NCJ Number
172574
Journal
Law Enforcement Quarterly (May-July 1997) Volume: 21-24 Issue: Dated: Pages: -
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This second of a two-part article identifies and discusses how to avoid the last five of the "Ten Deadly Sins" that lead to fatal assaults on police officers.
Abstract
The sixth of the "Ten Deadly Sins" is "missing the danger signs." In countering this "sin," the article outlines a number of warning signs that should alert officers to the possibility of an attack. The article also provides advice on how to react to warning signs. The seventh "deadly sin" is "not having a 'what if' plan in your own mind, or with a partner." Countering this "sin" involves deciding on a particular response in the event something untoward happens during a contact. The officer thinks of ways the contact could turn dangerous and decides on the best course of action, taking into account available cover, backup, resources, the environment, and his/her abilities. The eighth "sin" is "lack of communication." Communication between officers and dispatchers and among officers is crucial to officer safety. Officers must communicate and identify their respective roles so each knows what to expect from the other regarding protective action. The remaining "sins" discussed are "taking a bad position" and "falling victim to tunnel vision."