Force Science News

Force Science News #81
September 25, 2007

Have you tried these distractions?

In a recent report on the value of using distractions to defuse potentially violent confrontations, we invited officers to submit some of their favorite ploys for diverting dicey suspects from thoughts of attacking.

Here’s a sampling of responses we received, along with a trainer’s observations on the need for more emphasis on communications skill instruction.

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Force Science News #80
September 7, 2007

In this issue:

I. Police and sleep problems: Are you a 40%er?
II. Another alarm sounds about tired cops.
III. Of no practical value…just funny.

I. Police and sleep problems: Are you a 40%er?

In law enforcement, you strive to be a 5%er, a symbol of excellence and commitment. But you may also be a 40%er. And that ain’t so good.

After surveying 5,296 LEOs in North America, a Harvard Medical School group reports that nearly 40% (38.8%) of active-duty officers are suffering from sleep abnormalities. These include apnea, insomnia, shift work disorder, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy with temporary paralysis.

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