NCJ Number
202406
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 72 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2003 Pages: 20-26
Date Published
October 2003
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Based on his own experience of survival as a police officer after being wounded from a gun fight with a suspect, the author outlines the factors that can prepare an officer to be a "warrior/survivor."
Abstract
As used in this article, the term "warrior/survivor" refers to an officer's preparation for and determination to achieve an assigned mission in the face of any and every obstacle confronted. There are seven basic steps in survival preparation. The first step is the development of a "mind-set" determined to do whatever it takes to accomplish a mission, with the primary mission being to survive any threat or obstacle. The second step is to have all survival and safety equipment ready and available, including a bullet-resistant vest and a secondary firearm in case the primary weapon is disabled. A third step is training in personal safety techniques beyond that offered in the basic academy courses. Such training should include firearms proficiency, including weak-hand shooting in case the primary shooting hand is injured. The fourth step is physical fitness. Officers will adapt, both physically and mentally, to threatening situations if they have trained to achieve maximum physical performance. The fifth step is the development of a professionalism that conditions an officer to act and think as a highly trained professional in coping with danger and stress. The sixth step is to deal appropriately with the aftermath of a survival incident by seeking the help needed to deal effectively with potentially debilitating psychological states. Finally, the seventh step is to discuss with a spouse about responding to worse-case scenarios, which includes information on insurance benefits, preparation for funeral arrangements, and other issues associated with an untimely death. 1 note