TommyK
5th June 2000, 06:02
Greetings,
Many of my family and friends are in law enforcement. THe NYPD is the organization that most of these individuals work for.
I'm told that in the NYPD, one goes through the 6 month Academy course, (this does vary, but 6 months is the standard)receiving about 20 hours of hands-on 'hand to hand' training. Of this time, the actual time any individual is on the mats varies, but it is not usually more than a couple of hours.
Conversely, the firearms segement is about 40 hours, of safety training, hands on training and practice with the standard service firearm.
After graduation, and for the next 20 years, officers must qualify with these firearms 2-4 times a year. However, there is no requirement for further hands on 'hand to hand' training for the next 20 years.
Given that firearms should be the item of last resort, and that officers use their firearms last than 1% of the time, wouldn't one think that some sort of continuing hands on 'hand to hand' qualification should be mandatory?
My sources say that the weight of the blue wall will substitue for one on one control, and/or they will use their batons, flashlights, any other device available, including firearms, before resorting to using their hands. Of course the last statement, was issued by those nearing the end of their careers.
I apologize in advance for any inaccuracy in the time frames explained to me, and of course as the nephew of an officer killed in the line of duty, I mean no disrespect in this thread topic.
Nonetheless, what do you think?
I'd appreciate any and all comments.
Regards,
TommyK
Many of my family and friends are in law enforcement. THe NYPD is the organization that most of these individuals work for.
I'm told that in the NYPD, one goes through the 6 month Academy course, (this does vary, but 6 months is the standard)receiving about 20 hours of hands-on 'hand to hand' training. Of this time, the actual time any individual is on the mats varies, but it is not usually more than a couple of hours.
Conversely, the firearms segement is about 40 hours, of safety training, hands on training and practice with the standard service firearm.
After graduation, and for the next 20 years, officers must qualify with these firearms 2-4 times a year. However, there is no requirement for further hands on 'hand to hand' training for the next 20 years.
Given that firearms should be the item of last resort, and that officers use their firearms last than 1% of the time, wouldn't one think that some sort of continuing hands on 'hand to hand' qualification should be mandatory?
My sources say that the weight of the blue wall will substitue for one on one control, and/or they will use their batons, flashlights, any other device available, including firearms, before resorting to using their hands. Of course the last statement, was issued by those nearing the end of their careers.
I apologize in advance for any inaccuracy in the time frames explained to me, and of course as the nephew of an officer killed in the line of duty, I mean no disrespect in this thread topic.
Nonetheless, what do you think?
I'd appreciate any and all comments.
Regards,
TommyK