Training trends
The current emphasis of training has been directed towards verbal de-escalation, community policing as a philosophy, leadership, surviving verbal conflict, and any program designed to teach officers how to effectively handle subjects without relying on deadly force.
Law enforcement is now at a juncture of training that incorporates a multitude of practices that lean heavily on verbal skills along with force on force.
Training should be pushed in a direction to enhance officer’s verbal skills when dealing with the public and violators, and to not jump through the use of force continuum at breakneck speed. (Pun intended)
We as a profession should remember to use all verbal skills available, and when these are exhausted, you should do what you have to do to go home at the end of your shift. We are not reinventing the wheel, but bending to the times and different generational attitudes.
Each officer should train for the unexpected, think and talk before climbing the use of force ladder, and familiarize yourself with generation gaps. If you are mentally and physically prepared, then each situation you encounter will be handled effectively.