We’re living in a time when every action a police officer takes is closely scrutinized by the public, the media, and the bosses — all on the perception of what is supposed to be politically correct.
We as police need to fight for our respect — and too many times, for our life.
Because of this, we sometimes need to turn up the aggression — or use harsh language — to gain compliance of a subject and keep our own selves safe.
Everyone is looking for a pay day when we go hands on — a simple thing like putting cuffs on for a minor crime will sometimes escalate to an all-out brawl.
The unknowing — and so-called caring — public start taking video of the action we are taking and always fail to get the action of the subject that led up to our use of force or verbal command(s).
So, of course, we come out looking like “untrained and unprofessional bullies” in an incident.
Watching some videos here on Police1 we see officers trying to do what is politically correct and they are failing miserably in getting the job done quickly and effectively to reduce injury or death to our police.
No matter what crisis you are faced with, you don’t get the luxury of a judge or jury to decide what action you should take at the time of crisis. It all falls on you and you alone to survive.
Every piece of equipment that you bring to the scene can also be taken from you and used against you.
Every person at that scene is a potential threat to you.
You are responsible for your own safety. You must always be professional and courteous but never put what is politically correct in front of your personal survival.
You do what it takes to get home each and every tour. The use of force is never pretty — it must always be justified and used with discipline.
You know that you will always be questioned. Don’t take it personally. Articulate your reports well and you will be fine.
This job is full of Monday morning quarterbacks — never substitute what may look politically correct for your life.
If you’re not getting tactical hands-on training from your department, training outside your department may be needed. Get out find a place and a partner, and start preparing for your winning moment.