Staying Alive!

Author: Edward J. Tully, July 1995

Unfortunately,the threat of assault and death constantly plagues the law enforcement officer. The primary dangers are from actions of criminals, persons who are mentally deranged, or individuals under the influence of drugs.

Traffic accidents and occasionally high speed chases are the second area of concern. The third threat is from assaults on station houses by individuals who are insane, revenge-oriented, or politically motivated.

Seventy officers were killed feloniously and 59 were killed in accidents in 1993 according to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports(UCR). In 1994, 74 officers were murdered and 50 officers died in automobile accidents. If it was not for protective vests, air bags, and improved emergency medical treatment the death toll cited above would be considerably greater.

The number of officers killed on the job in the last 10 years has been relatively constant. However, we have reason to suspect the death and assault figures will begin to increase. This is because greater numbers of youth have access to automatic weapons, illicit drug enterprises flourish throughout the country, and treatment is given to insane individuals on an outpatient basis.

Equally alarming, however, is the number of officers assaulted on the job. In 1992, 81,252 officers were reported to UCR as having been assaulted. The number of officers assaulted dropped to 66,975 in 1993. Roughly one-third of the assaulted officers sustained some injury.

In the United States there is a growing disrespect for law enforcement officers -- including other officers of the court. This is a disturbing and growing threat to our national well being. The time is long past to call for an increase in the criminal penalties for those who resist arrest or bring harm to the people responsible for the administration of justice.

The purpose of the statistics is not to cause alarm or paranoia about the dangers on the street. Rather, the figures -- and the multitude of stories behind them -- remind us of the inherent dangers of policing in a free society. We must be ever watchful of our own safety.

A review of the publication "Killed in the Line of Duty," written by the staff of the UCR, reveals fascinating information about violent assaults against police officers. This publication may be useful in forming your attitude toward your own safety (you can get a copy by writing to the FBI).

For example, the study shows that those law enforcement officers killed from 1975-1985 had an average of nine years experience on the force. Recent data suggests this average amount of experience has remained the same in the intervening years. While it is not possible to draw definite conclusions from this report, it does give law enforcement officers some indication that officer complacency may be a contributing factor.

Deadly confrontations happen with blazing speed and often without apparent warning. This is a pretty good indicator that you must always be on guard. The most dangerous area in the United States for officers continues to be in the southern states. Sunset is the most dangerous time of day. Seventy percent of the officers killed were not wearing body armor. Of the 762 law enforcement officers killed between 1981-1990, 14 percent -- or 110 -- were killed with their own weapons. In the UCR study of 51 officer deaths, almost 85 percent of them did not fire their service revolver during the altercation. In addition, more than 75 percent of the subjects had used drugs or alcohol prior to the killing.

Finally, evidence in the "Killed in the Line of Duty" study suggests that officers who were good-natured, well liked in the community, and conservative in their use of force were more likely to become victims. It is premature to conclude that the friendly attitudes of the officers were wrong, unless, of course, their amicability led to complacency about job dangers and a hesitancy to use a firearm.

The purpose of this article is to provide you with some information that may enable you to cut the risks involved in being a police officer. The point I will try to make is that the grim statistics cited above is not an abstraction. They are reality. In the near future, you could become a statistic. My motive is to get you to think about yourself so that you can reduce the odds of this happening. I am hopeful you will not think this is a "holier than thou" article. There is not a mistake mentioned that I have not made myself.

In gathering information for this article, I visited with the staff of the Practical Applications Unit, Hogan's Alley, at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Hogan's Alley is the mock city where the FBI trains its agents and many of the nation's police officers in tactics and arrest procedures. They use simulations that are as close to real life as possible. Thousands of local tactical police officers have been trained here in the past several years.

The Practical Applications Unit staff has gained a great deal of knowledge about difficult law enforcement situations by running these practical problems, teaching proper arrest procedures, and listening to the stories of the officers who attend. Their dedication in teaching law enforcement officers is most commendable and, where possible, I have incorporated their sage advice into the suggestions for your consideration. I am particularly indebted to Phil Hayden and Larry Smith for sharing their wisdom with me.

