NCJ Number
213657
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2006 Pages: 68,70,72,73
Date Published
March 2006
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes tactics that stimulate feelings of confidence when confronting an attacker, which in turn increases proficiency in alertness, tactics, and physical performance.
Abstract
It is well known that emotions influence the body's operations. Negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, and self-doubt tend to diminish and impair rapid, strong, and confident movements, which are important in countering an attack and subduing an opponent. Positive emotions such as confidence in one's abilities to handle a situation, calmness, and assertiveness enhance decisionmaking, alertness, and physical performance. Police officers can prepare themselves to operate in the field with positive emotions by committing themselves to tactical training that builds confidence in their ability to perform well in the field. Still, officers may encounter a situation in the field in which doubt and anxiety begin to affect performance. This article suggests a technique for controlling this anxiety. It involves taking a slow, deep breath from the abdomen when beginning to feel tense or under the influence of negative thoughts. When exhaling, focus on relaxing muscles while thinking of the words "relax" and "focus." Practicing this exercise in the midst of a conflict should be part of training.