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The Strike Report - September 2008 QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
The job of a law enforcement officer is inherently dangerous. It is even more so these days due to the proliferation of weapons, sophistication of criminal tactics, and the real threat of fanatical world terrorism. The risks involved with this job will always be there and yearly statistics bear that out. FBI reporting indicates officers are killed and wounded throughout the United States in a myriad of different ways. The modern firearm instructor has a tremendous burden of responsibility in ensuring that programs being taught are: safe, tactically sound, can meet the mission needs of the agency, and are able to address liability concerns. As a firearm instructor you must sometimes strike a delicate balance between: Survivability vs. Liability and being able to hold the ground in support of it. Firearms instructors should not be willing to settle for minimum standards in their training. Set a minimum standard and you will get minimum results. Remember people like to be challenged and will usually rise to meet the standards and expectations set. As a firearms instructor you have knowledge and a certain expertise that extends your authority within your agency. In addition to being an instructor you are also expected to be an advisor, evaluator and policy writer for your agency. The responsibility and leadership role you carry also requires you to be able to document and defend your agency's training as it relates to the innumerable liability issues that often rise from an officer involved shooting. Always be willing to evaluate your programs and seek improvement. In this regard ask these questions of yourself: "Are we training our officers or just running qualification sessions?" and "Are we teaching target shooting or training officers in survival and fighting skills?"
Jack C. Perritt Source References: Peregrine Corp. |
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