Your Worst Enemy

Yes, just as you may have guessed, your worst enemy is YOU. Right now you are sitting there reading this article thinking that you know how to draw and shoot your weapon fairly well. You are confident of your physical strength, you know that you can handle almost any situation, you know how to use the baton as well as the cuffs. You can even still perform the various arrest and restraining techniques you were taught at recruit school years ago. Moreover, you are a great defensive driver. Ha!

It is more likely that you have not fired your weapon more than 50 times in the last year. You are not in the best of shape. You have not practiced defensive tactics in years. When was the last time that you and your partner discussed the roles you will play in the difficult situations you may encounter? What are you going to do if you do not have a partner and a difficult situation arises? What is your mental understanding of when you are going to use deadly force? Is your understanding consistent with department policy, consistent with protecting yourself and your partner, or is it something you really do not want to think about because you are unsure of what you would do? Remember, 85 percent of the officers killed by handguns in the past 15 years did not use their handgun in the encounter. And, more than 14 percent of the officers killed in the line of duty were killed by their own weapon.

The truth is that the mental image you have of yourself as a police officer may have been overly influenced by the movies and the cop shows on television. You may have become complacent. Somehow you may have deluded yourself -- through the usual boredom of the job and the over-identification with the cops on television -- that you can handle any situation. How can this be if you cannot shoot accurately, are not in shape, and cannot put on a come along hold?

Even still, you only have a fuzzy idea as to what you are going to do in a tight situation. Most likely you are going to react in a tight situation just as you were trained. But, when was the last time you had any skills training? Skills fade more quickly than knowledge. You need to keep the skills sharp to shoot a weapon, cuff an individual, or defend yourself physically. This can only be done by regular practice -- wishing is not going to make it so!

Most of us have a litany of excuses about why we do not practice. Usually, it is because the department does not furnish us with either ammunition or time. While such departments deserve censure, it still does not follow that we should allow ourselves to become the victims of misguided management. We can buy ammo, we can buy our own protective vests, we can buy our own work-out equipment and, if necessary, we can practice arrest techniques on a pesky neighbor!

To do this we must first recognize our own shortcomings. Are you really as good as you think you are? To reach this conclusion does not require you to relinquish your "manhood," your John Wayne image, or to diminish your own self-esteem. It is merely a recognition that you have not received regular training and, most likely, have not maintained your skill level. If, as you read this article, you begin to recognize that you do have some shortcomings needing attention, then part of the problem has been solved. However, recognizing your own faults is the easy part of the problem. It is more difficult to figure out what can you do to correct, or upgrade, your own deficiencies. This is going to require a change in attitude on your part.

Attitude

In a way we have developed a bad attitude about our job. This is unfortunate, because attitudes are difficult to change. Attitudes are the feelings we have about persons, things, or situations. Once formed they are difficult to change unless our views are overwhelmed by new knowledge. We have attitudes toward people, our family, the way we drive, our health, our leisure time, our religion, our employer and the public. Some are good and some are negative. We all try to have good attitudes. We are human, however, and it is our nature not to be perfect.

We all have tried to change our habits at one time or another. It may have been in trying to stop smoking, losing weight, or cutting down on the amount of time we spend in front of the tube. In each case, it has probably been difficult for us to achieve our objectives. Changing our habits or attitudes requires us to change the way we think. It requires self discipline and it requires us to do something that is different from our previous way of life. However, if an individual persists, he or she will form a new attitude. And -- like all the other attitudes we have -- they will become deeply ingrained as a guide in our thought patterns.

One powerful reason to change our attitudes is to avoid needless injury or death on the job. Our skills and job knowledge will increase as our attitudes change, thus, making us better police officers. Holding a reputation within the department as a good cop is a powerful motivator. Being good at what you do enhances self-confidence. More self-confidence leads to better performance on the job and this leads to greater personal safety.

So what attitude should you have toward your safety on the job? First, we all recognize that some employers do not provide sufficient attention to the need for excellent equipment, time off for training, money for ammunition, or other supplies to maintain skill levels. Some agencies cannot afford it, some organizations are ignorant to the need for such expenditures and, perhaps, some just do not care!

Surely, we have all said something like, "If the organization does not care why should we?" Why should we spend our own time and money improving our skills for the benefit of the department? The easy answer is to try to get along on the skills we do have. Does this not imperil our own self interest, though? I think it does. It is like cutting your nose off to spite your face.

