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 offi cer down: Ambiguous Deadly Force Decisions Under Stress: Josh Shemenski’s Second Shooting SIDEBAR 2: COMBAT BREATHING


Combat breathing (also referred to as deep breathing, autogenic breathing, etc.), is controlled cyclic breathing that lowers blood pressure and stress levels, and reduces the negative effects of adrenaline. Each cycle contains four steps, as follows:


Step 1: Inhale deeply through the nose to a count of four, fi lling the lungs completely from the bottom up.


Step 2: Hold to a count of four. Step 3: Exhale slowly through the mouth to a count of four, emptying the lungs completely from top to bottom.


Step 4: Hold to a count of four. Repeat the cycle at least three more times.


Three cycles will achieve full results, but fewer can be used when there isn’t time for three. The number count for each step can be varied somewhat, as long as it is kept constant throughout the process. The key is to breathe in a methodi- cal, controlled manner while completely fi lling and emptying lungs with each cycle. Elite warriors, athletes, martial artists, and other top performers have been using this technique for centuries as a proven method of controlling the negative effects of stress and improving performance under pressure. Another way to reduce stress is through the use of proper approach, posi- tioning, use of cover, and other sound tactics. Besides achieving a tactical ad- vantage over your opponent, proper tactics give you a greater sense of control and confi dence in your ability to handle the situation safely, which substantially reduces stress. In addition, they give you a little more time to assess possible danger signs before reacting to them, which further improves mental fl exibility. Finally, confi dence in your training and capabilities also creates a greater sense of control, and the greater your sense of control, the less stress you ex- perience. Fear of something you cannot control creates panic and/or rushed, fear-induced decisions. By contrast, fear tempered by a feeling of control is a powerful motivator that clarifi es focus and inspires determination and a winning attitude. But confi dence must be based upon competency; otherwise, it is noth- ing more than a dangerously false sense of security. This is another reason why good training is so important. Besides developing the skills we need to win, it builds a realistic sense of self-confi dence that reduces fear and stress, which in turn further improves performance, decision-making under pressure, and mental fl exibility. Train hard, and train often. Return to Question 4


common speech (e.g. aardvark, plu- tonium, etc.) or a trigger action (e.g., tapping your foot, touching your thumb and ring fi nger together, etc.), and repeat it over and over again as you practice combat breathing. T is will eventually train the subconscious mind to associate the trigger word/ac- tion with the act of combat breathing to the point that it will automatically initiate the process anytime you acti- vate the trigger. Job-related triggers can also be used, such as the sound of a siren, for example. By practicing combat breathing while listening to a recording of a siren, you can create a subconscious trigger that starts the process every time you activate your siren to respond to a hot call or engage in a pursuit, both of which require that you keep stress under control. Another useful trigger to consider developing is the act of taking hold of your radio mic, which can subcon- sciously activate combat breathing every time you use your radio.


Ambiguous Deadly Force Decisions under Stress Deputy Shemenski’s decision not to shoot Mr. Rusk was based upon his ability to quickly and accurately ob- serve and identify the potential threat he faced. T is was a critical decision requiring mental fl exibility, but mo- ments later he found himself in another situation that highlighted the need for a much greater level of mental fl exibility. When he suddenly realized how vulner- able he would be if Rusk tried to grab the shotgun or decided to charge him, he had to make a quick decision about how he would respond if either of those threats materialized. Fortunately, he didn’t have to ex- ecute either decision, because doing so would likely have led to serious consequences. While most of us in law enforcement would agree that ei- ther action on the part of Rusk would have posed a serious threat to Sh- emenski’s life, the use of deadly force


41 The Police Marksman Sep-Oct 2014 www.policemarksman.com


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