NCJ Number
213585
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 53 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2005 Pages: 54-55,57,63
Date Published
November 2005
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article describes the various areas of tactical training for patrol level officers to aid them in improving their tactical capabilities.
Abstract
Several programs are available for patrol level officers to improve their tactical capabilities in the hope of reducing hazards in the field prior to a tactical team’s arrival on the scene. These training programs include: basic hostage negotiation, incident command system or accountability, less lethal and specialty munitions, first aid or tactical medical, “officer down drills”, weapon storage and securing, hand signals or silent communication techniques, patrol response to active shooter events, and tactical media communication and relations. Having first responding officers properly outfitted with tactical training and proper equipment can reduce on-the-scene hazards and benefit local tactical teams by having a ready pool of knowledgeable personnel from which specialized teams can fill their vacancies. Officers who start tactical training at the patrol level have a much shorter learning curve when tactical teams are recruiting for new members. Although this is a good step in preparing patrol level officers in tactical situations there are many more programs available for patrol officers to improve their tactical capabilities.