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Police Department Updates
Over the next two weekends, the Palos Park Police Department will be holding police officer drills and training. PPPD will use secluded Village facilities/parking areas for these simulation scenarios. Repetition brings confidence. When confidence is established, officers are more likely to respond the way they are supposed to.
Palos Park Police Commander Chris Hughes said, “Holding drills to train our staff in crisis situations challenges officers to make choices quickly and requires a skilled and trained police engagement.” Commander Hughes noted that police/emergency responses involve the acquisition of effective communication and active listening skills. In addition, role-playing allows officers to experience the demonstration of/practice of using skills and techniques that can be an effective intervention tool.
Simulating a variety of scenarios helps officers bring the temperature down and reduces liability and injury. When an officer applies de-escalation skills, he or she will effectively intervene in a crisis to resolve it. By the same token, officers must be prepared to respond to immediate threats and assess the need for using various levels of force.
Practicing a coordinated response to such a violent situation can prepare officers and allow for peer reviews to assess their response within each step, not trying to find fault with anyone, but finding out if something in the response plan doesn't work, or if we need examine emergency protocols in fluid situations like an active shooter.
Officers must have flexibility, just like real life scenarios. Chief Joe Miller noted, “The Palos Park Police Department having sobering conversations about the real possibility of being ready for an organized reaction swiftly, in a chaotic situation, is a good thing.” Things like tactics, fluid dynamics, successful entry and neutralization of threats need to be drilled on repeatedly.
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