As firearms instructors we all know how important trigger management is in winning a gunfight, but we often fail to emphasize the importance of language management. Our language could be the key to controlling a suspect, winning a court battle or saving your life.
As we teach officers best methods for off-duty carry of a firearm, our programs should include how to use language in a manner that delivers a clear message to suspects and witnesses, and to responding law enforcement. Short, direct phrases like “Police”, “get down”, “stop”, “drop the knife” are more likely to be heard as forceful and commanding than longer phrases like, “place your hands on your head”, “don’t turn around or face me”, “I’m an off-duty officer with —insert your agency here—”, etc.
As a follow-on to an event, teach your student officers to take a breath then use legally defensive phrases like, “call 911”, “help is on the way”, “off-duty officer”, “don’t make me shoot you again”. Simple language tells everyone that you are NOT a bad guy. Also, make your students rehearse their response for the cavalry when they arrive. Put their firearm away/down in a timely manner, physically get into a non-offensive position and say something like, “Don’t shoot. I’m a police officer!”. Even holding a badge in a low-light environment may be hazardous as it could be mistaken for a harmful item. Be careful about what you are teaching.
Providing off-duty skills training is not complete without including language that is simple, professional and appropriate. Remember, the tongue is like the rudder of a mighty ship which goes as the rudder tells it. Let’s not create a shipwreck. Take a minute right now to consider how in your next firearms training session you can mix language control with trigger control.
Starting today, demand all officer language during use of force training be simple, stern and easily understandable. No offensive or biased-based remarks. No more funny quips after a drill or string of fire. Only professional, fight winning language. Build winning language into your winning tactics.
