NCJ Number
75902
Date Published
1980
Length
410 pages
Annotation
Written for police officers, this book offers hundreds of realistic techniques which law enforcement officers can use to prevent violence or successfully overcome it in dealing with suspects determined to kill.
Abstract
The book draws on the street experience of over a dozen major police departments, as well as on documented reports of more than 400 officer-involved shootings. Detailed and advanced methods are examined for effectively approaching dangerous situations, controlling light, issuing verbal challenges, and using surprise. This last tactic, the use of surprise, is covered in material on the kill zone, movement inside the kill zone, close-up surprise, firearm retention, and suspect disarmament. Next, a discussion on finding and maintaining cover and concealment examines the process of choosing objects to hide behind, changing cover, choosing position and grips, using the patrol car as cover, and realizing the penetration power of bullets. An exploration of shooting techniques covers instinct shooting, multiple adversaries, center mass, ricochet shooting, muzzle flash, and unpredictable reactions. Also discussed are reloading under fire and making a safe final approach for handcuffing and searching. In addition, psychological reactions to a shooting situation are explored, and the benefits of self-help techniques, therapy, and peer support are noted. A final section on basics that strengthen tactics includes chapters on protective equipment; firearms control; firearms cleaning; maintenance of revolvers, semiautomatics, and shotguns; and physical fitness. Footnotes, diagrams, nearly 500 photographs, and a list of approximately 68 additional reading materials are included. (Author abstract modified)