Survival Skills: Cover and Concealment

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Questions and Answers

What should you do when you arrive at the scene?

Search the area for evidence

Find the complainant and introduce yourself in a courteous manner (correct)

Call for backup immediately

Start questioning bystanders

What services can you provide to the caller?

Provide financial assistance

Provide information, pamphlets, or agency contacts, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (correct)

Only provide referrals to local mental health services

Only offer to take a report

What is the primary difference between cover and concealment?

Cover stops incoming gunfire, while concealment provides camouflage but does not stop incoming gunfire. (correct)

Concealment stops incoming gunfire, while cover provides camouflage but does not stop incoming gunfire.

Concealment provides camouflage, while cover stops incoming gunfire.

Cover provides camouflage, while concealment stops incoming gunfire.

What can affect your vision during observation?

Lighting, visual defects, and environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when you cannot provide the expected level of service?

Use your interpersonal skills to express understanding and empathy Signup and view all the answers

When would you need to direct bystanders to assist?

During emergency situations, such as rescuing a victim Signup and view all the answers

What can distort color perception during observation?

Lighting from objects, such as streetlights or fluorescent lamps Signup and view all the answers

What senses can help identify dangerous or illegal substances during an investigation?

Smell and touch Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider before commanding assistance from the public?

The skill sets, physical limitations, and willingness of the public Signup and view all the answers

What is authorized by Florida law in certain situations?

Commanding assistance from the public Signup and view all the answers

What can affect your sense of smell during an investigation?

Weather conditions, health, and strong odors Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid doing when opening and closing containers during an investigation?

Smelling the contents of the container Signup and view all the answers

What should you provide to people who are providing assistance?

Clear and specific instructions Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential threat indicated by a specific smell?

Gasoline, petroleum products, natural gas, or gunpowder Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of providing assistance during a non-criminal incident?

Maintaining your composure and ability to think Signup and view all the answers

Why is touch important during a search?

It can help identify items during a search Signup and view all the answers

What type of fire extinguisher is best suited for flammable liquids?

CO2 fire extinguisher Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if victims are trapped beyond your rescue ability?

Make every reasonable effort to immediately extinguish the fire Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider when deciding on the size of the perimeter?

The proximity of the fire to oncoming traffic, property, victims, and witnesses Signup and view all the answers

Why should you move highly flammable or combustible items in the vicinity?

To prevent further danger to life or property Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with victims once they have been removed from the scene?

Move them to a safe location and provide first aid as needed Signup and view all the answers

What is a false alarm of a fire?

When a fire alarm system is activated but there is no evidence of a fire Signup and view all the answers

What type of fire extinguisher is best suited for paper or wood fires?

Foam fire extinguisher Signup and view all the answers

Why should you secure the scene once the victims have been removed?

To preserve evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a malfunctioning alarm and a false alarm of a fire?

The intent of the person triggering the alarm Signup and view all the answers

What should you document when charging a suspect with false alarm of a fire?

The suspect's identity and the fact that they circulated a false alarm of fire without reasonable cause Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of responding to a lost, stolen, or recovered property incident?

To document the incident and gather information for later identification and recovery Signup and view all the answers

What type of report is used to document lost property incidents?

General information report Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of describing lost property?

The unique distinguishing identifiers, such as scratches or unique parts Signup and view all the answers

What type of situations may require handling lost, stolen, or recovered property?

Burglaries and found property at a pawn shop Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when responding to a lost, stolen, or recovered property incident?

Follow your agency's policies and procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a commonly reported lost property item?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should a recovery agent do if there is a breach of the peace during a repossession?

Leave the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the vehicle owner's responsibility in a motor vehicle repair dispute?

Post a bond with the clerk of court Signup and view all the answers

What is your role in a child-custody exchange situation?

Provide security Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider when responding to a civil disturbance or standby?

The location's call history and personal knowledge of the people involved Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you respond to a call that becomes highly confrontational?

Request backup based on the threat level Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when responding to a civil disturbance or standby?

