NCJ Number
210890
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 29 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2005 Pages: 100,102,103
Date Published
July 2005
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the importance of police officers overcoming fear and hesitation when faced with deadly situations.
Abstract
In today’s policing environment, officers have been carefully trained in the use-of-force continuum and have been instructed to use the least amount of violence necessary to control a suspect. One of the negative and unintended consequences of this training is that police officers are second guessing themselves concerning the use of deadly force. Such hesitation before reacting to a threat can cost officers their lives. The author explains that the most common reason officers hesitate before using force in dangerous encounters is fear; not fear for their lives, but fear of litigation, internal investigations, and losing their job and pension. This type of “conditioned hesitation” must be overcome. The author recommends a two-step course of action that will help police officers overcome their conditioned hesitation to use deadly force: (1) maintain tactical proficiency and (2) psychologically prepare through continual training. Officers are encouraged to let go of their fear and respond honestly to the situation at hand. Exhibits