Reservists learn about judicious use of deadly force

Week 2 is in the books for the ten men and women in the first-ever Park Police Reserves Academy. Taking the lead in instruction for the week was retired chief marshal Edward Toves. The topic? Judicious use of deadly force. 

Reservists intently watch a video of Massad Ayoob, a firearms, self-defense instructor and security advisor. He has taught police techniques and civilian self-defense to both law enforcement officers and private citizens. This played a big part in week two of training the men and women who make up the academy.

Toves has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement. He took an instructors course with Ayoob in 2004. "The law that governs as well as the policies of each law enforcement agency authorizes officers to use reasonable force unfortunately there's going to be times where someone is faced with a suspect who is very dangerous. The officer has to protect himself or herself or even the innocent third party," he said.

Toves says that there are going to be times when the officer may have to use deadly force and if they do, there are a lot of factors that come into play if the suspect dies as a result.  "What the course entails is letting the officer understand their job standards, that they have to take action in accordance with what the law expects- keeping the island safe and of course they have to understand the excessive force part they have to really understand what they go through in this career field...it's important they know that," said Toves.

Along with all the classroom work, reservists tackled action/reaction drills. Park police Col. Joey Terlaje said, "Carrying a firearm is a very big responsibility. So with the judicious use of deadly force training it allows the officers to understand, if a threat presents itself how will be justified in using deadly force in procedure, policy, and law. Its very important for the officers to understand this training before they carry a firearm."

As for what the two hope the officers takeaway, Toves shared, "The firearm around an officer's waist is not only heavy in weight but it's the heaviest item as far as responsibility."

Up next for the reservists is CPR and first aid and basic firearms.