICH DOES REACH EXPLOSIVE DIMENSIONS, THAT OF A SEPARATED BLACK COUPLE, FRANK AND MARIAN COLES. AWARENESS OF THE POTENTIAL FOR DANGER BEGINS WHEN THE CALL IS RECEIVED AT THE FRONT DESK. FROM THIS TIME TO THE POINT OF CONTACT WITH THE DISPUTANTS, THE OFFICERS ARE TAKEN A STEP AT A TIME THROUGH A SERIES OF MISTAKES WHICH RESEARCH SHOWS HAVE BEEN MADE BY MOST OFFICERS IN THE FIELD. THE SIX FILMS IN THIS SERIES WERE DESIGNED TO BE USED AS A PROGRESSIVE UNIT WHICH WILL PROVOKE DISCUSSION AFTER NUMEROUS SHOWINGS. FOR THE REST OF THE SERIES, SEE NCJ-37894, 38080-81, AND 38332-33. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)