In previous postings I have talked about the power of words and the importance of becoming aware of our day to day language. Today I want you to start paying attention to the use of the words "have to" in your daily conversations with others and with yourself. Pay conscious attention to how many times each day you use the phrase "I Have to.."   I have to teach inservice today. I have to teach recruits today. I have to drive the kids to (football, soccer, basketball, hockey, baseball, etc). I have to work on that use of force review today. I have to write that article I have … [Read more...]

It has been over a week since the 4 police officers were murdered in Lakewood, Washington. After the outrage, the grieving and the inevitable questions about why, we must step back from the tragedies and reflect on the lessons learned. We must ask ourselves what we need to differently in our physical training and our mental preparation to prevent another murder like this. This reflection is not a criticism of anyone, it is an examination of our training and our habits (we are creatures of habit) to determine what we need to do differently in the future. It is not about being paranoid, it is … [Read more...]

Over the years I have been in a large number of use of force courses and use of force discussions as a student and an instructor. When the topic gets around to the use of deadly force and the options available to officers if they believe they are in a fight for their life I very often hear trainers and officers say that they officer can "Do whatever it takes to win that fight." I agree with that in principle however, what concerns me is that the discussion often stops there and that should never be acceptable. If I am teaching the class or leading the discussion I will probe further and ask … [Read more...]

A great number of training scenarios start off with the words "For the purpose of the scenario." What follows usually sets the stage for the scenario such as:   The nature of the call. The information that is known about the complainant, subject, etc. The time of day. The number of officers at the available. Previous dealings if any with the subject. Any safety concerns or issues. Any restrictions or limitations created by equipment issues. Any other information that is pertinent for the officer to know for the scenario. This information is necessary for the … [Read more...]

Training programs should be an evolution that takes place over many years. As training progresses new drills, exercises and scenarios get added to existing programs. Too often however, detailed documentation outlining the reason behind the drills, the learning objectives, the nuances and key teaching points does not exist. This happens for a variety of reasons such as time demands, lack of knowledge concerning creation of Course Training Standards and Lesson Plans, etc. As a result when new instructors come along they simply continue to teach what has 'always been taught' because that is … [Read more...]

In the past, law enforcement use of force training was often segregated into various use of force options. In some cases instructors only taught one element such as handcuffing, OC, baton, firearms, etc. Their certification came from a manufacturer's sales rep who taught them how to teach this one tool, this one force option. As a result many officers were taught force options in isolation and there was little if any integration or crossover between options. Many instructors in essence were 'one trick ponies'. If a question came up in class that pertained to another force option and how to … [Read more...]

Over a period of three days I read the quote "To whom much is given, much is expected." in three different books and magazine articles. I believe the quote is from the bible but please do not quote me on that. Every time I read the quote I reflected on a variety of issues including how it applies to educators and trainers in law enforcement, or any profession for that matter. As trainers we are given much. You are given:   The opportunity to share your skills, knowledge and experience with others. The power to influence behaviors and attitudes through the lessons you … [Read more...]

This posting will finish off the question of when is good, good enough (at least for now). In the two previous posts we talked about setting the bar based on totality of circumstances and about bar height and decision making. This time we will explore the issue of bar height further. In any organization or training program there are standards of performance that set the minimum height of the bar. In order to work for that company or to pass the program one must achieve that level of performance.  The goal of course is to not only continue to raise the bar for ourselves but also to find ways … [Read more...]

In this week’s blog we will be continuing the discussion based on the question “When is good, good enough.”  In the last posting we talked about setting the height of the bar and how there are a number of factors that will determine a height that is reasonable. One of the areas I have seen over the years where the height of the bar becomes an issue is the area of decision making. We often expect people to make decisions as we believe we would have in the same situation. This is often despite the difference in experience or knowledge level, and the reality that we were not there at that … [Read more...]

A while ago I recently received an e-mail question from a W.I.N.Newsletter subscriber who I know personally and have a great amount of respect for. He was working overseas training law enforcement officers in another country. His question is “When is good, good enough? We strive for perfection, but here, the standards are different. We have had to alter our expectations to meet the environment (lowering the standard). It is reality and to press too hard for our standard will alienate the audience. It is really quite challenging when you really examine it.” I recently had this very same … [Read more...]