NCJ Number
191855
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 65 Issue: 2 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 45-51
Editor(s)
Ellen W. Fielding
Date Published
2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article examines the response of Missouri Probation Officers to training on the Firearms Training System (FATS), which is normally used only in instructing law enforcement officers.
Abstract
The purpose of the FATS System is to train law enforcement officers to think quickly and to react prudently when facing difficult or life threatening situations. Since many probation officers have had little training in this area, they have had few opportunities to develop or evaluate their own abilities in dangerous situations. Therefore, a study was conducted of the use of FATS by 36 Missouri probation officers. Twenty-nine officers completed the evaluation form. It was concluded from the evaluations that 97 percent of the officers reported that the overall training was effective. Before the training session many of the officers felt confident about their ability to perform. Once the training was completed, their attitudes changed. Many officers realized how difficult it is to react and respond quickly. This demonstrated that the training was effective in heightening the officers' awareness of life threatening situations, and the importance of being mentally prepared as well as knowledgeable in self-defense tactics. The overall response was favorable to the FATS System. The primary complaint involved the nature of some of the scenarios, because they were more law enforcement oriented. According to the author, if the scenarios were changed and designed specifically for probation officers, future training programs will be even more beneficial. 8 appendices of the actual study