Avoiding complacency Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a vehicle owner refuses to pay the repair bill and removes the vehicle from the repair shop without posting a bond?

Investigate the vehicle owner for theft Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal when responding to a civil disturbance or standby?

To maintain the peace and ensure safety Signup and view all the answers

What type of dispute is a property boundary dispute typically classified as?

Civil Signup and view all the answers

What is the only way a landlord can legally recover possession of a leased residence without the consent of the tenant?

Filing an eviction proceeding in county court Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a landlord is successful in an eviction proceeding?

A writ of possession is issued by the court Signup and view all the answers

What is a landlord not allowed to do in a landlord-tenant dispute?

Physically evict the tenant Signup and view all the answers

What is a tenant's right in a landlord-tenant dispute?

To stay in the residence until legally evicted Signup and view all the answers

What is wrongful eviction?

A landlord physically removing a tenant's belongings Signup and view all the answers

What should you advise parties to do in a property boundary dispute?

Seek the appropriate remedies in civil court Signup and view all the answers

What law governs most traditionally recognized rental arrangements?

Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act Signup and view all the answers

What is an indicator of suspicious activity during a security check?

Damaged plants or shrubs Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you observe anything suspicious during a security check?

Get the property owner's contact information Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason to check and maintain equipment regularly?

To avoid serious injury or death Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to be in good physical condition as an officer?

To handle the demands of dangerous situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of making a death notification?

To inform the next of kin about the incident Signup and view all the answers

How can you obtain the name, address, and telephone number of the deceased person's next of kin?

By using criminal justice databases Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of observing non-verbal cues during interactions?

To identify potential danger signs Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of maintaining officer safety and survival?

Regular training and equipment maintenance Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after making a death notification?

Communicate the necessary information to dispatch Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to stay updated on training?

To avoid serious injury or death to yourself or others Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you cannot reach the next of kin in person?

Use the DAVID Emergency Contact Information Signup and view all the answers

What can compromised officer safety lead to?

Serious injury or death to yourself or others Signup and view all the answers

Why should you use the DAVID Emergency Contact Information?

For emergency purposes only Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential part of an officer's fitness for duty?

An exercise and wellness program Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after completing a security check?

Communicate the necessary information to dispatch Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of officer training?

To develop the mindset and attitude required to keep yourself and the public safe Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of responding to a civil disturbance or standby?

To maintain the peace and prevent escalation Signup and view all the answers

What is a civil standby?

Maintaining the peace through officer presence Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a situation that may require a civil standby?

A child custody exchange Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a situation begins to escalate during a civil standby?

Separate the parties involved Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of responding to a civil disturbance or standby?

Remaining impartial Signup and view all the answers

What may be necessary if a situation begins to escalate during a civil standby?

Recommending that one or both parties leave Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when responding to a civil disturbance or standby?

Remaining impartial and using conflict management skills Signup and view all the answers

Why is your presence important during a civil standby?

To maintain the peace and prevent escalation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM)?

To prevent or mitigate acts of targeted violence Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between making a threat and posing a threat?

The intent behind the threat Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM)?

To identify and manage persons of concern within the local community Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of law enforcement in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM)?

To collect and analyze behavioral information about a person of concern Signup and view all the answers

What is targeted violence?

The result of organized thinking and behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of observable, attack-related behaviors in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM)?

They are signs of a person who is likely to commit targeted violence Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to collect and report information about persons of concern?

To prevent or mitigate targeted violence Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM)?

It is a proactive, investigative process Signup and view all the answers

When responding to a property boundary dispute, what is the primary step to resolve the issue?

Advise the parties to seek a recent survey Signup and view all the answers

What is the only way a landlord can legally recover possession of a leased residence without the consent of the tenant?

By filing an eviction proceeding in the county court Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a landlord being successful in an eviction proceeding?

A writ of possession is issued by the court to the sheriff Signup and view all the answers

What is a landlord not allowed to do in a landlord-tenant dispute?