A better way to frame the answer is to consider what is in our own and our family's best interest. From a family perspective, the best option is our being healthy, strong, proficient in self defense skills, in the use of weapons and in tactics. Being equipped with the best grade of protective gear is also helpful. My guess is that it would cost about $200 per year, over a period of years, to properly equip and train ourselves to higher levels. Actually, it is rather cheap insurance. Once we take responsibility for our own welfare then what the department does -- or does not do -- becomes irrelevant!

If you decide to take responsibility for your own development the remainder of the program is left to your individual discretion and individual goals. You know your present situation better than anyone. I would suggest you begin with a set of several modest goals. If you do not jog, set a goal of jogging one mile three times a week. Do not overdo it. Your goal is to work up to two miles and then run against the clock to measure improved performance. Find a way to increase your upper body strength over the next year by a least 50 percent. Working with weights at home or joining a health club will enable you to meet this objective. As your conditioning improves you may want to consult a local expert in furtherance of your development.

If you do not have regular firearms training join a local gun club or, at least, buy some extra ammunition and practice with someone who knows weapons. Try to improve your accuracy and speed in drawing the weapon. Always save a few rounds to expend at targets after you have strenuously exerted yourself. Shoot at night. You will find that it is vastly different from daylight target practice.

It may be a good idea to put the protective vest on your Christmas list. You may also suggest that, as a community project, the local Rotary Club or Lions Club consider equipping the department with vests.

Once you have set your mind to making progress there are many good ideas for achieving your goals and the department's goals over the next several years. It is unrealistic to think you are going to accomplish your goals overnight. Progress will never be a fast as you wish.

Eventually, however, you will be quite pleased with the results, especially because you took your life into your own hands! You will also find that your bad attitude is gone!

Non Verbal Communication

More than half the communication between individuals is non verbal. A tone of voice, a look, a shrug, the shape of our mouth, or the tilt of our head can be enough to send a powerful message. Many of our non verbal messages are received by others and interpreted fairly well. Stop and think about how much non verbal communication goes on between you and your wife, your children, or your best friends. It is surprising how much we communicate on a daily basis this way.

One characteristic of non verbal communication is truth. It is very difficult to lie non verbally. We have a certain control over our words and can easily lie or mask our true feelings. This is not so with our non verbals. We have no control over the size of the pupils in our eyes and, unless we are skilled actors or actresses, we have little control over our gestures, hands, or facial expressions. A blush is never deceitful. Our looks tend to give our true feelings away to the skilled observer!

Thus, when you confront an angry man or woman whose verbal communication is angry and hostile but their non verbal communication -- through posture, stance, and position of hands -- suggests no readiness for combat, then you may surmise that they are not looking for a physical confrontation. On the other hand, should you confront an individual whose verbal communication is not threatening, but their non verbal communication -- through a combat stance, clenched fists, and narrowed eyes -- indicates a high state of readiness, then it would be wise to prepare yourself for a physical confrontation.

When approaching any subject, your primary gaze should be directed toward the hands. What are their hands saying? What is suggested by the subject's overall posture? What about the eyes and mouth? These non verbal gestures give you a clue, a hunch, or an insight as to the subject's intent. It is quite possible that these clues will give you a split second warning to prepare yourself. Bear in mind that subjects are looking at you for the same clues--looking for a possible edge, a sign that you have let your guard down. The subject will spot any weaknesses through your non verbal clues. If the subject is disposed to violence and believes he or she has the strategic advantage, then you can believe they will attack quicker than you will be able to react.

If you have been an athlete you know how much the interpretation of non verbal communication means during competition. You are taught to watch the hands, the knees, and the eyes for clues about what the other player is going to do. The same lessons apply to law enforcement officers. There are many books on non verbal communication. I suggest you buy one or two of them for additional study. You will find that the interpretation of non verbal gestures is an art as opposed to a science. But, through observation and practice you can become reasonably adept at reading people and the various non verbal signals they are sending. If you conduct interviews during the course of your work, the mastery of non verbal communication will greatly improve your interviewing skills. Both on the street and in the interviewing room, non verbal communication interpretation skills are an important edge that you need to develop!

