Denial is part of human nature when it comes to facing crisis, but in law enforcement it could be deadly. Sgt. Craig Stapp, a trainer with Tempe (AZ) PD, points out that in the time it takes to say to yourself three times, “This can’t be happening to me,” a suspect can fire 8 to 12 rounds at you.
Stapp says it’s crucial that you prepare yourself for the realities of police work by focusing on the mantra, “I expect and I accept that I will be challenged, threatened or attacked. When I am, I will make it impossible for the suspect to be successful.” This will better prepare you to take immediate, clear-headed action in a crisis and avoid losing precious, life-saving seconds in denial.
