The purpose of this multi‐methods study was to explore police use‐of‐force (UoF) instructors' (n = 317) perceptions about cognitive readiness in the context of violent police–public encounters, to examine how experience influences those perceptions, and to identify competencies of cognitive readiness deemed essential for preparation and response to violent encounters. The results of the study suggest that UoF instructors generally feel that police officers are not adequately prepared for violent police–public encounters. Interviews were conducted with 15 UoF training experts who cited deficiencies in the range of tactics taught that prevent adequate training transfer and performance. Of the a priori cognitive‐readiness competencies assessed, the study revealed situational awareness, problem solving, adaptability, decision making, confidence, and critical thinking as the highest converging competencies. As such, these competencies were identified as essential for preparation for and response to violent encounters.
Results from a number of studies indicate that a multitude of factors influence human dynamics and outcomes associated with the application of force by police. Little research has been done to understand the cognitive processing associated with rapid assessment and response to such encounters. In order to enhance the body of knowledge, this exploratory study employed cognitive task analysis (CTA) methods to examine the concept of cognitive readiness in the context of violent police–citizen encounters. According to the results of this study, it is suggested that cognitive readiness in the context of critical encounters must be supported by skill training in the areas of domain and prerequisite knowledge, pattern recognition, and situational awareness.
We described the performance of an integrated LEO-EMS Rescue Task Force response to a simulated active shooter event in a large city. In general, clinical care was appropriate while operational targets can be improved. Objective measurement of response goals may be used for benchmarking and performance improvement for active threat events.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.