Law enforcement is one of the most visible yet least understood professions. After a number of high profile officer involved shootings in Oregon the legislature required each county to devise a system for managing these types of incidents. Among other things Lane County decided to create a video that would address common misconceptions the public has regarding law enforcement officers and their tactics.
The three biggest assumptions are addressed right away in the 17 minute video:
- Civilians commonly expect “these events to defy the laws of physics.”
- Officers are expected to “defy the limits of human performance” by having “perfect memories and perfect decision-making, when research clearly shows” that to be impossible.
- “The judgement of police officers is often based on myths, assumptions, and personal opinions that may not necessarily be true.”
I was made aware of this video from a website called Force Science Institute. You can view the video on YouTube or watch it below.
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