Facing a use of force investigation? Force Insight offers free, confidential case evaluations. Expert human factors analysis, operational policing insight, and clear evidence strategies. Email info@forceinsight.org https://t.co/Vf47Y3ZU4c

Facing a use of force investigation? Force Insight offers free, confidential case evaluations. Expert human factors analysis, operational policing insight, and clear evidence based strategies. Email info@forceinsight.org

PPST programs should shelve distraction strikes & teach what DOES work under stress: Team based, mechanical control tactics that focus on emotionally regulated cops working the problem. The use of distraction strikes is the antithesis of that.

The tactic unnecessarily puts cops at high risk of complaint. A strike loop can read as anger or punishment, even when the intent was control. Especially when paired with swearing. It appears as a lack of control by the cop.

This is also a policy problem. Many forces have weak standards on when strikes are justified, how many, and what counts as success. Vague policy leaves cops exposed when footage is reviewed. It leads to months long misconduct allegations & damages trust & confidence.

If a strike is not a bridge to a defined control sequence, it becomes repeated impact with no stopping rule. That is a tactics failure, not a motivation problem. One action, no conversion, repeat harder. Even then. It’s a low percentage move when compared to mechanical control.

Shouting instructions while hitting is cognitively incoherent for the subject. Under threat, language processing degrades and attention narrows. Strikes add arousal, which reduces the chance of voluntary compliance. Cops are doing EXACTLY the wrong thing to gain compliance.

Pain compliance is an unreliable bet in high arousal encounters. Intoxication, crisis states, adrenaline, and sheer commitment to fight mean the subject often cannot or will not comply, even if the pain registers.

STOP TEACHING DISTRACTION STRIKES. YOU’RE GETTING COPS SACKED Distraction strikes are sold as a quick interrupt that generates compliance. In practice, many cops can’t convert the moment into dominant position. The result is a strike loop that looks punitive and achieves little.

Interesting article on the research base, factors surrounding & lessons to be learned from the study of Officer-involved shootings.

Attention, vision / looming, perception & reaction times. Start & stop stimulus. CCTV & BWV limitations. Schemas…. All of these things are relevant when trying to judge use of force.

The reality of policing in the UK is that it’s acceptable to train officers poorly but then only hold the officer accountable when they perform poorly. Forces are directly responsible for officer performance & should be held to account accordingly.

If you are an officer or staff member facing use of force allegations do please get your legal team to commission independent expert advice & to have them review any expert advice relied upon by prosecuting authorities. Your livelihood is too important not to do so.

Not seen any video of this one. Use of force rarely looks good, especially when it’s ineffective. Our performance expectations often vastly exceed the realistic impact of only two days training a year…..

Facing a misconduct or criminal inquiry due to use of force? At Force Insight we support legal teams in exploring & explaining the realities of use of force under pressure. https://t.co/Vf47Y3ZU4c info@forceinsight.org

This is an opportunity, not a criticism. Stronger, structured S&C frameworks make fitter cops & build confidence in policing. Leadership that encourages higher fitness levels & supports training in job time benefits everyone. What are your leaders doing to support this?

By distinguishing a lawful minimum standard for role from professional excellence, leaders can create a culture where cops train not just to pass, but to excel, knowing that it makes them safer.

Importantly, this isn’t about DEMANDING more from individuals; it’s about leadership. Cops will usually meet the standard asked of them. It’s leaders who set the tone, structure & incentives to aim higher.

Better fitness also supports confidence. Cops who feel physically capable are more likely to project a sense of calm control, which often reduces tension before force is needed. They are less likely to be ‘tool dependant’ on PPE as well.

Research shows stress can narrow perception (tunnel vision), distorted hearing, instinctive reactions. Cops who train beyond the minimum are better equipped to stay calm & clear headed.

Why does this matter? High stress incidents push the body into fight or flight responses: adrenaline spikes, heart rate soars, fine motor skills reduce. Cops with stronger conditioning are more likely to handle these changes effectively.