NCJ Number
132943
Journal
State Peace Officers Journal Volume: 40 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1991) Pages: 66-70,118-119
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The difference between a "good" police officer and a "bad" police officer lies in the way that an individual responds to each situation and his survival state of mind.
Abstract
One of the most effective ways an officer can protect himself on the street is to develop the ability to anticipate danger. Some survival tactics include planning ahead while responding to a call, anticipating the unexpected, learning to verbally defuse potentially violent situations, using all physical senses while on duty, and having a plan of action in case of assault. Some techniques for working the street are learned best through practical experience; these include using aggressive voice commands and avoiding "telegraphing" one's presence to an adversary. Building searches should always be conducted as if a perpetrator is inside. A police officer must also position himself in a way that minimizes his personal danger. Finally, officers should be trained to have a shoot-to-stop, rather than a shoot-to-kill, attitude.