Change the locks on the residence Signup and view all the answers

What is a tenant's right in a landlord-tenant dispute?

To enter the residence until legally evicted Signup and view all the answers

What is wrongful eviction?

Evicting a tenant without a writ of possession Signup and view all the answers

What law governs most traditionally recognized rental arrangements?

Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act Signup and view all the answers

What should you advise parties to do in a property boundary dispute?

Seek the appropriate remedies in civil court Signup and view all the answers

What type of dispute is a property boundary dispute typically classified as?

Civil in nature Signup and view all the answers

When responding to a landlord-tenant dispute, what is the primary goal?

To ensure the safety of all parties involved Signup and view all the answers

When conducting a security check, what should you do if you observe anything suspicious?

Get the property owner's contact information and ask them about circumstances at the property Signup and view all the answers

What may be an indicator of suspicious activity during a security check?

Damaged plants or shrubs Signup and view all the answers

When notifying the next of kin, how can you obtain the necessary contact information?

Using criminal justice databases Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of delivering a death notification to the next of kin?

To deliver the news in a professional manner Signup and view all the answers

When conducting a security check, what should you do after completing the check?

Communicate the necessary information to dispatch Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when notifying the next of kin?

Delivering the news in a professional manner Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you are unable to make a personal visit to the family during a death notification?

Contact the family by phone or other means Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you are assigned to make a death notification?

Make a personal visit to the family, if possible Signup and view all the answers

What should you use to obtain the name, address, and telephone number of the deceased person's next of kin?

Criminal justice databases Signup and view all the answers

Why should you use the DAVID Emergency Contact Information (ECI)?

For emergency purposes only Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Concealment vs. Cover

Concealment provides camouflage but does not stop incoming gunfire
Examples of concealment: shrubs, fences, interior walls, and objects that keep you hidden from view
Preferable to use cover rather than concealment

Using the Senses

Sight: starting point for observation; may be affected by environmental and physical factors
Hearing: may be affected by background noises; important to recognize specific sounds indicating a crime or incident
Smell: can help identify dangerous or illegal substances; however, weather conditions or health can affect sense of smell
Touch: can help identify items during a search; maintain composure and safety

Providing Assistance

Upon arriving at the scene, find the complainant, introduce yourself, and listen to their concerns
Determine what services are needed and provide referrals if necessary
Use interpersonal skills to express empathy and understanding in situations where you cannot provide the expected level of service

Directing People to Assist

May need to call on bystanders to help in emergency situations
Evaluate the scene to determine what kind of help is needed
Authorize assistance from the public in certain situations, such as apprehending or securing a person
Give clear and specific instructions to people providing assistance

Responding to a Motor Vehicle Fire

Determine if the vehicle is occupied and begin rescue efforts if necessary
Move victims to a safe location and provide first aid as needed
Use fire extinguishers appropriate for the type of fire
Secure the scene for the arrival of fire personnel

False Alarms

False alarm: when an alarm system is activated but there is no evidence of a reasonable threat
False alarm may be caused intentionally or due to a malfunction
Document that the suspect, without reasonable cause, circulated a false alarm of fire

Lost, Stolen, or Recovered Property

Commonly reported lost property includes cell phones, driver’s licenses, and credit cards
Use a general information report to document incidents and include descriptions of property and estimated value
Note unique distinguishing identifiers to help identify recovered property

Repossession of Property

Follow agency policies and procedures for handling repossessed property
General guidelines for responding to incidents involving lost, stolen, or recovered property
Document incidents using a general information report

Motor Vehicle Repair Disputes

Florida Statutes permit vehicle owners who refuse to pay repair bills to take possession of the vehicle after posting a bond
Vehicle owner must post a bond with the clerk of court in the amount of the repair invoice, including storage fees
If the vehicle owner refuses to pay and removes the vehicle without posting a bond, investigate for theft

Civil Disturbance

Evaluate the threat level of the situation based on information relayed by dispatch, location’s call history, and personal knowledge of the people involved
Be vigilant, avoid complacency, and request backup based on the threat level
Mediate the civil disturbance and maintain the peace during a civil standby

Officer Safety and Survival

Check equipment regularly to ensure it is clean and in good working order, and make sure electronic devices are charged.
Regular training is necessary to maintain proficiency in using equipment and to develop the mindset and attitude required to stay safe.
Physical fitness is essential to handle the demands of dangerous situations, and an exercise and wellness program is an important part of fitness for duty.
Get enough sleep to perform duties well.

