“Nine-tenths of tactics are certain and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool, and that is the test of generals. It can only be ensured by instinct, sharpened by thought practicing the stroke so often that at the crisis it is as natural as a reflex.” ~T.E Lawrence

It Never Happens Here

In addition to responding to reports of crimes and patrolling or investigating to try to detect and prevent crimes in progress, police officers frequently are called upon to respond to situations involving suicidal or otherwise disturbed persons. Being suicidal is a mental health problem and social issue, and not itself a crime. At the same time, suicidal or otherwise disturbed persons frequently do engage in conduct which constitutes a crime.

“Instead of pursuing glory, pursue excellence.” ~J. Scott Shipman

“The pursuit of data, in almost any field has come to resemble a form of substance abuse.” ~Gary Klein, author “Street Lights and Shadows: Searching for the Keys to Adaptive Decision Making”

With cops being killed in the line of duty at a 60 percent higher rate than two years ago, and nine cops (as of this writing) already tragically lost in 2012, this ability to adapt and shift tactics in my view is a big missing factor in our training and in our thinking in the law enforcement profession. This “ace in the hole” concept conjures up thoughts of being agile, flexible and being prepared for the worst. In other words being adaptable, being prepared to adjust our responses to meet the changing conditions we encounter on the street.

By Major Joseph H. Albrecht, United States Army,School of Advanced Military Studies(SAMS) 

You got to be able to think on your feet. You got to be flexible. I can’t stress that enough. That has been our success . ~2nd Lt., Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2004

By Fred Leland and John Demand

Vision

To better develop a Police Department’s organizational culture we must recognize that it be a learning organization that is dedicated to innovation. This is typified by an environment within which every single person in the organization is invested in the organization’s success and feels a responsibility to implement new and better ways to achieve organizational objectives.

“Training is for the known, education is for the unknowns.” ~Marcus Mainz, Major USMC