After 60 days of using our principles in the field, learners are surveyed to determine training efficacy in several areas. A sample of their (optional) narrative responses are provided below.
PROFESSIONAL AWARENESS
Several times since taking the course I have considered the consequences of acting a certain way during a call, and have decided to disengage or leave the scene if it was something in which police officers were not needed and were only going to instigate more.
Police Officer / Patrol
25-29 yrs old - 0-4 yrs experience
_____________________________
I have become more patient with people and learned to not get frustrated while searching for a quick resolution. Learning to slow down and not rush calls, which has resulted in more peaceful resolutions, not necessarily different ones.
Police Officer / Patrol
30-34 yrs old - 5-9 yrs experience
_____________________________
Just general calls where subjects are being irate or uncooperative but not an immediate threat. I took more time than normal to let them vent, which has resulted in a better outcome and use of force.
Deputy Sheriff / Patrol
30-34 yrs old - 5-9 yrs experience
_____________________________
Internally; dealing with antagonistic and adversarial personalities. The impulse to respond to what is an obvious insult is very tough to overcome. However, employing a communication strategy whereby taking the time to respond and do so measuredly has been effective (not 100 percent). At some point it is more of a intelligent choice to simply disengage and look for something else to do.
Police Commander
45-49 yrs old - 20-24 yrs experience
_____________________________
EMOTIONAL AWARENESS
The course helped elevate my level of self-awareness especially when having crucial conversations.
Sergeant / Administration
50-54 yrs old - 25+ yrs experience
_____________________________
I have taught myself to be more patient with people and not get frustrated while searching for a quick resolution. Learning to slow down and not rush calls, which has resulted in more peaceful resolutions, not necessarily different ones.
Police Officer / Patrol
30-34 yrs old - 5-9 yrs experience
_____________________________
This has played an important role in my personal life when arguments come up with my spouse. I am more aware of my feelings and how they may affect my tone, body language, and the words I use. It is easier to put aside my emotions and deal with the actual conflict to get it resolved much quicker.
Detective / Investigations
35-39 yrs old - 5-9 yrs experience
_____________________________
OPPONENT AWARENESS
I responded to an overdose call in which the subject was unresponsive. As paramedics were treating the subject, I was able to comfort the parents as opposed to being insensitive as I usually am.
Police Officer / Patrol
25-29 yrs old - 0-4 yrs experience
_____________________________
I have been able to use the techniques to reach a positive outcome without resorting to force.
Police Officer / Patrol
30-34 yrs old - 5-9 yrs experience
_____________________________
I now understand the person's feelings and tell them I am there to help. It is about them, not me, or anyone else. I let them know I have an interest in them.
Sergeant / Patrol
55+ yrs old - 25+ yrs experience
_____________________________
EMPATHIC AWARENESS
When dealing with victims, witnesses, and suspects using empathy and other emotions to connect with the person I am interviewing is a very powerful tool to have. It enables me to gather more information from the person I am speaking with, that I would not have been able to get without using this technique.
Detective / Investigations
35-39 yrs old - 5-9 yrs experience
_____________________________
I've been less direct or detached from people. I'm connecting more with people and getting better information back. This is good for me and my investigation and I've had good results.
Police Officer / Patrol
25-29 yrs old - 5-9 yrs experience
_____________________________
I have always been empathetic and see the value in it, but became frustrated over time due to seeing the same patterns over and over, with the same people. But now I can separate my emotions and frustrations which makes me less stressed, and my empathy comes off better to others.
Police Officer / Patrol
30-34 yrs old - 5-9 yrs experience
_____________________________
GOAL AWARENESS
I had a contact with a male subject who was angry and yelling at me. His only crime was being in a closed area after hours, and less than 10 feet from an exit gate. He was extremely agitated and I knew it would be a fight if I had to go hands on with him. I asked myself if it was worth a potential use of force to detain and identify him for the infraction. I decided it was not and told the man he was in violation and if he did not want to cooperate, he needed to leave quickly. He was still upset but complied while yelling at me the entire time. I can take some yelling and it seemed like a victory vs glory outcome.
Police Officer / Patrol
40-44 yrs old - 0-4 yrs experience
_____________________________
I made an arrest where the suspect continued to try and press my buttons with the things he was saying on our way to jail. I mentioned my composure and was able to successfully book him without further confrontation and without letting him get to me.
Police Officer / Patrol
25-29 yrs old - 0-4 yrs experience
_____________________________
Because I have learned to take my time and really separate my frustrations, I have seen better long term success in dealing with the same people over and over. My victory is so much more important, and the outcomes have not really changed.
Police Officer / Patrol
30-34 yrs old - 5-9 yrs experience
_____________________________
TACTICAL AWARENESS
The class reinforced the importance of waiting for backup and there are very few instances that require an immediate response. We generally always have the luxury of time being on our side.
Detective / Investigations
35-39 yrs old - 10-14 yrs experience
_____________________________
My demeanor has changed which is resulting in better cooperation from subjects.
Police Officer / Patrol
25-29 yrs old - 5-9 yrs experience
_____________________________
Waiting for backup helps me from rushing in too early for the safety of me and others (ego and injury).
Sergeant / Patrol
55+ yrs old - 25+ yrs experience
_____________________________
COMMUNICATION AWARENESS
I deal with a lot of people who suffer from some sort of mental health issue, so really taking the time to listen to them has helped me understand the way they see the world. It has brought more peaceful resolutions and decreased use of forces.
Police Officer / Patrol
25-29 yrs old - 0-5 yrs experience
_____________________________
The longer I listen to a person and show empathy the smother the encounter and cooperation is.
Sergeant / Patrol
55+ yrs old - 25+ yrs experience
_____________________________
MENTAL/PHYSICAL AWARENESS
Just catching myself when I'm starting to stress out has impacted me greatly. Learning to separate my emotions and being more patient has slowed my responses and cleared my thinking, and helps me make better and smarter decisions.
Police Officer / Patrol
30-34 yrs old - 5-9 yrs experience
_____________________________
I am more able to focus on individual tasks, not letting ego get in way. I was more prepared and confident.
Sergeant / Patrol
55+ yrs old - 25+ yrs experience
_____________________________
I find my self using Tactical Breathing while en-route to calls to help bring down stress levels.
Patrol Officer
40-44 yrs old - 10-14 yrs experience
_____________________________
