33 Seconds or Less - What I Learned from the Shoot/Don't Shoot Simulator

/

My Sisters in Crime Central Virginia chapter visited the Richmond Police Training Academy recently and triedthe "Shoot/Don't Shoot" simulator. Growing up as a cop's kid paid off. Many thanks to Captain Harvey Powers for all the simulations, background information, and law enforcement lessons.

I know it was a simulator -- but my adrenaline was pumping and my knees were shaky when it was over. I had an epiphany while watching the simulations. All that response and nerves and shoot/don't shoot decisions happened in a span of less than 33 seconds. And police officers have to face that moment multiple times a day. 

Here's what I learned from my two simulations and watching the others in my group. (My first simulation was a speeding car/traffic stop, and the car didn't have license plates. The driver pulled a gun. My second simulation was an active shooter in a middle school.)

  1. The ability to diffuse a situation with verbal skills is a key skill set for law enforcement. And it may be difficult to find folks with those skills in the texting generation.
  2. You have to be in relatively close proximity for pepper spray to be effective (about ten feet). There can easily be blow back, and you don't want to spray it in an inhabited area. Every Richmond PD cadet gets sprayed with pepper gas in training. And it takes about an average of 30 minutes to wear off.
  3. Pepper spray works on animals. It is basically odorless. It has less of an impact of people who eat really spicy food regularly.
  4. A taser (is not a phaser), and it has two sets of charges. It shoots two parallel lines that have what looks like flattened fishhooks on the end. When the trigger is pulled, a red laser dot appears, and it takes about five seconds to discharge.
  5. Lethal force is used to protect the lives of others and the officer.
  6. Real police do not fire warning shots in the air (bullets come back down), shoot guns out of the bad guys' hands, or shoot out tires.
  7. Officers are trained to aim for center mass (not kneecaps).
  8. Police officers are trained to Ask, Tell, and Make when they give commands.
  9. "Cop" comes from Conservator of the Peace.
  10. Be smart. Have and use your verbal skills to diffuse tense situations before they escalate.
  11. Know the fear and overcome it.

I think everyone needs to experience the "Shoot/Don't Shoot" simulator at least once. It gave me a new perspective on what police officers have to deal with every day. Growing up, I knew my dad faced danger, but I didn't realize how often a call can turn dangerous. 

Logoverysmall.png

20 Things I Learned about Specialized Law Enforcement in Virginia

/

Recently, Sisters in Crime - Central Virginia hosted a specialized law enforcement panel with officers from CSX Railroad, the Virginia Alcohol Beverage and Control Board, and the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries. Their jobs and jurisdictions are unique, and I picked up some good information for future mysteries. Here are a few things I learned.

  1. The railroad police began with the Pinkerton guards. Allan Pinkerton was also the Father of the Secret Service.
  2. All of these law enforcement agencies work closely with other local, state, and federal groups. They are often involved in special task force efforts.
  3. Railroad tracks are on private property. If you're on them, you're already trespassing.
  4. A lot of modern shipping (retail, HAZMAT, and military) goes by rail.
  5. Train riders (stow-aways) often tag the railroad cars to leave messages for others in their community. Hopping trains is illegal. If caught, you could receive a ticket or be arrested.
  6. If you have an issue or an emergency at a railroad crossing, look for the blue sign at the gate. It has a contact number. If you're stuck on the tracks, notify the railroad authorities on that sign. They can notify any oncoming trains.
  7. Technology helps with safety (e.g. camera on trains and sensors on the tracks).
  8. It takes time to stop a train. A train hits a car with the force that a car would hit a soft drink can. If you get stuck on the tracks, get away from the car.
  9. Trains are quieter now (except for the whistle). If you're on the tracks (and if you have headphones on), you might not hear it.
  10. Virginia prohibition enforcement began in 1934.
  11. Currently there is an exhibit on alcohol and Prohibition at the Library of Virginia. It's called "Teetotalers and Moonshiners." It runs through December 2017.
  12. In the past ABC officers were called revenuers.
  13. If you're interested in the history of moonshine, check out the National Geographic's documentary. A lot of it was set in Virginia.
  14. Game wardens became Conservation Police Officers in 2007 in Virginia.
  15. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries uses science to determine the wildlife populations across the Commonwealth. They decide if hunting/fishing numbers need to be increased or decreased to protect natural populations.
  16. Virginia's Game and Inland Fisheries just celebrated its centennial. For more information, check out its YouTube channel.
  17. Curtilage is the maintained area around a house. This is usually the boundary of where they can search unless there are special circumstances.
  18. Baiting for hunting is illegal in Virginia. Often you will see corn on the ground (deer) or peanut butter on trees (bears) to attract animals.
  19. Blaze pink will be an official safety color in addition to blaze orange.
  20. Coyotes are not native to Virginia, and there are no bag limits on them. If you hunt and fish in Virginia check their publications or website for licensing and restrictions.