Your Image

Have you ever stopped to think about what the people you confront on a daily basis think of you? Their opinion is going to be formed by your appearance, your non verbal gestures, your language, tone of voice, and the level of respect you show to them. Their reaction to you, based on their beliefs and interpretation, will be, at least in their mind, appropriate. The subject's reaction may vary from anger, contempt, capitulation, obedience, or friendliness. It depends on the situation, the time of day and, of course, the reason for the confrontation. But the point is that most people are going to react to you! Therefore, it may be prudent to examine your image to lessen the number of times you are greeted with hostility.

This does not mean you have to abandon your macho image. Just that you might not wish to carry this message right on your sleeve. I always thought President Roosevelt was correct when he proclaimed, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Generally speaking, the use of soft language will get you out of more trouble than the stick! Overall, your image should be one that portrays strength, authority, readiness, and command of the situation. Again, this image does not have to be achieved by a harsh tone of voice, a demeaning attitude, or obvious contempt for the people involved in the situation.

One weakness I had in my early career was the absolute conviction that I was doing God's work. Anyone who gave me grief was obviously evil and deserved to be treated like dirt! I suspect most law enforcement officers have felt the same way at sometime during their careers as well. The problem with this attitude is that it is overly cynical and in the long term more corrosive than it is beneficial to our safety.

We have to learn not to take negative comments personally. We need to develop thicker skins and a better sense of humor. If we let their comments get to us it will lead to a division -- "Them and Us." The problem with this type of attitude is that about 98 percent of the people in the community are good people. They support law enforcement, respect police officers, and are usually cooperative. These people deserve appropriate respect in our dealings with them. The other two percent of the community -- who give us about 98 percent of the grief -- should receive professional treatment. Not so much because they deserve it, but because it is in our strategic and personal interest to act professionally. I finally came to learn that respect, compassion, and kindness to all people, no matter their station in life, was always the best first approach in dealing with them.

Do not consider the "soft" approach or professional and polite behavior as a weakness. These qualities can form the basis of a strategy to enhance your safety. You want your image to be disarming, non threatening and professional. You can diffuse any dangerous situation with this type of initial approach. This is not to say that you should ever allow your image to force your guard down. You should always be ready to escalate the force continuum in a split second should the situation demand action.

There are many different ways to control the various situations in which you will find yourself. You may diffuse situations using a soft, understanding approach. Other situations will require a more forceful solution. These are on-the-spot judgments. You should be prepared to handle each situation accordingly.

Safety and Survival Suggestions

In situations that you feel there is potential for danger, call for a backup. Wait until the backup arrives before taking action. Waiting for assistance should not be viewed as being timid or fearful by anyone in the department -- it is just plain common sense.

Always have a plan of action in your mind should the situation deteriorate. Make it difficult for the subject to hurt you. Use common sense and follow your instincts. If you ever feel you are in over your head, get out of the situation! Take cover before you take action.

Most parts of the automobile offer little protection against high velocity bullets. Use the engine block of your vehicle for cover should a situation arise. Virginia troopers are now canting their cars to the left when they pull up behind a stopped vehicle. This places the engine block partially between the stopped vehicle and the cruiser.

Some departments are experimenting with an approach on the passenger's side of a stopped vehicle rather than the driver's side. This approach has some advantage in that the officer has a clearer and more extended view of the vehicle's driver. It also takes the officer out of the stream of approaching traffic. You may wish to discuss this approach with experienced officers to decide if it has sufficient merit for experimentation in your department.

Do not be afraid to point your weapon at things that make you nervous. Most of us were trained not to unholster a weapon unless we were ready to use it. Well, since most problems occur in a split second, the time lost in getting the weapon out of the holster can be fatal. Of course, you must know how to handle your weapon to avoid an accidental discharge. In your hand and in a safe condition the weapon is ready to use instantly.

Never make the assumption that the subject, or companions of the subject, are harmless. On your initial approach speak in a normal tone of voice and be polite to the subject. This approach gives you time to assess the situation. Always be in control, or command, of the scene. Never, in any situation, let your guard down or relax in your observation of the surroundings.

Do not make idle threats. Always be direct and state who you are, why you are there, and what you want them to do. Give commands that are sensible, easy to understand, and easy to obey!

