Page 20 - Argyle Police Officer Field Training Tips

own hands in your pocket, stop. Having your hands in your pockets just increases the amount of time it
takes to use them to defend yourself, plus it makes you look too casual.

This job will put you in many situations where there is a possibility of a fight. Only participate in the ones
you can’t avoid because every one of them is likely to hurt you even if you “win”. Remember that every
fight involves a man with a gun (you), so fight hard and fast because your life depends on it. Think about
that for a moment. Also, remember that there are no rules. Nobody will throw in the towel just because
you got tired or hurt. The fight is not over until the suspect is in handcuffs and under control.

Should you ever find yourself in a gunfight, remember that only hits count. If your shooting stance is
good, then you’re not moving fast enough or you’re not making appropriate use of your cover. Create
distance and find cover fast. The longer the fight goes on, the more chance there is of you being shot, so
end it as quickly as possible. Another thing, If you get stressed out every time the annual pistol
qualification comes around, you need to begin a training regimen now. Don’t wait until you are in a gun
fight to try to improve your firearm proficiency. If you’re thinking you can get by because the stats
indicate that most officers will never have to use their firearm, please understand that you are gambling
with your life.

A note about domestics. These calls can be extremely dangerous because the victim will sometimes try
to attack you when they see their spouse being arrested. So, eliminate potential threats early by
separating the parties and don’t create extra stress for the children my making them relive events. Send
the kids out of the room so they don’t see you arrest their parent/s or worse, so they don’t see you
fighting with them. Kids never forget things like this, so do everything you can to keep them from seeing
it happen.

Search people anytime you place them in your vehicle, even the people you are just giving rides to. Place
their bags or purses in the trunk area out of their reach. This applies to suspects you are transporting for
other officers too. Yes, the other officers already searched them, but now it’s your turn.

Always search thoroughly. I’ve heard some officers say, “look for the bb”. That’s a good approach to
take. Also, remember to have full control of the suspect when searching. Stay aware of the +1 rule when
searching. By this I mean, if you find one gun, chances are there is another nearby.

Take a few seconds every day to make sure your rear windows are locked, and the child locks are
activated in your vehicle. Some arrestees have escaped from the back seats of patrol vehicles because
the doors or windows were not locked.

Do not make contact with pedestrians while seated in your vehicle. You never know their intentions and
being in your vehicle’s seat puts you at a disadvantage if they attack you. Therefore, move your vehicle
and exit to make contact when someone drives up or walks up to you.

In foot pursuits, be cautious when climbing over fences or walls. Someone could be waiting for you on
the other side prepared to ambush you. Also, if you lose sight of an individual, remember that most
people are right-handed and have a tendency to turn right when trying to get away.

Consider the use of barriers when talking to suspects. In a bar, you can stand across a table or chair from
them. Use the same in home. This is especially important when dealing with someone that appears to
be physically more powerful than you.

Pg. 19 POLICE FIELD TRAINING CONCEPTS