That video dash cam in your patrol car’s front window may be one of the best training tools you have outside of an experienced instructor. Each time you stop a car, the event is recorded for your viewing pleasure, with sound. We all have great critiques of the brothers we see on T.V., but how many times do we watch ourselves doing the job. It takes a few extra minutes at the end of your shift or whenever you have some down time, but it can be a very valuable “eye opener” when you get a good look at your own tactics in action. I review as many of my car stops as I can at the end of shift. Department policy allows for officers to review tapes or recordings any time. If that is not an option, ask your supervisor. It might surprise you to see just how well you do your job. It might sometimes shock you when you see yourself using bad tactics. Either way, knowing how you operate has a whole new meaning when you get the chance to see it in action after being removed from the situation.