In law enforcement, officer safety is of paramount concern, and rightfully so. Officers face a myriad of potential threats each day, ranging from unknown-risk traffic stops to high-stakes confrontations with armed and violent suspects. I do not believe, and I always teach, that there is no such thing as “routine” in traffic stops or any other call faced by law enforcement. These are always “Unknown” risk activities; routine, builds complacency, and since anything can happen on any call, they involve unknown risks and thus require a consistent level of situational awareness.
The issue of officer safety and the practice of sound tactics have again been highlighted recently, with attacks on police officers occurring at alarming rates and being shown on national media. In such unpredictable environments, mastery of tactical basics emerges as a vital strategy for enhancing officer safety and ensuring the ability to navigate hazardous situations effectively regardless of assignment or rank.
At the heart of proficiency and skill lies the ability to continually practice and consistently apply the basics in a way that promotes improvement, increases proficiency, builds skills, and leads to high-reliability performance. These basic principles encompass various skills and techniques, including defensive tactics, firearm proficiency, driving, situational awareness, decision-making, problem-solving, and communication. While advanced technologies and specialized training undoubtedly play a role in modern policing, the mastery of the fundamental skills forms the bedrock of consistent and highly proficient performance. Thus, response to and resolution of calls ranging from unknown risk to known high-risk improves, and officer safety increases.
One primary benefit of mastering the basics of tactics is the empowerment it provides to officers in the field. By honing their skills in various areas, such as tactics and situational awareness, officers gain the confidence to confront threats with decisiveness and resolve. This confidence enhances their safety and enables them to project authority and control in potentially volatile situations, thereby reducing the threat of escalation to some degree.
Again, it is worth repeating; mastering the basics fosters a culture of preparedness within law enforcement agencies. Officers who are, at a minimum, proficient in fundamental tactics are better equipped to anticipate and respond to threats effectively, enabling them to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances with agility and precision. This readiness ensures that officers can protect themselves and safeguard their communities.
Furthermore, mastering tactical basics reinforces the importance of continuous training and skill development within law enforcement agencies. In a profession where complacency can have grave consequences, ongoing training and reinforcement of fundamental skills are essential for ensuring that officers remain prepared to face the challenges of policing in the modern world. Regular training exercises, scenario-based simulations, and debriefings are invaluable tools for reinforcing tactical basics and identifying areas for improvement.
However, mastery of tactical basics is not solely about individual officer safety but also about promoting a culture of teamwork and collaboration within law enforcement agencies. In many situations, officers must work together seamlessly to address complex challenges and threats and problem solve effectively. When each team member has a solid proficiency of the basics, and puts them into action, communication becomes clearer, coordination smoother, and collective responses more cohesive.
Additionally, mastering tactical basics can significantly impact community relations and public trust. When officers demonstrate proficiency in fundamental tactics, they are better equipped to handle interactions with civilians in a professional and respectful manner. This not only enhances the safety of officers and community members but also fosters positive perceptions of law enforcement and strengthens bonds between police and the communities they serve.
Mastery of tactical basics also has other inherent benefits for those looking for expanded opportunities within their respective agencies. Tactical basics serve as a foundation for advanced training and specialization within law enforcement. Officers who have a strong grounding in fundamental skills are better prepared to pursue specialized roles such as SWAT teams, hostage negotiation units, or tactical response teams. By mastering the basics early in their careers, officers can build upon this foundation to excel in more specialized and demanding roles later.
However, it is crucial to recognize that mastering tactical basics is not a one-time accomplishment but an ongoing commitment. As I have heard it said many times, we do not train until we can get it right; we train so that we can’t get it wrong. As tactics evolve and new threats emerge, law enforcement agencies must continually adapt their training programs to ensure officers remain proficient and improve core skills. Mastering the basics does need to be slow or remedial. We should push ourselves to increase intensity and train harder every time. Create challenges, solve problems, and identify weaknesses; it is never tedious or remedial if you train with intensity and purpose. Continuous refresher courses, scenario-based training exercises, and opportunities for skills enhancement are essential components of this ongoing effort.
Over the years, I have seen three types of officers within my former agency and those I have trained. The first type, and my favorite, are the officers who entered this profession to make a difference. It is a calling to them, and they take it seriously. They understand the level of responsibility placed upon them by the community and, more importantly, their brothers and sisters who share the same risks they do. They work hard not only to be proficient in the basics but also to improve continuously. They push themselves hard, and pride themselves on being good at what they do. They are committed to improvement no matter how tedious or daunting the task. They understand that effectively practicing the basics of anything is the foundation of improvement.
