By Sergeant Dave Windels
In a society where uniformed police officers face an increasing risk of ambush, it is crucial to provide training that equips them to prevent and respond to such attacks effectively. The nature of this training would vary depending on the jurisdiction’s size, characteristics and possibly its geographic location.
For example, my agency consists of 34 sworn officers who patrol an area spanning 44 square miles, home to roughly 25,000 residents. Our town features a diverse mix of businesses, numerous homes, and two major highways. In other words, our officers handle a wide range of situations daily.
Implementing customized training in response to emerging threats
In April 2014, I was promoted to the role of patrol sergeant. One of my primary goals was to initiate in-house training for the shifts under my supervision. We scheduled these training sessions on Sundays, typically the quietest day of the week, and aptly named them “Sunday Funday.”
At the outset, I had a plethora of training ideas. However, I aimed to concentrate on topics that were most pertinent to our department’s needs. These sessions covered a range of topics, including but not limited to, learning from national incidents, preparing to safely manage critical events within and beyond our jurisdiction, and maintaining vigilance to prevent complacency in our daily operations.
Minimal investment, maximum impact
The training ideas I developed are cost-effective and require minimal time and effort, yet they offer immense value.
For instance, I considered various locations within our jurisdiction that officers visit daily. I gathered the shift in the roll call room and used Google Earth on the flat screen to focus on these areas. These included the public works building where we fuel our squad cars, the fire department where we often eat, our favorite coffee shops and convenience stores for quick breaks, and our police department, marking the start and end of our shifts, among others. I initiated discussions about potential ambush spots at each location.
After identifying likely areas for ambushes, we shifted our focus to strategies for avoiding becoming targets. One simple yet effective suggestion was to vary our routines, avoiding stops at the same place at the same time every day. This may seem like common sense, but it’s crucial to question how often we actually practice it or challenge the group think mentality. Even police can fall into the trap of habit, getting caught in mundane routines daily, particularly at the start and end of shifts. Complacency can be deadly. Our goal is to avert it by cultivating habits of unpredictability.
Real-world scenarios: Preparing for the unexpected
In our police department, most of the parking lot is secure, except for the area near the garage exit. This presents a potential risk: as officers exit the garage, someone could be waiting on the other side to cause harm. To address this, I organized a training exercise using a training dummy equipped with a blue gun, positioned to aim directly at the garage door.
I gathered the officers inside the office, providing them with SIRT (training) guns. I instructed them to simulate a response to a lockout call. I observed as they entered their squad cars, buckled their seat belts, shifted into drive, and approached the garage door. When they pressed the garage door opener, the door lifted to reveal the rubber dummy with a plastic gun pointed at them, catching them by surprise. This scenario was designed to emphasize the importance of vigilance and preparedness, even in seemingly routine situations.
Options and tactical responses
I noticed a variety of tactics employed by the officers to confront the “bad guy” in the training scenario. Some tactics, although effective in theory, were impractical as they risked damaging the squad car’s grill. However, even these less feasible options were valuable discussion points. This exercise underscored a critical reality: every day, we habitually and unthinkingly open the garage door without knowing who or what might be waiting on the other side. It’s a stark reminder that the police department is “our house,” and we must be prepared to defend it, as well as ourselves, against potential threats. This training was not just about immediate reactions, but also about fostering a mindset of constant vigilance and readiness.
Addressing the active shooter phenomenon
Active shooter incidents continue to be a prevalent issue in our society, with shootings occurring in a variety of locations. In my jurisdiction, we have schools, hotels, large retail buildings, churches and a theater. To enhance our preparedness, we conduct walk-throughs of these structures to familiarize ourselves with their layouts and to build relationships with the staff working there. During these walk-throughs, we also strategize on crucial aspects such as where to park upon arrival, identifying secondary entry or exit points, and determining the most effective approach strategies once inside, depending on the location of the aggressor(s).
Although these preparations might seem like common sense, it’s important to reflect on how often they are actually practiced. In the context of active shooter situations, it’s not a question of “if” such an incident will happen, but rather “when.” This reality underscores the necessity for constant vigilance and proactive planning in order to respond effectively to these critical situations.
Training for instantaneous incident response
In my efforts to enhance our officers’ readiness for rapidly unfolding incidents, I’ve organized training sessions that simulate real-life scenarios. We’ve involved various role players, including reserves, community service officers (CSOs), and even officers’ children, to add authenticity to these exercises.
In one scenario, I used fake blood to create a realistic appearance of injury on a role player, placing a “bloody” knife nearby. The officer was briefed to conduct a routine check of a parking garage following reports of vehicle break-ins. Unbeknownst to them, another role player, simulating an assailant, was hiding in the police department garage. The officer’s task was to provide aid to the “victim,” call for backup, and then locate the assailant.
Another training involved using the interior of our office to mimic a convenience store. The officer would enter a cubicle (representing a cooler) to grab a cold drink, only to be confronted immediately by a role player drawing a SIRT gun in an attempt to “shoot” the officer. These scenarios were crafted to stimulate “what-if” discussions about routine duties and to hone situational awareness skills. Remarkably, the cost of this effective training was minimal — just about .99 for a tube of fake blood.
I also advocate for utilizing vacant houses or buildings, whenever available, for training purposes. Gaining permission to use these spaces allows for practical experience in tactics like using lighting effectively, “cutting the pie” and room clearing. It’s crucial to be prepared for the possibility of someone lying in wait, whether you’re responding to a call, exiting your squad during a traffic stop, or simply grabbing a cup of coffee. Continuous preparation and never letting your guard down are key. Officers should always keep their OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) in mind throughout their shift.
Documenting these training sessions and sharing best practices is also vital. It not only aids in refining our methods but also helps in spreading valuable knowledge and strategies to other officers and departments. This approach to training ensures we’re always prepared for the unexpected and underscores the importance of constant vigilance in law enforcement.
Documenting and sharing best practices
I have meticulously documented all the “Sunday Funday” training sessions I’ve conducted. This record-keeping serves a dual purpose: it tracks my contributions and effectiveness as a sergeant, and it provides a valuable resource for revisiting these sessions. I can use this documentation to teach new officers on my crew, ensuring they receive the same level of training and preparedness.
Regardless of whether your agency’s size or jurisdiction is similar to mine, or even if it differs significantly, and you believe your agency could benefit from this type of training, I encourage you to get in touch. If you’re interested in learning about some of my other training ideas and strategies, please feel free to reach out to me at dwindels@elkrivermn.gov. I would be more than happy to share these resources with you. Stay safe and remember, preparedness and vigilance are key in our line of work.
About the author
Dave Windels has been a police officer for 23 years, currently a patrol sergeant for the Elk River Police Department in Minnesota. Windels is a former SWAT team leader and current firearms and use of force instructor.