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many years, I eventually became part of a unit that did tactical
entries fairly regularly. I can remember watching the guys to see
what they did, not wanting to look like I didn’t know what I was
doing. I also recall, in great detail, the first time that I didn’t
unholster, and getting chewed out by my DSG. After that, I was
careful to make sure that my weapon was out and at the ready.
That “learn as you go” training went on for many years until I
finally received formal tactical training.
When I returned to the Patrol Division as a sergeant, I made
sure that all officers were duly prepared when they were entering
any structure, with the unknown factor associated with it. I
thought that I would be met with resistance at first, but I soon
found that it actually relaxed the officers.
So besides the lesson I learned, regarding how veteran officers
can make a rookie unlearn valuable and life-saving tools, I also
learned that, although shoot house training is equally valuable,
it is in some cases unrealistic. Due to the fact that there are
usually limited funds in the police training budget, most departments (if they even do entry training) train on how to tactically
enter structures and to shoot threats. The training pursuant to
what occurs most of the time – entering and clearing a structure
without eliminating a threat – doesn’t exist.
At RTSP, we offer our shoot house and warehouse area for
rental to departments for $250 for a half-day and $500 for full
days. The reali