Survival Mentality in Law Enforcement

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Questions and Answers

At approximately what heart rate does one begin to experience a loss of fine motor control?

115 beats per minute

What is the result of vasoconstriction on the body's muscles at around 175 bpm?

They stop working

What is the primary sense that is focused on during extreme stress situations?

Vision

According to Dr. Alexis Artwohl's research, what percentage of officers experienced diminished sound during deadly force situations?

85% Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the constriction of the body's blood vessels due to cold temperatures or stress?

Vasoconstriction Signup and view all the answers

At what heart rate do individuals typically begin to lose complex motor control?

145 bpm Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the loss of peripheral vision during high-stress situations?

Tunnel vision Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of increased heart rate and vasoconstriction on depth perception?

Threats appear closer than they are Signup and view all the answers

According to Dr. Alexis Artwohl's research, what is the result of intense auditory stimuli in low-light conditions?

The ears become more sensitive Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which the brain tunes out sensory input during extreme stress situations?

Cortical perception Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the 812 Survival Mentality block of instruction?

To maximize an officer's potential of surviving and prevailing in life-threatening situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the fear of death or injury that is common to all humans?

Universal Human Phobia Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for promoting relaxation and reducing stress?

Parasympathetic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What is the correlation between heart rate and vasoconstriction in a life-threatening situation?

Increased heart rate leads to vasoconstriction Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon of experiencing a distortion in sound perception during a deadly force situation?

Diminished Sound Signup and view all the answers

What is the O-O-D-A Loop developed by Boyd?

A framework for decision-making in high-stress situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process of preparing officers for the physical and psychological demands of a life-threatening situation?

Stress Inoculation Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for officers to continue fighting despite being injured or exhausted?

To increase the chances of winning and surviving Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the academy's training program?

To teach you how to go home at the end of your shift Signup and view all the answers

What is the Universal Human Phobia, according to Lt. Col. Dave Grossman?

The fear of interpersonal human aggression Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) in the body?

To increase the body's supply of stored energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why the academy focuses on the importance of tactical breathing?

To reduce stress and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) being activated during a deadly force encounter?

A parasympathetic backlash Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of understanding the concept of phobias in the context of law enforcement?

To overcome personal phobias and respond effectively to deadly force situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the academy's training program, according to the presentation?

To teach officers how to survive and make it back home at the end of their shift Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) in the context of law enforcement?

It regulates the body's response to stress Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of understanding the human response to stress and trauma in law enforcement?

It helps officers respond effectively to deadly force situations and overcome personal phobias Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind the concept of 'going home at the end of your shift'?

To remind officers that their survival is paramount to their effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is the 0-0-D-A loop derived from?

Research on time-based theory of conflict Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of an officer in a deadly force situation?

To disrupt the opponent's 0-0-D-A loop Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Orient' stage in the 0-0-D-A loop?

To gather and decipher information Signup and view all the answers

What is stress inoculation, according to Lt.Col. Dave Grossman?

Prior success under stressful conditions acclimatizing one to similar situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of continuing to fight in a deadly force situation?

To keep going until the threat is no longer present Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step if an officer is shot in a deadly force situation?

Do not panic and assess the situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of an officer's training, according to Lt.Col. Dave Grossman?

To become a 'pre-battle veteran' Signup and view all the answers

What is the commonality in almost all Medal of Honor citations?

The recipients were physically damaged, but drove on Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for an officer to control and direct the power of their adrenaline?

To make rational decisions in a deadly force situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the immediate goal if an officer is shot in a deadly force situation?

To get medical support Signup and view all the answers

What is the most critical factor in surviving a deadly force situation?

Will to survive and stop the attacker Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate decision maker in determining the use of deadly force?

The suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of accepting the possibility of having to kill someone beforehand?

Reduced hesitation in responding to a deadly threat Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of truly being prepared to kill someone in a deadly force situation?

Less likelihood of having to use deadly force Signup and view all the answers

What is the paradox of deadly force situations?

If you are truly prepared to kill someone, you are less likely to have to do it Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of an officer in a deadly force situation?

To deter and then stop the threat Signup and view all the answers

What is the key to surviving a gunshot wound, according to the text?

Stopping the attacker from shooting again Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of accepting that you might get hit in a deadly force situation?

Increased likelihood of survival Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of deciding whether you can kill someone beforehand?

It reduces hesitation in responding to a deadly threat Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of an officer in a deadly force situation?

To serve and protect the community Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of officers experienced tunnel vision during a deadly force situation?

80% Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the sudden visual clarity experienced by officers in shooting situations?

Heightened visual clarity Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of officers experienced temporary paralysis during a deadly force situation?

7% Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the memory loss experienced by officers during a deadly force situation?

Critical incident amnesia Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of officers experienced memory distortions during a deadly force situation?

22% Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the experience of slow motion time during a deadly force situation?

Slow motion effect Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of officers experienced dissociation during a deadly force situation?

40% Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having an officer scan and breathe deeply after a stressful engagement?

To reduce tunnel vision Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of officers experienced fast motion time during a deadly force situation?

16% Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of officers experienced memory loss for some of their actions during a deadly force situation?

47% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason some officers do not experience remorse or nausea after killing in combat?

They are psychologically prepared to kill and have rationalized the act. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the feeling of relief that comes after surviving a deadly force situation?

Survivor euphoria Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of not preparing oneself for the act of killing prior to the event?

