The 10 Fatal Errors That Have Killed Law Enforcement Officers

Your Attitude

If you fail to keep your mind on the job while on patrol or you carry more problems into the field, you will start to make errors. It can cost you and other fellow officers their lives.

Tombstone Courage

No one doubts that you are all cop. But in any situation where time allows, wait for back up. There are few instances where, unaided, you should try and make a dangerous apprehension.

Not Enough Rest

When you don’t get enough rest and you become sleepy or asleep on the job, it is not only a violation of regulations, but you endanger yourself, the community and all your fellow officers.

Taking A Bad Position

Never let anyone you are questioning or about to stop get in a better position than you or your vehicle. There is no such thing as a routine call or stop.

Danger Signs

As a law enforcement officer, you will get to recognize “danger signs.” Certain actions and activities are warning signs that should alert you to watch your step and approach with caution. Know your beat, your community and watch for what is “out of place.”

Failure To Watch Hands Of Suspect

Is he/she reaching for a weapon or getting ready to strike you? Where else can a potential killer strike but from his or her hands?

Relaxing Too Soon

Avoid the tendency to assume that it’s just another false alarm. Approach all with the mindset that it is a crime in progress; never sacrificing sound tactic or officer safety. Your life is on the line.

Improper Use Or No Handcuffs

Once you have made an arrest, handcuff the prisoner properly. See that the hands that can kill are safely handcuffed.

No Search Or Poor Search

There are so many places to hide weapons that your failure to search is a crime against fellow officers. Many criminals carry several weapons and are able and prepared to use them against you.

Dirty Or Inoperative Weapon

Is your weapon clean? Will it fire? Is your ammo operative? When did you last train in a manner that will greatly increase your ability to engage a target in combat situations?