In the second of a seven-part Policing Matters Roll Call series on use of force, host Jim Dudley engages with Jamie Borden from Critical Incident Review.
Borden provides invaluable insights into the fitness standards of today’s law enforcement agencies. As an expert in critical incident review and use of force, Borden sheds light on the challenges officers face when encountering unarmed suspects and the implications of current fitness standards. He emphasizes the importance of self-investment and continual conditioning to prepare officers for unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations on the streets.
Key learning points
Minimum standards vs. real-world preparedness: Borden highlights the distinction between minimum fitness standards set by academies and the readiness required for officers to engage with potentially hostile individuals on the streets. He underscores the need for officers to go beyond these minimum standards through self-conditioning and constant vigilance.
The unpredictability of street encounters: Exploring the inherent unpredictability of street encounters, Borden emphasizes the need for officers to be mentally and physically prepared for any situation. With factors such as unknown skill sets, drug influence and malevolent intentions, officers must continuously adapt and identify alternative options for managing encounters.
The role of self-investment: Borden advocates for officers to invest in their personal development, turning each day into a training opportunity. By cultivating a knowledge base and converting it into wisdom through practical application, officers can enhance their survivability and effectiveness in the field.
Questions for discussion
- How can law enforcement agencies better align fitness standards with the realities officers face on the streets, considering the unpredictability of encounters with potentially hostile individuals?
- What measures can departments implement to encourage officers to engage in ongoing self-investment and conditioning to enhance their readiness and resilience?
- In what ways can the training curriculum be adapted to address the complexities of real-world encounters, ensuring officers are adequately prepared for the challenges they may encounter?
The entire series is available for viewing below.
