NCJ Number
201145
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 51 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2003 Pages: 24,26
Date Published
June 2003
Length
2 pages
Annotation
In addition to learning to shoot well, comprehensive deadly force training for police officers must include the provision of a cognitive understanding of deadly force and the legalities of using firearms and other forms of deadly force in a reasonable manner.
Abstract
The foundation of deadly force training consists of the legal aspects of when an officer can use deadly force. Knowledge of specific State law and case law is required, along with relevant Federal case law. Additionally, departmental policy should be consistent with the law. Typically, an attorney will teach the legal aspects of deadly force, and veteran police instructors can provide information on actual incidents. Training in the use of deadly force must encompass both the responsible and skilled use of firearms and the use of other means of inflicting deadly force, such as strategic blows with a baton and a flashlight. The latter instruments may be used when a subject is attempting to disarm an officer. In most cases, however, the use of deadly force will involve a firearm, so most deadly force training should be with firearms. Officers must know their specific firearm and how it functions. Firearms marksmanship is the foundation for additional firearms training. This should involve the simulation of various scenarios in which an officer must decide whether and how to use his/her firearm. This article describes various types of such simulation systems that can make various scenarios as realistic as possible.