Page 19 - Argyle Police Officer Field Training Tips

responding to burglaries, bank robberies, and stolen vehicles. Save the heroism for when it really counts
such as calls that involve in progress assaults, rapes, or even hostage situations.

When you arrive on scene, slow things down. Be in control, this means control of yourself too. If you
have back up, wait on them. It’s much easier to work a problem together than to try to work the
problem while also trying to rescue another officer that didn’t wait for his backup unit.
Stay out of arms’ reach from everyone. Make this a habit and you won’t have to think about it. Build
good habits early on so they become second nature as your career goes on. We do this because
someday someone may try to kill us and we do not know where, who, or when. We can’t let our guard
down. Now that doesn’t mean we need to run around in condition red either. If you pay attention and
follow good practices, you’ll have an advantage. And never put your back to a stairway because if you
get pushed, you’re going to get hurt.

Anything at hand can be used as a weapon, especially while in a garage or kitchen. Be aware that
screwdrivers, scissors, and pencils or pens can be used to stab you. Hammers, long tools or wrenches
can be used as impact weapons against you. So, avoid interviewing people in those areas. I like
interviewing people on their porch or in their living rooms and prefer for them to sit so they have to get
up before they can even attempt to do something to me. I also sit them down in chairs, not couches
because couches sometimes contain hidden weapons.

Which brings me to my next point, watch people’s hands constantly. Their mouths may upset you, but
their hands or the objects in their hands can kill you. So, avoid allowing suspects to put their hands in
their pockets and be mindful of where their hands are at all times. A person can reach for and grab a
weapon in the blink of an eye. I’ve heard some officers jokingly tell new officers to develop a hand
fetish. It’s meant to be funny, but there is some value in that statement.

You’re allowed to detain (handcuff) suspects. Be respectful to people but be in control and maintain an
advantage always. Suspects are much less likely to try to hurt you if you don’t give them a chance. If
someone is making you feel unsafe, detain them. If someone begins stretching, detain them before they
run off. If someone is looking around, detain them because they’re most likely looking for places to run
to. The handcuffs come off just as easy as they go on. Also, if you take a few seconds to explain to them
that you’re just doing it for your safety and theirs, they’ll be more understanding and not as upset.
Additionally, if you ever have to handcuff a person with one arm, handcuff their hand to their belt or
belt loop. If for some reason, you just aren’t comfortable putting handcuffs on people or are simply
afraid, this is not the right profession for you. Please look find another line of work very soon because
you are going to get someone hurt or even killed.

You can learn a lot from people’s hands and arms. Scars on their thumbs could be from smoking drugs.
Needle marks are also a sign of drug use. The tattoos they have can give you an indication of their
beliefs, interests, and experiences.

Now, lets talk about your own hands. Keep them protected, your hands are what will save your life.
Wash them regularly and don’t risk hand injuries by reaching into areas where you can’t see. Wear
rubber gloves when dealing with people. When you can, avoid putting your hands in suspect’s pockets.
If you have to do it, wear gloves (preferably prick-proof gloves). Also, if you have a habit of putting your

Pg. 18 POLICE FIELD TRAINING CONCEPTS