Then there are the self-proclaimed “experienced” officers with several years on the job or those who have attained some type of rank who have lost sight of the importance of improvement. Take, for example, the FTO who sleeps while the recruit keeps them safe, the supervisor who points the way and directs, but never from the front. Then, there are the commanding officers who never leave the office, and when they do, they are lost because they never bother to maintain a level of proficiency, let alone improve on it. These folks are just not excited about having to train for various reasons. “I have already done that,” “I have this old football injury,” “It’s too physical,” “It’s not fun,” “I will never use that,” “I do not respond to calls anymore or make arrests,” “that’s why we have young officers,” “That’s why I promoted up, and if you’re depending on me, we are in trouble,” etc. I have heard it all. Training on the basics is “too simple and a waste of time,” or training on more complex topics is “too hard or complicated and takes too much time.” Name your poison; it does not matter because the end result is the same: low proficiency, complacency, and increased risk to themselves and everyone around them.
Finally, there are the young, eager officers who are excited by the prospect of experiencing the thrill of adrenalin-fueled encounters and attaining the badge of honor of being a “High-Speed, Low Drag” ass-kicker. They want to attend only the best and most prestigious training offered by ninjas, Rambo, and Jason Bourne types. They desire to use the newest and most high speed equipment on the market at that time. They will only wear the gear with a high “CDI” (Chicks Dig It) factor and outfit their weapon systems and gear with every gadget ever developed. However, only some can use their iron sights with consistent proficiency or demonstrate consistent, solid proficiency in performing the tactical basics. When their gear fails, so do they, and we all know that if the space shuttle was able to become a pop-bottle rocket, your gear can and will, at some point, fail.
This type of officer, however, is not a complete lost cause. Why? Becasue it’s at that point when failure rears its ugly head that the basics start to look good to that officer. For those who experience and survive this baptism by fire, this is the point where they become true advocates of mastering the basics.
When it comes to law enforcement and tactical training, there has always existed a constant debate between the allure of high-speed, low-drag training techniques and the importance of mastering the basics. While high-speed, low-drag training may promise flashy tactics and quick results, there are compelling reasons to prioritize the mastery of fundamental skills over flashy maneuvers.
One of the essential truths about this debate is that you must view the realities with a critical lens of honesty. Training high-speed, low-drag “CDI” based techniques may be fun and cool, but there will always be better and cooler techniques being offered as the new “best way.” Therefore, establishing any type of consistency in training is not very likely, meaning you become a somewhat trained jack of all trades but a master of none. On the other hand, mastering the basics and pushing harder when we train provides officers with a solid foundation to build more advanced skills. Just as a building requires a sturdy foundation to support its structure, officers need a comprehensive, sturdy foundation of fundamental tactics such as firearm proficiency, defensive tactics, and situational awareness to navigate complex and unpredictable situations effectively. Rushing into advanced training without a solid foundation in the basics can lead to gaps in knowledge, skills, and abilities, which may compromise officer safety and effectiveness in the field.
I would argue that mastering the basics fosters resilience and adaptability in officers. Officers must rely on their training and expertise to navigate challenges effectively in high-stress situations where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death. It is well understood that when faced with high-stress life-and-death situations, we will revert back to our most basic training. This is why mastering the basics is so important. By honing their skills in fundamental tactics, officers develop the muscle memory and mental agility necessary to respond decisively to a wide range of scenarios. This adaptability is essential in dynamic and rapidly evolving situations where no one-size-fits-all solution exists.
It’s important to note that this discussion is not about dismissing the value of advanced training altogether. While high-speed, low-drag training may offer immediate gratification and the allure of flashy tactics, the importance of mastering the basics cannot be overstated. But the truth is, high-speed, low-drag techniques certainly have their place in law enforcement training, particularly for specialized units or scenarios that require highly specialized skills. However, it is essential to strike a balance between advanced techniques and mastering the basics to ensure that all officers are well-rounded and prepared to handle the diverse challenges they may encounter in the field.
Mastering the basics allows officers to better understand the underlying principles behind tactical maneuvers. While high-speed, low-drag training techniques may provide quick fixes or shortcuts, they often lack the depth and nuance required to truly understand the rationale behind certain tactics. By mastering fundamental skills, officers gain a deeper appreciation for the underlying principles of tactics and can adapt them more effectively to various situations.
Mastering the basics promotes a culture of professionalism and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Policing is a profession that demands a high degree of skill, integrity, and discipline. By prioritizing the mastery of fundamental skills, agencies can cultivate a cadre of officers who embody these qualities and uphold the highest standards of conduct and performance. This commitment to excellence not only enhances officer safety but also fosters trust and confidence among the communities served by law enforcement.As the law enforcement landscape continues to evolve, mastering basics will remain a cornerstone of effective policing and a linchpin in ensuring the safety and well-being of officers and the communities they serve. As a result, mastering tactical basics is essential for improving officer safety, enhancing operational effectiveness, and fostering positive relationships with the communities served by law enforcement. By prioritizing the development and reinforcement of fundamental skills, law enforcement agencies can empower officers to navigate hazardous situations with confidence, professionalism, and resilience.
Mastering the Basics: The Key to Improved Officer Safety
