From the abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of situational awareness (SA) training in a shooting simulator. Forty 1st-year students from the Norwegian Police University College participated in this study. They were divided into 2 groups and
matched with respect to sex and previous weapon experience. The SA trained group
received scenario based training with freeze technique and reflection based on the
SA stages, whereas the control group received skill training. During the test phase
SA was measured both subjectively and objectively and performance was measured
by the number of shots fired and number of hits. The results showed that both subjective and observer ratings reported the SA-trained group to have higher SA. This was
also true for performance, and the SA-trained group showed less mental workload
measured as suppression of heart rate variability during the execution of the mission.
These results indicate that brief SA-specific training in a shoot–not shoot simulator
can improve police cadets’ SA in critical situations.
On the nature and importance of SA:
SA refers to cognitive processes involved in perceiving and comprehending the meaning of a given environment. SA, in turn, enhances the capacity to make timely and
effective decisions. A core element in these decisions is ability to project likely
events in the near future. Thus, SA is a conscious dynamic reflection of the situation, and its reflects the past, present, and future. Endsley (1988) proposed a three-stage model for SA, with each stage being a necessary (but not sufficient) precursor to the next level. The first level involves the fundamental perception of the elements of a particular environment. Further the officer has to understand the meaning of the percepted elements. This comprehension involves the second stage in the model, and the last stage represents the projection of future events. During a mission it is important for the police officer to be aware of the surroundings, like numbers of civilians and if there are any casualties. Based on this information the police officer might expect further events, such as a perpetrator with a weapon. This again will have implications for the officer’s decision making.
So then I went looking to see how the RCMP might train for SA and was surprised to find the RCMP Incident Management/Intervention and Verbal Intervention models and documentation . It appears that the RCMP model contains a significant amount of situational awareness measures, especially in the first stage of the Incident Management model “Information Gathering” - not as entirely threat based as recent actions might suggest. (I believe is fair to assume that these models govern RCMP incident training; if anyone has info/reasons otherwise, I'd like to hear it.):
* location - isolated, populated, kids in vicinity, etc.
* injuries
* manner of arrival (foot, cruiser)
* size physical capabilities of those involved
* number of persons involved
* whether drugs or alcohol are involved
* whether suspect is armed
* diversity issues
* the emotional state of individuals involved
* related previous record
* availability of backup
* partners available to assist (e.g. ambulance, counsellors, translators, fire department, Hydro, gas)
* number of officers at the scene
* potential impact of your presence
* potential impact of how you are dressed
* potential impact of equipment worn
And Basic Communication Skills in the Verbal Intervention section (hmmm...the RCMP apparently DO know languages other than Taser™):
* Create a positive atmosphere, when possible
* Let clients get to know you
* State who you are and why you are there
* Speak clearly, using vocabulary the client will understand
* Ask for an interpreter, as required
* Advise that you are there to help
* If required, set limits that are clear, reasonable and enforceable
* Help clients dismiss unfounded worries so that you can address the problem
* Smile or use humor appropriately
* Allow clients to vent
* Do not argue or place blame
* Do not accuse, use sarcasm or threaten
* Do not give false reassurance
* Ask open-ended positive questions, that people are not afraid to answer
* Clarify where necessary
* Probe to ensure full understanding of the situation. Attempt to get at the reasons for acting out
* Paraphrase to ensure your understanding of the client's perspective. Do not interpret or explain what the client feels, said or did
* Openly acknowledge differences of opinion
* Focus on common ground. Do not get bogged down in differences
* Do not judge
* Do not send conflicting messages
* Have the clients help generate strategies to address the problem
* Ask for more than one solution
* Focus on solutions, not personalities
* Do not pressure clients into quick decisions
* Ensure that the pros and cons of options are explored
* Summarize to ensure an understanding of your agreement
There appears to be enough procedural room here for officers to attempt to resolve a situation, with an unarmed man, without resorting to violence - especially when looking at the colour coded response list (note where conducted energy weapons are situated!):
Officer Presence (white)
Your presence at a situation may itself impact on how it unfolds e.g. your presence may cause the suspects to cease the activity, e.g. stop making noise. Your presence may provoke a situation, e.g.'s drunken behavior at a party may turn violent or when you attempt to check a vehicle it could result in the driver panicking and trying to flee.
Verbal Intervention (blue)
- crisis intervention techniques
- verbal and non-verbal communication
- anger management
- conflict resolution
Empty Hand Control - Soft (yellow)
- soft physical restraint methods
- restraining techniques
- joint locks
- pain compliance
- distractions, stuns, creating imbalance
- hand cuffing
Intermediate Devices (fushia)
- O.C. Spray (oleoresin capsicum)
- CS gas
- Conducted Energy Weapon (Taser)
- Water Projection System
Empty hand control - hard (orange)
- blocks
- strikes
- carotid control
NOTE:
Policy states that this carotid control will only be used when the life of a member or other person is at stake (Ops. Manual Chapter III.2.I.4.a).
Impact Weapons (purple)
- use of police extendable baton
- extended impact weapon (Sock Round)
Lethal Force (red)
- use of force which could result in the death of a person
- firearms
- police motor vehicle
So why is Mr. Dziekanki dead?
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