In the third 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 emphasizes the necessity of officers investing in their training, beyond the basics taught at the academy, to enhance their decision-making skills, self-defense capabilities and application of force in real-world scenarios. His experience underscores the critical nature of such training in preparing officers for the unpredictable challenges they face in the line of duty.
Key learning points
Continuous learning and self-investment: Law enforcement officers should actively pursue additional training opportunities to stay ahead in their field. Investing in oneself, even if it means personally funding training the department does not support, is crucial for career longevity and personal safety.
Critical evaluation of training: Officers are advised to critically assess the training they receive, looking beyond the face value of the instruction. Understanding the application of taught techniques in real-life scenarios and aligning them with legal and ethical standards is essential.
Turning knowledge into wisdom: The transition from theoretical knowledge to practical wisdom is pivotal in law enforcement. Officers must engage in post-training discussions, explore ‘what if’ scenarios, and learn from both successes and failures to develop a deep understanding and effective application of force.
Questions for discussion
- How can law enforcement agencies create a culture that values and promotes continuous learning and training among officers?
- In what ways can officers ensure the training they receive is relevant, effective, and applicable to the scenarios they face in the field?
- How can law enforcement personnel balance the need for specialized training, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or handling bladed weapons, with the reality that these skills may be seldom used but critically important in certain situations?
The entire series is available for viewing below.
