an extensive lecture
and “hands-on” time
using the department’s
training simulator where
participants assume
the role of an officer.
Participants are instructed
to respond to the best of
their abilities utilizing
the information taught in
the lecture. Each scenario
is debriefed in the same
manner law enforcement
professionals are
debriefed when they
take the training.
Tactics are not
discussed so as to not
compromise another
officer’s safety by disclosing such information in an
open forum to individuals who have not been vetted. We
have found that citizens understand and appreciate this
perspective. It is stressed that the purpose behind the class
is to shed light on the decision-making process regarding
the use of force a law enforcement officer is routinely
faced with. The scenarios are limited to “shoot, don’t
shoot” events. We have found that if we try to incorporate
other tools available to law enforcement in use-of-force
situations, it is simply too much to ask of a citizen who
does not have the training of a law enforcement officer.
Participants in the scenarios are “debriefed” and
asked to justify their actions in a facilitated format based
on case law, policy and the penal code just like an officer
would have to. Those who do partake of the simulator
get to experience first-hand the physiological, physical
and emotional challenges any human being is subjected
to while having to respond in a high-stress environment
involving the use of force. The insight the participants
gain, which they can then provide to the other citizens in
the community, is invaluable. Other participants who are
observing the scenario unfold are asked at the conclusion
to assume the role of a witness. The experience has been
very enlightening to the groups as they discover firsthand how difficult it is to provide an accurate description
of what they just observed.
The insights the citizens have gleaned from the
training have been nothing short of incredible. We have
found that when provided with accurate information,
participants will more often than not respond to the
scenarios in a manner consistent with law enforcement
officers. Those participants who “witness” a scenario can
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apply appropriate case law, penal code and department
policy in an accurate manner to explain an outcome
that was either objectively reasonable or not
objectively reasonable.
The groups that have taken advantage of this
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