Class of 15-18 Week #4
Class #4, Officer Survival, Use of Force and Defensive Tactics
Class began on a somber note due to the death of Yarmouth K-9 Officer Sean Gannon, who had been killed in the line of duty earlier in the day. His dog Nero was also severely wounded. Officer Gannon's death was a painful blow to the law enforcement community on Cape Cod, which is a close-knit one.
Sgt. Lawrence showed the class several videos demonstrating how quickly things can go wrong in any confrontation; officers have to be able to make split-second decisions involving the use of force and the amount and type of force to be used. They have to employ all of their knowledge, experience, and skills when deciding whether a situation warrants verbal direction, the use of weaponless techniques, or the use of weapons and restraints. Sgt. Lawrence described the various tools he carries on his belt, including his weapon; handcuffs; pepper spray; radio; and his Taser, "Sparky." The Taser uses 52,000 volts of electricity in 5-second bursts to propel 2 harpoon-shaped darts at the end of 25-foot lines. Two recruits currently in the Police Academy "volunteered" to let Sgt. Lawrence tase them, and they came through the ordeal unscathed.
Next week's class: SWAT and Joint Operations
Class began on a somber note due to the death of Yarmouth K-9 Officer Sean Gannon, who had been killed in the line of duty earlier in the day. His dog Nero was also severely wounded. Officer Gannon's death was a painful blow to the law enforcement community on Cape Cod, which is a close-knit one.
Sgt. Lawrence showed the class several videos demonstrating how quickly things can go wrong in any confrontation; officers have to be able to make split-second decisions involving the use of force and the amount and type of force to be used. They have to employ all of their knowledge, experience, and skills when deciding whether a situation warrants verbal direction, the use of weaponless techniques, or the use of weapons and restraints. Sgt. Lawrence described the various tools he carries on his belt, including his weapon; handcuffs; pepper spray; radio; and his Taser, "Sparky." The Taser uses 52,000 volts of electricity in 5-second bursts to propel 2 harpoon-shaped darts at the end of 25-foot lines. Two recruits currently in the Police Academy "volunteered" to let Sgt. Lawrence tase them, and they came through the ordeal unscathed.
Next week's class: SWAT and Joint Operations
Contributing Editor, Donna Leiss
Photos courtesy of Bob Nichols
|
Sandwich Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (SCPAAA Inc.)
PO Box 753 Sandwich MA 02563 scpaainc@yahoo.com |