As a Field Training Officer, I try to instill conscious tactical habits into the new officer. Here are some ideas that may be practical:
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1. Wearing a black t-shirt vs. white. This avoids the “Triangle of Death.”
2. Carrying handcuffs in front on your duty belt vs. behind you. This allows you to focus on your arrest rather than reaching around for you cuffs. Your hands should always be in front of you at the ready. If you wear two cases, wear one in front and one in back.
3. Position your baton away from the butt of your weapon, especially if you wear a level 3 holster. It would be tragic not to be able to unholster your weapon because of interference with something you put on your belt.
4. Your knife should be positioned somewhere on your shirt or vest, where only you can get to it.
5. Your magazine pouches should open away from you, not towards your stomach. If you end up on your belly, how would you get to your ammo?
6. Wear your radio mic under your chin. Your “contact” is just looking for you to divide your attention, such as turning your head. I purchased one of those janitor key rings with the retractable chain, painted it black and attached to my epaulet. I bring the mic to my mouth and still keep my eyes on my “contact.”
7. Learn to talk with your eyes and your hands. Whenever your mouth is moving you should be looking at your “contact” and your hands should be moving subtly in front of you, at the ready.
8. Don’t clutter your belt or uniform with unnecessary crap that really serves no purpose (i.e. If you need to use the cell phone, go to your car and use it, don’t have it on your uniform).
The bottom line is WE all look out for each other and WE all come home at the end of the shift. If you see a fellow officer that’s FUBAR’d, fix it! If anyone has any input that may help with my duties as a public servant, I’m always listening and I’m always learning. Stay Safe, Brothers...