Training & Education

Mike Boyle Whether we like it or not, sometimes the only way to maintain officer and public safety is through the application of force.  In recent times, police use of force has come under the spotlight. Policies, training and even the equipment utilized by law enforcement officers has been challenged, sometimes resulting in negative outcomes. Certain elements have questioned the need for police officers to participate in “tactical” training as they feel it programs officers to overreact in confrontational situations…

John G. Peters, Jr., CLS, PSDS, Ph.D. Copyright 2024. A.R.R. The theory of Prone Restraint Cardiac Arrest introduces a controversial viewpoint regarding the underlying reasons for sudden fatalities in individuals who have been involved in altercations with law enforcement, particularly those involving prone restraint. Dr. Alon Steinberg, a cardiologist, has formulated and released a theory concerning instances of sudden death following struggles involving prone restraint. His concept, termed “prone restraint cardiac arrest,” challenges what some refer to as the misconception…

Michael T. Rayburn Many firearms instructors incorrectly state that the primary issue for the majority of shooters is “trigger control.” Now, I’d like to pose a straightforward question to you. Although it may be somewhat lengthy, it remains a simple and direct contradiction. Imagine this scenario: I take your handgun and line it up on target on the range – physically line the gun up so that, when you pull the trigger, the bullet will go straight into the target,…

P&SN Staff Improving yourself, advancing your career, and boosting your confidence are all attainable through higher education. However, your first task is to identify the specific area of focus for your learning and pinpoint the schools which align best with your goals. Scholarly Degrees A two year associate degree program in law enforcement serves as a fundamental platform for basic instruction. Courses at this level are typically categorized by the school as 100 and 200 level courses. This degree is…

Ron LaPedis With a cell phone camera in everyone’s hands, an imperfect officer interaction can quickly become tonight’s 11 o’clock news. With many populations already set against any justifiable action which an officer takes, de-escalation is a critical skill. It can mean the difference between an ending where everyone goes home to their families or a potentially dangerous, or even deadly, outcome. How do you train an officer to temper his/her reaction when a suspect gets in his/her face? You…

Ron LaPedis Research conducted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has revealed that training specifically for de-escalation has resulted in a nearly 30% reduction in use-of-force incidents; an approximate 30% reduction in injuries to community members; and a 40% reduction in law enforcement officer injuries. With the villainization of law enforcement, training which is proven to lower injuries to community members is positive indeed.  However, even with thorough training, situations can still deteriorate. That’s why it’s essential…

Eugene Nielsen As a law enforcement agency or trainer, you want to ensure that your officers are well trained and prepared to face the challenges and risks of their job. You also want to make sure that your training plan is effective, efficient and aligned with your goals and objectives. With this in mind, how do you know if your training plan is working? How do you measure its impact and outcomes? How do you identify areas for improvement and…

John G. Peters, Jr., Ph.D. © 2023. A.R.R. Forewarned is forearmed! While there is no such thing as a “perfect [law enforcement force option] policy,” this trusted saying applies to the numerous land mines hidden in plain sight within the new 2023 IACP “Electronic Control Weapons” (ECWs) Model Policy and the Concepts and Issues supporting document which were recently released. This September 2023 Model Policy replaces the IACP’s March 2018 version. As an Associate Member of the IACP, this article…

James “Jeb” Brown, Esq.; John G. Peters, Jr., Ph.D.; and Rick Muir, Ph.D. ©2023. A.R.R. The prevalence of social media scandals involving law enforcement is on the rise and appears to be widespread. Instances have occurred in Antioch, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Torrance, CA; Wichita, KS; London, in the UK; and in many other locations. It’s evident that these incidents are not confined to specific geographic locations. Regrettably, each subsequent scandal appears to be more severe than its predecessor. Social media…