“Nine-tenths of tactics are certain and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool, and that is the test of generals. It can only be ensured by instinct, sharpened by thought practicing the stroke so often that at the crisis it is as natural as a reflex.” ~T.E Lawrence

It Never Happens Here

“Instead of pursuing glory, pursue excellence.” ~J. Scott Shipman

“The pursuit of data, in almost any field has come to resemble a form of substance abuse.” ~Gary Klein, author “Street Lights and Shadows: Searching for the Keys to Adaptive Decision Making”

With cops being killed in the line of duty at a 60 percent higher rate than two years ago, and nine cops (as of this writing) already tragically lost in 2012, this ability to adapt and shift tactics in my view is a big missing factor in our training and in our thinking in the law enforcement profession. This “ace in the hole” concept conjures up thoughts of being agile, flexible and being prepared for the worst. In other words being adaptable, being prepared to adjust our responses to meet the changing conditions we encounter on the street.

By Major Joseph H. Albrecht, United States Army,School of Advanced Military Studies(SAMS) 

You got to be able to think on your feet. You got to be flexible. I can’t stress that enough. That has been our success . ~2nd Lt., Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2004

“Training is for the known, education is for the unknowns.” ~Marcus Mainz, Major USMC

“Adaptability is an effective change in response to an altered situation. Adaptability is not speed of reaction, but the slower, more deliberate processes associated with problem solving.” ~Don Vandergriff

“I learned that good judgment comes from experience and that experience grows out of mistakes.” ~General of the Army Omar N. Bradley

Thanks to www.BlueSheepDog.com  an outstanding resource for cops, for passing this information along. The video is well worth your time as it contains valuable information based on research from Force Science Institute all cops and citizens should be  aware of.

Editor’s (Doug Wiley) Note: We’re pleased to introduce Fred Leland as the newest member in our roster of writers. I “met” Fred via the professional networking website LinkedIn, and just moments into our initial phone contact knew we had an opportunity to collaborate in the shared mission of helping police officers be safer and more successful on the street.