Factors that Compromise Officer Safety

Failure to maintain equipment and regular training can lead to serious injury or death.
Poor physical condition can put officers, other officers, and the public in danger.

Observing Danger and Signs of Criminal Activity

Pay attention to non-verbal cues, such as body language, to identify potential danger signs.
Be aware of a person's hand placement, as it can indicate whether they are a threat.
Targeted violence is often the result of organized thinking and behaviors, such as planning and preparation.
Mental health issues are rarely the main cause of targeted violence incidents.

Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Process

BTAM is a proactive, investigative process used to identify, assess, and manage the risk of targeted violence.
It uses the law enforcement intelligence cycle to collect and analyze behavioral information about a person of concern.
The primary goal of BTAM is to prevent or mitigate acts of targeted violence.

Conducting a Security Check

Identify a person of concern for future targeted violence by responding to calls for service and observing suspicious activity.
Collect and report information about the person of concern according to agency policies and procedures.
Check for signs of tampering, damaged property, or suspicious vehicles.

Death Notifications

Deliver a death notification to the next of kin in a professional manner.
Obtain the name, address, and telephone number of the deceased person's next of kin using criminal justice databases.
Make a personal visit to the family, if possible, and follow agency policies and procedures.

Property Boundary Disputes

Property disputes between neighbors are usually civil in nature and require a recent survey to identify who owns the property.
Advise the parties to seek the appropriate remedies in civil court.

Landlord and Tenant Disputes

The Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs most rental arrangements.
A landlord can legally recover possession of the leased residence without the consent of the tenant by filing an eviction proceeding in the county court.
A writ of possession is issued by the court to the sheriff, who is authorized to evict the tenant after a prescribed notice period.
A tenant has a right to enter the residence until legally evicted, and a landlord may not prevent entry by changing the locks.

Mediating a Civil Disturbance

Separate, identify, and interview all parties involved to obtain information related to the incident.
Verify whether a crime has been committed through assessments, interviews, and observations.
Perform queries within the FCIC/NCIC systems to determine if any injunctions or warrants exist.
Provide information and resources to help resolve the conflict, such as referring parties to civil court or mediation.

Civil Standby

Maintain the peace through officer presence while serving a court order or responding to a call for service.
Civil standbys may be conducted in situations such as the execution of a writ of replevin, a child custody exchange, or a pretrial release order.
Remain impartial and use conflict management skills to prevent escalation of the situation.

Concealment and Cover

Concealment provides camouflage but does not stop incoming gunfire.
Examples of concealment include shrubs, fences, interior walls, and objects that keep you hidden from view.
Concealment provides a position from which you can observe.

Using the Senses

Sight is often the starting point for observation.
Be aware of environmental and physical factors that affect vision, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, lighting, and color perception.
Hearing can be affected by background noises, and smells can help identify dangerous or illegal substances.
Touch can help identify items during a search.
Identify how much time has passed since the incident occurred.

Interviewing Complainants, Witnesses, and Victims

When interviewing, ask for identification and personal information.
Be personal yet professional by introducing yourself and using the person's name to establish rapport.
Separate everyone and ask each person to describe what happened.
Ask follow-up questions to clarify the incident and ask them to describe the suspect.
Take detailed notes of these accounts for documentation.

