The Bite – September 2014
Demilitarizing Law Enforcement What happened to Protecting and Serving? By Mark “Six” James
Whether I am training law enforcement officers, bodyguards or private citizens most have heard me say "situation should always dictate the tactics and the tools." Make no mistake about it, there are situations where local law enforcement clearly needs military style tools and tactics. Some examples that come to mind, the heavily armed North Hollywood bank robbers, Ft. Hood Shooting, Anders Behring Breivik - Oslo Bombing and Mass Shooting, Kenya Mall Mass Murders, heavily armed gang suppression activities, engaging and apprehending drug cartels etc. However the recent Ferguson, MO build up and display of force highlights the downside of not small town policing but small mind thinking. The Bite – “Demilitarizing Law Enforcement”
As a firearms and combative instructor I always remind people "weapons don't make you a better warrior they just extend your reach." The recent debacle led by Ferguson police Chief Thomas Jackson highlights when you take your focus off the mission you always employ the wrong tactics. As the chief law enforcement officer while you oversee the police department you still work for the people. The community is not your adversary. The mission of police forces across the world is to protect and serve. Not harass and intimidate. Routinely we have seen the most effective form of police interaction is old fashion community policing. That is built on the cornerstone of mutual respect and transparency. That is not to say police officers don't make arrests or get involved in situations involving force it just means the communities believe you are objective in the execution of your duties and
The Bite – September 2014
the force applied is consistent with the force being used against you or necessary to protect public safety and interest.
Mark “Six” James is Founder and Executive Director of Panther Protection Services, LLC, and an internationally published author and keynote speaker.
Compare and contrast the interaction of Missouri State Police Captain Ron Johnson's current approach. The situation is not any less volatile or intense however his approach was to get out in the community and remind the citizens that this is our community. He reiterated that people should not feel any less concerned but there is a process of healing, bringing closure to the incident, learning and most importantly restoring public trust. He also walked the streets with the protestors and reminded them that we cannot tear down our buildings and fabric of the communities in your frustration. He too has access to all of the same equipment officers and tools but realizes the greatest tool of civil obedience is public trust, not the badge, gun or uniform. The citizens of Ferguson are not armed terrorist or combatants so armed hummers, urban assault vehicles and assault weapons have no place with unarmed protestors. Tools in the absence of training and integrity will never be an effective method of policing and crowd control they will only serve to elevate tensions and accelerate the possibility of injury to both citizens and law enforcement officers. It will never be about the tools or tactics parse but understanding how and when to implement them.
The Bite – “Demilitarizing Law Enforcement”
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