NCJ Number
166983
Date Published
1991
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This training videotape presents re-created cases of actions taken by off-duty police officers to control a crime in progress.
Abstract
The videotape focuses on business robbery and robbery of the person and notes the first reaction of many police officers, to catch the robber, is a mistake. In 17 percent of business robbery cases, bystanders are killed. Off-duty police officers should be good witnesses and should not intervene in all cases, particularly in bars, since alcohol distorts the judgment of both suspects and police officers. Many police officers are killed while moonlighting as security officers, when responding to family and public disturbances, and in cases where a killer finds out where the police officer lives and takes revenge. The videotape offers several suggestions to improve off-duty police officer safety: do not use badge holder as a wallet, call for backup as appropriate, be patient, and respect the dangers of responding to incidents while off-duty. Off-duty police officers should not resist being robbed, overestimate their ability, respond to an incident if they have been drinking, or try to be a hero.