12 Deadly Errors Police Officers Make and How To Avoid Them

I've attended more police funerals than I care to discuss. Frankly, one was too many.

Seeing a widow sobbing as she is being handed an American flag, neatly folded into a triangle, with her children by her side, is quite possibly one of the most heart-wrenching things one can witness.

Each time I found myself wondering how, if possible, the officer's death could have been prevented.

Pierce R. Brooks's book "Officer Down, Code Three" outlines ten critical errors that can jeopardize the safety and effectiveness of law enforcement officers. When I was fresh out of the academy, my FTO told me about these and I alway kept them on a card in my patrol bag. I would look at them often to remind myself to never get complacent...especially number six.

Lt. Dan Carcou, an internationally-recognized police trainer, recently added two more deadly errors to Brooks's original list of ten. I've included them below as points 11 and 12 as I feel they are critical and relevant.

1. Attitude: A law enforcement officer's attitude sets the tone for interactions and decisions in the field. Brooks emphasizes maintaining a professional and proactive demeanor. A negative attitude can breed complacency or hostility, impairing an officer's ability to engage effectively with the community and respond to incidents impartially. Conversely, an overly casual attitude can lead to underestimating risks or failing to take necessary precautions. Officers must cultivate resilience, respect, and adaptability, approaching each situation with the necessary seriousness and professionalism.

2. Tombstone Courage: Reckless bravery, often glamorized but perilous in reality, refers to actions that disregard safety protocols and strategic decision-making. Brooks warns against impulsive behaviors driven by bravado rather than calculated risk assessment. In high-stress situations, adrenaline can cloud judgment, prompting officers to take unnecessary risks that endanger themselves and others. Training emphasizes courage tempered by prudence, where officers prioritize safety while striving to resolve incidents peacefully and professionally.

3. Not Enough Rest: Fatigue diminishes cognitive function, reaction times, and decision-making abilities, posing a significant threat in law enforcement. Brooks underscores the critical need for officers to prioritize adequate rest and breaks during shifts. Long hours, irregular schedules, and the demanding nature of police work can lead to chronic fatigue, increasing the likelihood of errors and compromising overall performance. Recognizing signs of fatigue and implementing effective shift management practices are essential to ensuring officers remain alert, focused, and capable of responding effectively to dynamic situations.

4. Taking a Bad Position: Tactical positioning is fundamental to officer safety and operational success. Brooks emphasizes the importance of strategic placement to maintain control and minimize exposure to threats. Poor positioning can escalate tensions or compromise cover, leaving officers vulnerable to ambush or assault. Training in tactical awareness and situational assessment empowers officers to make informed decisions based on environmental factors, suspect behavior, and available resources. By prioritizing strategic placement and maintaining situational awareness, officers enhance their ability to de-escalate conflicts and ensure a safer outcome.

5. Missing Danger Signs: Effective policing hinges on recognizing and responding to warning signs promptly. Brooks stresses keen observation and proactive assessment of potential threats. Failure to identify danger signs, such as verbal cues, body language, or environmental indicators, can delay response times or underestimate the severity of a situation. Training in threat assessment and situational awareness equips officers with skills to detect early indicators of risk, enabling them to take preemptive measures to defuse conflicts or mitigate threats before escalation.

6. Failure to Watch Suspect's Hands: Monitoring a suspect's hands is crucial as they often reveal intentions and potential threats. Brooks emphasizes continuous vigilance during interactions. Sudden movements toward concealed areas or attempts to access weapons can escalate situations rapidly, leaving little time for officers to react. By closely observing a suspect's hands and assessing for signs of aggression or concealed items, officers anticipate threats and take decisive action to maintain control and safety.

7. Relaxing Too Soon: Prematurely letting down one's guard after an initial assessment can lead to complacency and missed threats. Brooks highlights the risk of assuming control before all threats are neutralized. Maintaining heightened awareness until an incident is fully resolved prevents complications or secondary threats from emerging. Effective training stresses proactive readiness and preparedness to respond to evolving circumstances until a scene is secure and all necessary follow-up actions are complete.

8. Improper Use or No Use of Handcuffs: Proper application of handcuffs is crucial for safety and suspect control. Brooks emphasizes adherence to departmental protocols for safe and secure restraint. Failing to apply handcuffs or using them incorrectly compromises an officer's ability to manage suspects effectively, increasing the risk of escape, assault, or resistance escalation. Training in handcuffing techniques and situational restraint use ensures officers can manage suspects safely while minimizing risks.

9. Failure to Search or Conducting a Poor Search: Thorough and systematic searching is essential for uncovering weapons, contraband, or other threats. Brooks emphasizes comprehensive searches of suspects, vehicles, and environments to ensure safety and prevent dangerous items from entering controlled areas. Neglecting or rushing searches leaves officers vulnerable to unexpected dangers or missed evidence crucial to investigations. Training in search techniques and attention to detail equips officers with skills to conduct thorough examinations, preserving scene integrity and maintaining safety.

10. Having a Dirty or Inoperable Weapon: Firearms are primary tools for self-defense and public safety. Brooks underscores regular maintenance and inspection to ensure clean, functional readiness for emergencies. Dirty or malfunctioning firearms compromise officer safety during critical incidents. Routine care and proficiency training ensure officers can rely on firearms to perform effectively and safely.

11. Failure to Wear a Seatbelt: Seatbelt use is critical for officer safety during vehicle operations. Neglecting seatbelt use increases vulnerability to serious injury or ejection during accidents.

12. Failure to Maintain Physical and Mental Health: Physical and mental wellness is essential for officer performance and resilience. Poor physical health diminishes endurance and response capabilities, while mental health issues affect judgment and decision-making. Training in wellness strategies and access to resources promote officer well-being, enhancing readiness and effectiveness in law enforcement roles.

I started 221B Tactical with one mission: Increase officer safety. Ten years later, it's still my primary mission.

Remember, nothing is more important than your health and safety.

Respectfully,

Suresh