Use of Force

P&S ModCast 449 — Priority of Life & Emotional Intelligence

by

P&S ModCast 449 examines priority of life and emotional intelligence across several use-of-force applications. Chris Cypert, Doug Deaton, Erick Gelhaus, Michael V., Claude Werner, and Matt Landfair discuss how sound judgment, communication, self-awareness, and a clearly understood hierarchy of concerns shape better decisions under pressure. Released: March 14, 2026Runtime: 3 hours, 4 minutesHost: Matt LandfairPanel: … Read more

Muzzle Discipline and Judgment in Modern Policing

by

There is a troubling mindset issue in law enforcement regarding muzzle orientation during room clearing and encounters with unknowns. Officers point guns at people far too often. Pointing firearms at unknowns is an unacceptable practice. Even pointing a muzzle at a suspect is not always justified or prudent. This is a rule 2 violation. Those … Read more

Police Use of Force and the 4th Amendment

by

There are some common concerns expressed about the Pretti shooting, one being that it was an “execution.” Additional concerns include officers having no justification in shooting because there is a belief Pretti was completely unarmed and harmless, and he being shot in the back is exceptionally egregious. Let’s review the standard and then delve into … Read more

Understanding LE Use of Sprays

by
Law-enforcement vehicle deploying an orange chemical-agent cloud during a street disturbance

If you have had some form of training with the use of defensive sprays, you know there are tactics used with them as well as specific distances for the products to be effective as well as ranges where they become potentially dangerous. Within these guidelines are minimum safe distances. Using the products too close to … Read more

Assessing the Pretti Incident

by
Split image of Alex Pretti on the left and Renee Nicole Good on the right.

Before I get into the post, let’s establish the standard of lawful use of deadly force. Alex Pretti Incident: What Can Be Assessed Deadly force is lawful when one perceives an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury to oneself or another. This determination is reviewed judicially as in the moment, without the benefit … Read more

Active Shooter, Law Enforcement, and Citizen

by

This is not a discussion of the tragic event in Texas. This is a generic overview discussion about active shooter incidents, the every day carry citizen, and how it relates to law enforcement response- a rational and non-emotional discussion from 10,000 feet. Hopefully this provides context to what people see and why it occurs. Public … Read more

A No Knock Editorial

by

No knock warrants are an interesting animal. In my opinion, they are valid and applicable in only extreme situations where people’s (citizens not responding cops) lives are potentially in danger. Rescuing dope is not a valid use of no knocks. Does this mean all prior no knocks have been good actions free of Constitutional violations? … Read more