POLICE TECHNIQUES IN GUN FIGHTS (FROM POLICE PATROL READINGS, 2D ED. 1970, BY SAMUEL G CHAPMAN - SEE NCJ-01974)

• NCJ Number: 15188
• Author(s): T F MARTIN; L L PRIAR
• Date Published: 1970
• Length: 7 pages
• Corporate Author: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. ARTICLE FROM THE JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL LAW, CRIMINOLOGY AND POLICE SCIENCE, SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1955.

Annotation

A DISCUSSION OF WHEN AND HOW TO USE THE GUN, INCLUDING POSTURE AND PROCEDURE FOR FIRING AT VARIOUS DISTANCES, TOGETHER WITH A PRESENTATION OF THE PROCESS FOR REPORTING A SHOOTING.

Abstract

PRINCIPLES FOR DECIDING WHEN TO USE A GUN SHOULD BE CAREFULLY FORMULATED IN THE OFFICER'S MIND PRIOR TO ENCOUNTERING A SUSPECT. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT IN APPROACHING AN ARMED SUSPECT, THE OFFICER COMMAND HIM TO RELEASE THE WEAPON AND THEN SHOOT TO KILL AT THE FIRST GESTURE OF INTENT TO FIRE ON THE OFFICER. AT CLOSE RANGE, ANY MEANS SHOULD BE EMPLOYED TO DISARM THE SUSPECT IF POSSIBLE. EXTREME CAUTION IS RECOMMENDED WHEN INNOCENT PARTIES ARE IN THE VICINITY WHERE THE SUSPECT IS ENCOUNTERED. THE ESCAPE OF THE SUSPECT IS TO BE PREFERRED TO THE DEATH OR INJURY OF A BYSTANDER. FOLLOWING A SHOOTING, CERTAIN PROTECTIVE AND PROCEDURAL STEPS ARE DELINEATED, INCLUDING THE SECURING OF THE NAMES AND WRITTEN TESTIMONY OF EYEWITNESSES.