Mastering the fundamentals of police tactics is one of the most critical components of effective law enforcement. These basics must be reinforced consistently — not only through physical drills but also through mental conditioning. Yet mental preparation is often overlooked.
Visualization is one of the simplest, most effective tools officers can use to prepare for dynamic calls. Before arrival, mentally walk through the scene. Ask yourself:
- What do I anticipate seeing?
- Do I know the layout—rooms, doors, stairs or blind corners?
- Where are the likely threats or choke points?
Whether responding to a domestic violence call, a burglary in progress or an active shooter event, developing a mental strategy before you arrive gives you an edge. Your tactical plan shouldn’t begin on arrival — it should begin the moment the call comes out.
From crowds to chaos: Controlling dynamic threats
Crowd encounters are high-risk, fast-changing environments. We’ve all seen the bodycam videos where an officer attempts to control one combative subject, only to be swarmed by others from the crowd. These aren’t rare events; they’re training priorities.
Yet too many programs still rely heavily on static drills. Realistic scenario training is essential. Officers must practice threat assessment, communication and physical control tactics under stress. Range time is important, but it’s not enough.
Train for angles, not just accuracy
One of the most overlooked fundamentals in tactical training is the effective use of footwork, lateral movement and angle selection. These simple techniques can significantly change the outcome of a call. Many of them stem from one core concept: angles — or as we call them, “angles of opportunity.”
Mastering angles means controlling what you see and what the suspect sees. It allows you to improve cover, minimize exposure and make better decisions under pressure. These are skills that should be built into every training environment — not just SWAT or advanced classes.
Training scenario: Using the MotoShot Mover System
Dynamic movement tools like the MotoShot Mover help simulate real-time decision-making in ways static targets can’t. Here’s a basic but effective scenario:
Scenario: Combative subject in the street
- Place a training dummy to simulate a resistant individual
- Position the MotoShot Mover at the 1–3 yard line with a decision-making target facing away from the officers
- Officers start at the 10–12 yard line, simulating an approach to gain control of the combative subject
- Once activated, the MotoShot moves toward the officers, still facing away
The movement alone serves as a stimulus to initiate verbal commands.
At a key moment, the MotoShot rotates to reveal the decision-making target — now facing the officers. This rotation simulates a threat or non-threat appearance. Instructors then assess:
- Do officers give verbal commands?
- Do they move laterally to create angles?
- Do they maintain safe distance?
- Do they recognize the threat and respond appropriately?
The value is clear — this setup compresses time, forces rapid judgment and trains officers to evaluate rather than react reflexively.
The bottom line: Creativity trumps complexity
Officers deserve the best training possible — training that’s realistic, adaptable and grounded in what they’ll actually face. A single scenario can be run multiple ways to force critical thinking: Is the subject holding a weapon or just sunglasses? How fast do you assess and act?
Departments don’t need high-end budgets to build these scenarios. With a little creativity and commitment to realism, instructors can close the gap between the range and the street.
Training tips for newer officers
- Always mentally rehearse before arrival—visualize layout, risks and actions
- Practice lateral movement in training, not just straight-line drills
- Scan constantly for cover, exit routes and threats during every call