Never abandon department arrest procedures no matter how friendly, cooperative, or unthreatening the subject has been. Watch and control the hands of the subject. Are they clenched or in other ways suggesting combat? Is the subject watching you like a hawk? I wonder why.

Always conduct a proper and complete search of the subject for weapons. Be on the alert for needles in the pockets. Handcuff all prisoners behind the back, palms facing outward. There should never be an exception to this rule. Always be prepared to use an appropriate level of force to control the situation.

Make a habit of reviewing various contingencies, "what-if situations" and alternative strategies. This will allow you to have some flexibility in your problem solving. For example, you know responding to domestic disturbance calls are potentially the most dangerous calls you handle. There are many strategies to use in domestic situations as each is different. Usually you encounter one or more extremely angry and/or agitated subjects that attack you with harsh language. We usually take this language as a threat to our authority. All of us have trouble with people who challenge our authority. Do not take the abuse personally. Do not allow your anger to take control of your actions. This may be an appropriate time to lower your voice, analyze the non verbal communications of the subject, ask the subject a few questions, ignore the language and disrespect and, maybe, take a step back to walk around for a minute. Keep in mind that once you place your hands on a subject who is extremely angry and agitated, he or she will fight you! The strategy here is to allow the subject time to cool off so he/she can be dealt with on a rational, non physical basis. The fewer times we have to use force in an arrest situation the lower the risk of injury to ourselves.

If you should have to chase a subject on foot, remember, the strategic advantage shifts from you to the subject if you lose sight of him or her. The subject is now in a position for an ambush. Be extra cautious and careful in situations like this! Unless the subject is extremely dangerous, you may wish to break off your chase and wait for reinforcements -- or perhaps even tomorrow. Either course of action is prudent!

Driving

As stated earlier, in 1993 we lost 59 officers in traffic accidents. In 1994 we lost 50 officers. Each year the damage to automobile equipment is counted in the millions of dollars. The liability lawsuits following accidents with department vehicles pose a significant financial risk to every large and small community. It is one of the most serious financial problems facing law enforcement administrators and the average law enforcement officer.

The question of when to involve yourself in a high speed chase is a difficult one to answer. On one hand, we all have difficulty in accepting the defiance of authority by the driver who refuses our command to pull over. On the other hand, a resultant high speed chase endangers not only you but also members of the public who find themselves in harm's way. There is also that adrenaline rush during a high speed chase because our emotions have been slammed into high gear -- during and at the conclusion of the chase. Our judgment is clouded by this rush and our actions may be uncontrollable.

Considering all of the factors involved in a high speed chase, from the initial cause to the ramifications of non pursuit, one is forced to conclude that high speed pursuits should only be used in extreme situations. Alternative solutions must be found to high speed pursuits as the danger to officers and the public is just too great. Automobiles of the future will most likely be equipped with a microprocessor that will enable law enforcement officers to either stop or slow the vehicle down through a radio transmission. How soon this technology will become standard equipment is anyone's guess. Judging from the response of the automobile industry to law enforcement concerns in the past it could be quite a while. In the meantime, I urge you to be conservative in your judgment whether to engage in pursuit, or the proper time to break off pursuit. Think of yourself and the innocent public first and do not let the thought of someone getting away distort your judgment.

Conclusion

The above suggestions regarding your safety on the job are just that -- suggestions. You may find some of them applicable as well as helpful. Perhaps, you have other ideas that you think are more sound. In either case, the idea of safety on the street is worthy of continuing discussion and debate with your colleagues. There is always room for new ideas, procedures, and techniques in our business.

Remember, your mental attitude toward the job is the most critical element for your safety. Place a high premium on your life. Difficult situations arise when you least expect. You must be prepared to act and react with speed, accuracy, and determination. Developing a professional image, a variety of skills, and a hefty dose of common sense is the best insurance you can buy.

Be careful out there--God be with you!

The National Executive Institute Associates Leadership Bulletin editor is Edward J. Tully. He served with the FBI as a Special Agent from 1962 to 1993. He is presently the Executive Director of the National Executive Institute Associates and the Major City Chiefs. You can reach him via e-mail at tullye@aol.com or by writing to 308 Altoona Drive, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401