NCJ Number
166537
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 63 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1996) Pages: 49,51-52
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article suggests ways to improve police training in the proper use of nonlethal weapons.
Abstract
John Morrison, who is now retired from the San Diego Police Department, suggests to trainers and administrators that they multiply and intensify training in less-than-lethal devices. This should involve having officers handle, hold, maneuver, and thoroughly acquaint themselves with the devices. This familiarization process can be done at line-ups, informal sessions, or in-service training. Trainers should provide videos of the use of the weapons. Line officers should know that command officers fully support the use of less-than-lethal devices while recognizing their need to hear from line officers who have used them effectively. Further, police agencies should recognize and publicize the effective use of less-than-lethal devices. They should use commendations, press releases, and face-to-face congratulations of officers who properly use this equipment, and should not reward those who exhibit rash risk-taking behavior or who use less-than-lethal devices in situations in which their use placed themselves, other officers, or citizens at needless risk. Finally, trainers should be attentive to new developments in the field of less-than-lethal devices.