If you want something . . . and I mean really (really) want it, do you wait for someone else to get it for you? If you need something . . . and I mean really (really) need it, do you wait for someone else to get it for you? What if there is something that really needs to be done . . . would you patiently wait for someone else to do it? If you wait for others to do for you, then you can stop reading now, but I hope your answers were no.

 

The question is, why do we as law enforcement officers expect our agencies to do everything for us? Over my career I've witnessed a troubling trend among officers. Men and women who are otherwise independent and self-reliant seemingly unable or unwilling to do things for themselves. They become dependent upon their departments for everything. They place their well-being, the livelihood of their families and even their very lives in the hands of their departments. Why?

What do we need? Our departments to equip us with the best and most up to date equipment and related training that the budget allows. Honestly if you look at it, most departments try to do this, it's in their best interest. Why don't they do more?

The reason most departments don't do more training is because they can't. For logistical, manpower or budgetary reasons, it is simply not possible. Budget dollars have to go a long way, consideration in frequency to criticality come into play. Some of the things that are most critical are also the least frequent. How they can accommodate both is a battle conscientious leader's deal with every day. Should some departments do more than they do at present? Absolutely, they should. However, departmental responsibility is a separate issue - who is more responsible for your health and welfare than you?

 

As a trainer, I have heard officers comment on what the department should do. I have also heard several excuses of why they don't "just do it" themselves. You have to realize that you're the one on the line doing the dangerous work, approaching dangerous or unknown circumstances and that ultimately, your safety and well-being is your responsibility.

 

You can't train yourself on everything you need, however you can always train yourself on the basics: approach, body positioning, stance, basic empty hand skills and handcuffing procedures, and weapon handling skills. The skills you need to maintain control over your situation. The basic skills that are taken for granted and lead to a simple situation escalating unnecessarily. Master the basics, the basic will never let you down and are the foundation for all other training.

 

The US Deputy Sheriff's Association provides you training at no charge. We focus on making basic fundamentals your foundation for training and career success. You want more training? Agencies are more willing to train at a higher level those who have gone the extra mile on their own. That, my friends, is a voice of experience.

 

Everyday your adversary is training and preparing so that when he meets you, he will defeat you. Train like your life depends on it.