NCJ Number
234020
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 58 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2010 Pages: 1-76
Editor(s)
Yesenia Salcedo
Date Published
December 2010
Length
76 pages
Annotation
This issue of Law and Order features several articles focusing on intelligence gathering, use of tactical medics, smoke-environment training, innovations in tactical communications, the role of spirituality in policing, the impact of racial biases in police decisionmaking, the impact of effective evidence collection on civil litigation cases, and the importance in the organizational preparedness of the critical incident stress management (CISM) team during disasters.
Abstract
The first of three focus articles offers tips on how SWAT teams can be bettered prepared in the arena of post-operational intelligence gathering. The second article examines the importance of all SWAT teams having a specialized tactical medic (TEMS) unit to treat injured officers or citizens on the scene of high-risk incidents. The third focus article discusses the importance of simulating foggy/smoky conditions during training. It can help officer develop strategies for working in environments, such as flash-bangs or chemical agents, which might impair their vision. In the special report on tactical communications, two companies provide the latest information on equipment needed to improve communications for law enforcement agencies with the use of wireless communication devices. In the first feature article, results are presented from a survey of officers in two Ohio police agencies on how they believe God and spirituality play a role in the selection of their profession and in how they execute their daily duties. In the second feature article on biases that exist in police decisionmaking, studies show that biases exist deep within one's psyche and officers must undergo realistic training that will help them make better decisions in high-stress situations. In the third feature article on evidence collection for civil litigation, there are many steps agencies can take to ensure better collection and preservation of evidence in case of civil suits resulting in substantial cost savings through reduced risk in civil litigation. In the fourth and final feature article, organizational preparedness is stressed for the critical incident stress management (CISM) team during national disasters, severe weather events, human-caused incidents, and other emergencies. These emergencies can tax the resources and equipment of an agency, as well as its staff. The ultimate effectiveness of the CISM team is in the pre-planning and preparing for the team's use.