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Deadly Force Decisions

NCJ Number
100116
Author(s)
R F Hackney; D Anderson
Editor(s)
D Anderson
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This 3-part police firearms training package consists of a 30-minute videocassette, an 87-page instructor's manual, and 34 color slides covering response tactics, approach procedures, manpower deployment, and the use of deadly force.
Abstract
The videocassette, which may be used for range training or classroom instruction, presents 12 situations involving shoot/no shoot decisions under conditions of visual stimulation and mental and emotional stress. Situations range from 50 seconds to 4 minutes in length and contain at least one critical decisionmaking point. The situations involve one or more of the following patrol circumstances: threats to officer safety, threats to civilian safety, crimes-in-progress calls, and nonjeopardy situations. The package trains officers to understand court decisions, State laws, and departmental policies relating to the use of deadly force on and off duty; apply learned decisionmaking abilities and appropriate shooting techniques to the 12 situations; and demonstrate an ability to use cover, concealment, movement, verbal challenges, tactical retreat, and reloading techniques in their responses. They are also taught to anticipate and react appropriately to danger and evaluate the importance of light, sound, suspect, and other environmental factors in deadlyforce decisions. In addition to a discussion of deadlyforce policies, the instructor's manual includes analyses of the 12 situations, test and evaluation forms, and slides depicting key decisionmaking points in the 12 situations. An equipment directory and a 13-item bibliography also are provided. Because the videocassette contains explicit language, the materials are not intended for general audiences.