NCJ Number
146621
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1994) Pages: 46-47,50,74
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
While most police officers use modern equipment, an increased emphasis on dynamic training would better prepare street officers for every eventuality.
Abstract
Dynamic training is based on the use of realistic scenarios, highlighting option-based tactics. The introduction of paintballs in firearm training allows officers to evaluate immediately the mistakes they make. Diversionary tactics used during combat shooting practice can teach officers to control their focus and maintain an offensive mode during shooting situations. Most distraction training techniques aim to develop an officer's ability to focus on the specific job at hand, to build confidence to achieve certain goals, to provide realism that matches what officers deal with on the street, to build officers' survival consciousness, and to teach officers not to give up because of pain or other obstacles. Option- based training is not just for firearm-related situations; it can be applied to all types of physical confrontation. When officers are trained to adjust to various types of pressure exerted by the subject, they gain the confidence to handle anything that may occur in real life.