Chief’s Counsel: Is More Training Really the Answer?

It is clear that 2015 was a very difficult and tumultuous year for law enforcement. Continuous critical media analysis, particularly on officer use-of-force and deadly force incidents, has taken its toll. Chiefs and officers alike are fearful of becoming the next targets of viral videos and having “armchair quarterbacks” judge their decisions and actions. In response to the scrutiny, the constant question is “How do we make things better?” Police chiefs, the media, and politicians often respond by suggesting (or requiring) more training for officers. Is this really the solution or is there another more fundamental issue that needs to be addressed?

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