The Strike Report - February 2008
 

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking!”  

        ~William B. Sprague~


OFFICER SURVIVAL:  "The Survival Checklist!"

An officer shouldn't rely or depend on anyone when it comes to their survival.  Yearly statistics clearly indicate that there are certain risks that come with the law enforcement profession.  Unfortunately, those risks cannot be eliminated but they can be minimized by following the survival checklist and always approaching a suspect or potential threat contact with a deliberate attitude toward safety.  Complacency in this profession will get you hurt.

1    Remain alert and mentally plan

2    Always, have a deliberate attitude toward safety

3    Have a positive approach to training and...PRACTICE, PRACTICE...

4    Stay current on techniques and what the bad guys are doing

5    Do not assume anything

6    Watch your contact distance with the suspect

7    Wait for back up - Don't Rush In

8    Observe the suspect(s) actions and hands - visually frisk them

9    Use cover

10    Make a decision and follow through with a plan of action

11    Be prepared to react or initiate action if necessary.  If you do, be as explosive and violent as you can until the threat is over

12    Have a positive mental attitude through it

13    Be proficient with your weapon and other equipment - wear your body armor!

14    If you engage a suspect with your weapon in a deadly force situation - then service the threat until it is neutralized

15    Know your limitations - Stay in mental and physical shape

16    Be smart!  If you receive some sort of injury or you are at a tactical disadvantage, then there is nothing wrong with disengaging and withdrawing to a safer place

17    Endure, fight, never give up - ultimately you are responsible for your own survival

18    Learn how to release your inner "BEAST" but tactically control it

19    Remember OODA and Accelerating the Tactical Loop

    O - Observation - what you observe and perceive with your senses

    O - Orientation - evaluating and processing what you just observed

    D - Decision - planning a course of action in response

    A - Action - performing the action and following through the loop again

1    Remember the Combat Triad - Mental Attitude / Marksmanship / Gun Handling

2    In low light conditions remember to utilize your tactical flashlight:  Illuminate, Identify and Dominate - Asymmetric Tactical Illumination - ATI

These are a few of the important items we have identified to go on our Survival Checklist that can help to minimize the risks.  Many officers have their own Survival Checklist they go through and there is nothing wrong with that - providing they adhere to it, and are consistent in what they do.  Make your Survival Checklist a habit.

Jack C. Perritt
George F. Wiley
Strike International
 

Sources:

Peregrine Corp, - Manny Kapelsohn

Paul Howe - CSAT

Strike International

Morrigan Corp.

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