NCJ Number
196717
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 26 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2002 Pages: 64,66,67
Editor(s)
David Griffith
Date Published
April 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article reviews training practices in law enforcement survival skills and the need to keep survival tactics and techniques execution simple.
Abstract
In this article, the author expresses concern over police officer survival tactics and techniques being overly complicated when officers are in situations or environments of high stress. The “Three S Test” is discussed as a method to determine if a new tactic or technique is valid. This test consists of first, determining if the technique is simple to perform. Second, does it make sense? Lastly, is the tactic or technique street proven? When the focus is on completing overly complex techniques, the result could be the inability to save oneself from harm. The goal of any survival-oriented training is to win the confrontation without harm. The technique used is secondary. However, it is important for that technique to be simple and effective most of the time. In summary, survival techniques need to follow the “Simple is Good” (SIG) principle.