Tag: Officer Psychology: Page 3

Patrol

Weighing Risks

The problem we have as humans is we aren't real good at evaluating risk, and if we don't evaluate it properly we can't compensate for it.

April 9, 2012

Patrol

You Are Not a Psychologist

Hard-earned insight into the vagaries of the human mind can only take the average officer so far. As the psychological impairments of those he or she comes into contact with become more acute, it's less likely that an officer will be successful dealing with them.

March 18, 2012

Patrol

I Feel the Need...the Need for...an ER

A person has to know their limitations. No less than Dirty Harry has expressed his opinion on the matter, and I like to think most cops adhere to the philosophy.

February 22, 2012

Careers

One Book You'll Want To Read

My editor asked me the other day what single book I would recommend to any young officer coming on the job. It was a simple answer; it doesn't matter whether you're a student, rookie, veteran officer, instructor or chief. You should read, "A Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi.

January 9, 2012

Patrol

Your Just Deserts

As a student of human performance I am always amazed at the way we pay lip service to the winning mindset. It seems we think that if we just say this or that to ourselves, or visualize ourselves doing this or that, we will become winners. Simple, right? Wrong.

December 5, 2011

Training

Practical Tactical Thinking

As you gain more experience, you'll gain a patrol sixth sense that's not available on the internet with shipping and handling added. It's something that develops, and those who have it never quit developing it.

November 8, 2011

Patrol

How You Can Become a Better Cop Right Now

POLICE

At least once during their careers-and hopefully throughout it-most police officers will ask themselves, "How can I be a better cop?" In striving for personal improvement, some may draw upon a mental image of what an ideal cop should be, something that transcends the professional terseness of Joe Friday ("Just the facts, ma'am."), or the Socratic questioning of Harry Callahan ("Do you feel lucky, punk?").

October 31, 2011

Patrol

Handling Threats: "I'm Going to Kill You!"

Most threats against police officers are verbal threats used to control, harass, and intimidate the officer. But situations involving threats at the next level—where violence is a grave possibility—are different.

October 9, 2011

Patrol

Can You Show Feelings and Stay Strong?

I have always been touched by certain images, sounds, and words, and the older I get the more things trigger my emotional reflexes. At the same time I find I am less and less embarrassed by my tears. Now I know the tears are not from weakness but from respect, from the heart.

July 20, 2011

Careers

Facing the Realities of Life

The cruelty of man toward his fellow man never ceases to amaze me. How and what some do to others is sad, senseless, and boggles my mind at times. You've got to deal with it and drive on with a grip on reality.

July 10, 2011

Women in Law Enforcement

Entering a Male-Dominated Profession

As long as your agency isn't Neanderthal-dominated, you should be successful. Your best chance at being accepted and successful is to be absolutely competent.

June 1, 2011

Training

Setting Goals: Aim High

A trusted firearms instructor recently expressed frustration with the recruits at his academy. Because some aren't natural shooters, he must constantly remind them that every shot is aimed. Projectiles don't miraculously appear on the target. The fundamentals are the same for each shot: you aim each one.

May 15, 2011