Denial, which can lead to physical and psychological harm Signup and view all the answers

How do mature officers who have done the rationalization and acceptance process ahead of time respond to killing in combat?

With a healthier response Signup and view all the answers

What is the set of response stages to taking the life of another?

Exhilaration, relief, backlash of remorse and nausea, and rationalization Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for officers to prepare themselves for the act of killing?

To reduce the risk of psychological harm and improve their response Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not preparing oneself for the act of killing prior to the event?

Denial, which can lead to physical and psychological harm Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of preparing oneself for the act of killing?

Reduced risk of psychological harm and improved response Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of mature officers who have done the rationalization and acceptance process ahead of time?

Doing what their society, employers, and peers require them to do Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of telling oneself that killing will be an earthshattering, traumatic event?

It will be a self-fulfilling prophecy Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reaction of family members when a loved one returns after a near-death experience?

Heartfelt love and thanks Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feeling experienced by returning veterans of combat?

Survivor guilt Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the set of response stages to death, according to Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross?

Denial, anger, bargaining, and acceptance Signup and view all the answers

Why might a person experience sleep disturbance and nightmares after a traumatic event?

Because of the trauma they experienced Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial aspect of dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event?

Mental preparation and understanding Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of understanding the importance of control in a stressful event?

It helps to maintain rational thinking Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the breathing exercise that helps to control the sympathetic nervous system?

Tactical breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reaction to a near-death experience, according to the text?

Shame and guilt Signup and view all the answers

Why might a person distance themselves from loved ones after a traumatic event?

Because they are ashamed of themselves Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of understanding the reaction of loved ones after a traumatic event?

It helps to promote healing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Survival Mentality

The goal of the Survival Mentality block is to maximize an officer's potential to survive and prevail in life-threatening situations.
The Universal Human Phobia is the fear of interpersonal human aggression, which must be overcome in order to perform duties as a peace officer.

Physiological and Psychological Responses

The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses, while the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
During stressful events, the heart rate increases, and vasoconstriction occurs, leading to a loss of fine motor control, complex motor control, and vision problems.
At higher pulse rates (around 175 bpm), muscles may stop working, and vision problems worsen.

Perceptual Distortions in Deadly Force Situations

Diminished sound (auditory exclusion): 85% of officers experienced diminished sound.
Intensified sounds: 65% of officers experienced intensified sounds.
Tunnel vision: 80% of officers experienced tunnel vision.
Automatic pilot: 74% of officers experienced automatic pilot.
Heightened visual clarity: 72% of officers experienced heightened visual clarity.
Slow motion time: 65% of officers experienced slow motion time.
Temporary paralysis: 7% of officers experienced temporary paralysis.
Memory loss for parts of the event: 51% of officers experienced memory loss.
Memory loss for some of their actions: 47% of officers experienced memory loss.
Dissociation: 40% of officers experienced dissociation.
Intrusive distracting thoughts: 26% of officers experienced intrusive distracting thoughts.
Memory distortions: 22% of officers experienced memory distortions.
Fast motion time: 16% of officers experienced fast motion time.

Boyd's OODA Loop

Observe: becoming aware of the surroundings and environment.
Orient: gathering and deciphering information to develop a plan of action.
Decide: deciding on a plan of action.
Act: completing the plan of action.

Stress Inoculation and Will to Survive

Stress inoculation is the concept of becoming accustomed to stressful situations, promoting future success.
Continuing to fight and defend oneself is crucial in deadly force situations.
The will to survive is essential, and accepting the possibility of getting wounded can help officers overcome fear and survive.### The Decision to Use Deadly Force
The decision to use deadly force is crucial and must be made in advance, not in the heat of the moment
It is a difficult decision, but one that requires decisive action to protect oneself or others
The decision to use deadly force is not impossible, but it requires mental preparation and acceptance

The Paradox of Deadly Force

The suspect or enemy decides how much force is needed, not the officer
If the officer is willing to use deadly force, the suspect is less likely to attack
This paradox highlights the importance of mental preparation and acceptance of the possibility of using deadly force

Responses to Deadly Force Situations

There are various responses to deadly force situations, including relief, guilt, and nausea
The first response is often relief, followed by guilt and remorse
This emotional turmoil can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if not addressed

Stages of Response to Taking a Life

The stages of response include exhilaration, remorse, and nausea
The first stage is often accompanied by feelings of joy and elation (survivor euphoria)
The second stage involves guilt and remorse
The third stage involves a lifelong process of rationalization and nausea

Preparation and Acceptance

Mental preparation and acceptance of the possibility of using deadly force can reduce the emotional impact
Preparation can help reduce the risk of PTSD and other negative responses
It is essential to prepare oneself mentally and psychologically for the possibility of using deadly force

Survivor Guilt and Shame

Survivor guilt and shame are common responses to traumatic events
It is essential to understand that these feelings are normal and can be addressed through debriefing and support
Family members may also experience survivor guilt and shame, which can lead to anger and distance

Importance of Breathing and Control

Breathing exercises can help control the sympathetic nervous system during high-stress events
Control is crucial in deadly force situations, and breathing exercises can help achieve this control

Post-Combat Responses

Common post-combat responses include trembling, sweating, chills, nausea, and sleep disturbances
These responses are normal and can be addressed through support and debriefing
It is essential to understand that these responses are normal and can be managed with the right support

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