Officer-involved shootings have multiplied through the years. Central Georgia has been specifically influenced by officer-involved shootings. In Macon, GA, an officer responded to a shoplifting call, and Larry Daniel Matthews was shot and killed. In Forysth, GA, Richard Treadwell was shot but not killed. Treadwell threatened the officers with his weapon.
Captain David Freeland, Bibb County Sheriff’s Training Academy, explains that officers aim to hit their target, if they feel threatened or feel like someone else’s life is threatened.
As part of the response to officer-involved shootings, GPSTC Forsyth cadets learn de-escalation techniques. Tim Melton, GPSTC Forsyth Academy Manager, explains that de-escalation is important because “if we can use our words, if we can use our body language to de-escalate this person then we’ll do that but time doesn’t offer that. Somebody’s in jeopardy we have to be able to use the force that the law says we can, justify it, and just do the right things.” In order to ensure a quality education for the cadets, Melton roles-plays with them. Role-playing keeps the cadets on their toes. This is especially important since all circumstances are different in each situation.
Melton mentions, “We’ll ty out de-escalation techniques. We’ll try to communicate with them and we’ll create some distance. We’ll use open gestures. All the things we try to do in order to try to create a dialogue with a person, but if the person’s an active threat to someone else or to the officer, then force is justified.” Melton explains that cadets are taught other techniques before being taught to pull the trigger.
For more information, click the link: http://www.13wmaz.com/mb/news/local/what-kind-of-training-do-local-officers-get/341859677