Feb 2001 Volume 82 Number 2
"serving the protectors"
| Feb 2001 Volume 82 Number 2 "serving the protectors" |
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Training deficient
Dear Andy
I am writing this letter in relation to the current situation with operational safety training. I am aware that, with regard to SAPOL training policies there is little you can do, but I wish to air my thoughts in a public police forum in the hope that it will create discussion and possibly some changes.
It is almost one year now since the IMOST course commenced after a shake-up of SAPOL’s operational safety training policy. This policy saw all training based at the academy and co-ordinated by a re-organized Operational Safety Unit.
A heavy emphasis has been placed on appropriate management of high-risk incidents, which has certainly had its benefits in the field. At every suitably serious job I have attended or heard on the radio there has been a forward commander who has co-ordinated the incident in conjunction with ComCen. Kudos to the IMOST course for introducing this tactic.
There is a number of areas, however, where I believe the IMOST course is seriously lacking, the first and most important being the complete lack of so-called “empty-hand tactics”. Pinned to the notice board in front of me is a “tactical-options model”, which lists options a police officer can use when faced with an incident.
One of these is empty-hand tactics. What are empty-hand tactics? If you attended the IMOST course, you would leave none the wiser, because nothing of this nature is taught. Members receive a short session of ASP baton training, an equally short session with OC spray and a firearms refresher session.
The instructional sessions with the baton and the OC spray are, in my opinion (as a former operational safety officer) adequate, as the ASP is nothing more than a club which any five-year-old could use, and the spray is equally simple to learn to use.
The complete absence of any hands-on tactics is, however, a serious problem. What is the first thing an officer does in any situation which turns violent? Spray the offender? Baton him? Maybe shoot him! No, the FIRST option once verbal control is lost is physical control of the offender. The only members who would still have any concept of how to do this with minimal risk to themselves and the offender would be recently graduated probationers or members who take the time and effort to learn these skills through private training. Other members rely on memories of past physical encounters which may, or may not, have given the desired result.
The initial training provided to cadets by the Operational Safety Unit is excellent, however, it is a skill which is lost without repeated training. Who still remembers an arm lock or a simple takedown hold? Or the correct technique for escorting a prisoner safely? Not many, I would bet! SAPOL’s training in this area is deficient and may be a significant contributor to officer and offender injuries.
The second area of concern is the lack of firearms training. Approximately 20 rounds in 12 months (which is what I have had) would be laughable if it wasn’t so serious. It has always been a problem, but at least under the old system divisional operational safety officers could train members more frequently, particularly targeting those who had difficulties. DOSOs also had the ability (and the time) to instruct members in other aspects of firearms usage, cover and concealment, reloading, high-risk vehicle stops, tactics, et cetera. It is not the fault of the academy instructors – they are doing the best they can in the limited time available. The problem is a large number of qualified, dedicated DOSOs have been stripped of their authority to train other members, and as such are an unused resource.
The third problem area I can see with the current training situation is the lack (still!) of any follow-up driver training. The article in the August 2000 edition of SApol magazine carried a photograph of a police sedan involved in a driving exercise with the caption, “Training for urgent duty driving is a key component of the IMOST course.” I believe everyone can see the irony contained in this statement. The only urgent-duty driving training I received in the IMOST course was a lecture on “rules of engagement” and termination responsibilities. This will hardly assist those whose skills as drivers have waned after initial training.
It appears to me that SAPOL has taken the easy route in the development of its operational safety training package. The higher-end responsibilities of any serious incident have been well catered for - much emphasis has been placed on members taking responsibility for their actions and being in command of a situation. Fair enough. However, not enough thought, time and training is being given to the basics of policing carried out by frontline members. I believe this is a situation which needs to be addressed.
Yours sincerely
Tim Tollenaar
Norwood Patrols
Affected by bears’ plight
Dear Sir
After reading the excellent article (Saving True Victims, Police Journal, January 2001) by Brett Williams about Lyn White’s crusade, no one could remain unaffected by the graphic cruelty to the bears of China as reported.
At first, the anger and sickness produces a wish for revenge and retaliation, more so as Australians are renown for their sense of fair play and their abhorrence of cruelty to animals.
We are accustomed to having an organization such as the RSPCA to go bleating to, but who bleats for these helpless animals? Only a small band of dedicated with red tape, ignorance, greed and disregard for foreigners’ objections and criticisms as their enemy.
I can associate with Lyn how she must have felt when first encountering the conditions she has seen and experienced. I can also see the logic and aims in the organization she works with in maintaining an apparent outward emotionless attitude for the horrific sights seen.
Not since the First World War when the Aussie troops destroyed rather than let the Egyptians mistreat their horses when they had to leave that country has it been brought home to Australians so much the disregard given to animals.
Frankly, I became very upset after reading the article, so if I was affected in this way, what must Lyn have felt in the early visits to China.
I congratulate her on her fortitude and determination to continue with her crusade to champion this cause and wish her every best wish in her quest.
When I had finished reading about her I too gave my dog a big hug and was sure she knew of the love I held for her.
Rox Rosey
Victor Harbor
Wenzel fan
Editor
Hi, my name is Vicky Clarke. I live in England and I just want to say what a great story (Merciless Beginnings, Police Journal, August 2000) on one of my fave characters (Frank Gilroy) from A Country Practice. Also, well done to all you police over in oz. I think all police, no matter what country, do an amazing job.
V Clarke
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