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Developing a Scenario-Based Training Program: Giving Officers a Tactical Advantage

NCJ Number
211874
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 74 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2005 Pages: 1-8
Author(s)
Michael D. Lynch
Date Published
October 2005
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article defines, describes, and explains the concept and objectives of scenario-based training; a realistic situation that law enforcement officers can use to develop and refine their skills.
Abstract
In today’s world of terrorism, law enforcement officers face many new and uncharted threats that their training may not have covered. To counter this, scenario-based training was created to give officers a tactical advantage and prepare them for life-threatening events. Scenario-based training is an amalgamation of knowledge and skills-based training, incorporating psychomotor coordination and reinforcing a survival mind-set in the student officer. To best understand scenario-based training, this article provides detailed information on understanding the concept of scenario-based training, establishing training objectives, organizing the program, preparing the participants through adequate instruction, developing the scenario, and finding the required resources to operate the program. In the end, experienced officers know the one with the best plan, along with a survival mind-set and a strong will to succeed, usually wins. 1 Endnote