BOLO (Be on the Look Out)

A BOLO gives a description of the subject, their name, and any additional information that would help apprehend or locate them.
BOLOs can include descriptions of missing or wanted persons, stolen property, suspicious activity, or areas needing extra patrol attention.
A BOLO should include as much of the following information as possible:
- The subject's name and identifying information.
- The location of the incident.
- The reason for the BOLO.
- The alleged violation or reason the subject is wanted.
- The suspect's last known location and direction of travel.
- A description or photograph of the person, vehicle, or property involved.
BOLOs are also issued for AMBER, Silver, Blue, and Purple Alerts.

Conducting a Well-being Check

Follow agency policies when initiating a BOLO.
If you arrive at the scene of an incident and are required to initiate an immediate BOLO, relay all significant information to dispatch.
If you do not need to initiate a BOLO immediately, continue to gather and verify information to prepare a written BOLO.
Cancel a BOLO when the subject of the alert is found or the BOLO is deemed no longer necessary.
Interview any neighbors to find out if they have information on the whereabouts of the person or if a neighbor has a key.

Security Checks

Conduct security checks of residences, buildings, or grounds as requested by residents or initiated by dispatch.
Notify dispatch when you arrive at the location and park your vehicle at a distance from the building while observing the area.
Use equipment such as vehicle spotlights, flashlights, and radios to help when conducting security checks.
Look for suspicious indicators as you approach the scene.

Property Boundary Disputes

Property disputes between neighbors are usually civil in nature.
Advise the parties to seek the appropriate remedies in civil court.
A recent survey may be needed to identify who owns the property in dispute.

Landlord and Tenant Disputes

The Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs most rental arrangements.
A landlord can legally recover possession of the leased residence without the consent of the tenant only by filing an eviction proceeding in the county court.
A writ of possession will be issued by the court to the sheriff, who is then authorized to evict the tenant and put the landlord in possession of the residence after a prescribed notice period.
Until legally evicted, a tenant has a right to enter the residence, and a landlord may not prevent entry by changing the locks.

Officer Safety and Survival

Improper training, poor planning, carelessness, and complacency can contribute to officer fatalities and injuries.
Factors affecting officer safety include interactions with people, scene awareness, suspect armament, and communication with dispatch.
A community partnership can help keep officers safe.

Observational Skills

Observation is the act of recognizing an occurrence using senses to notice people, things, or circumstances.
Observational skills can be improved through practice, such as memorizing descriptions of cars, people, and details at a scene.
Focus on situations or behaviors that are important to law enforcement, and avoid distractions.

Cover and Concealment

Identify cover and concealment areas immediately upon arriving at a scene.
Cover is anything that creates a bullet-resistant barrier between an officer and a threat, such as automobile engine blocks, brick walls, and thick wood.
Concealment is an object or group of objects that creates a visual barrier but may not stop a projectile.

Interacting with Suspects

Always identify yourself as a law enforcement officer and give direct commands.
Avoid tunnel vision by scanning surroundings, practicing controlled breathing, and using task-relevant self-talk.
If you believe a suspect is armed, call for backup units and use appropriate tactics to contact, control, and disarm the suspect.

Roles of Contact and Cover Officers

The contact officer leads the approach and handles communication with the suspect.
The cover officer is responsible for officer safety concerns at the scene and watches for hazards such as hostile crowds, traffic, or escape routes.

Initiating Contact and Establishing Communication

Approach suspects carefully, keeping a safe distance and observing their position and body movements for indications of flight or assault.
Scan for weapons and verify a suspect's identity via criminal justice databases.

Well-Being and Security Checks

Conduct well-being checks on persons with medical issues or abnormal situations, such as a bad odor from a residence.
Check for signs of unlawful entry or inactivity, and contact the property owner or management to obtain information about the person and access to the location.

Death Notifications

Deliver a death notification to the next of kin in a professional manner, using criminal justice databases to obtain the necessary information.
Make a personal visit to the family, if possible, and follow agency policies and procedures.

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Description

Understand the difference between cover and concealment techniques for survival. Learn how to use cover instead of concealment and improve your observation skills using your senses.