NCJ Number
194617
Date Published
2002
Length
255 pages
Annotation
This book reminds the reader that many police shootings occur during diminished light, and with few exceptions, officers do not receive enough training in these conditions; in addition, recommendations are made for officers to use senses other than vision, teamwork, and technological innovations to increase an officer's chance of success when working in dim-light or no-light conditions.
Abstract
The majority of crimes and officer shootings occur at night in diminished light or no-light settings. The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that during a 9-year period (1985-1994), almost 63 percent of police officer deaths occurred between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. During these hours, it is difficult for officers to accurately identify an alleged suspect's face easily or identify any weapons he or she may be in possession of. Add stress and an increased heart rate to an already tense situation and it is easy to understand the need for additional training under these conditions. The dark is fraught with peril and danger, but increased training can alleviate stress and increase proficiency. Moreover, officers can rely upon other senses and additional training can help facilitate decision-making under these difficult circumstances. Technological advances and team techniques can also be incorporated into officer training. Directional microphones, night vision and thermal imaging devices and infrared lights are a few of the technological advances that may aid officer shootings during dim-light or no-light environments. Appendix, list of information sources, index