Based upon the investigations of hundreds of law enforcement officers line of duty deaths, these TEN DEADLY SINS were found to be the major cause of useless, unnecessary deaths. Will you make one of these errors today or have you done so already?
YOUR ATTITUDE
If you fail to keep your mind on the job while on patrol, or if you carry problems with you into the field, you will start to make errors. It can cost you or other fellow officers their lives.
TOMBSTONE COURAGE
No one doubts that you are brave, but in any situation where time allows - wait for backup, You should NOT try to make a dangerous apprehension alone and unaided.
NOT ENOUGH REST
To do your job you must be alert. Being sleepy or asleep on the job is not only against regulations, but you endanger yourself, the community and all of your fellow officers.
TAKING A BAD POSITION
Never let anyone you are questioning or about to stop get in a better position than you and your vehicle. There is no such thing as a routine call or stop.
DANGER SIGNS
You will come to recognize “danger signs” - movements, strange cars, warnings that should alert you to watch your step and approach with caution. Know your beat, your community and watch for anything that is out of place.
FAILURE TO WATCH HANDS OF A SUSPECT
Is he or she reaching for a weapon or getting ready to strike you? How else can a potential killer strike but with his or her hands.
RELAXING TOO SOON
The “rut” of false alarms. Observe the activity, never take any call as routine or just another false alarm. It’s your life on the line.
IMPROPER USE OR NO HANDCUFFS
Once you have made and arrest, handcuff the prisoner properly.
NO SEARCH OR POOR SEARCH
There are so many places a suspect can hide weapons that your failure to search is a crime against fellow officers. Many criminals carry several weapons and are able and prepared to use them against you.
DIRTY OR INOPERATIVE WEAPON
Is your firearm clean? Will it fire? How about ammunition? When did you fire your weapon last so that you know if you can hit a target in combat conditions? What’s the sense of carrying any firearm that may not work?
