The Silent Aftermath: Performance and Debriefing of Officers Who Deploy Their Firearms

Police work can be a challenging and dangerous profession, especially for those who must use lethal force as a last resort. This article explores what happens to a police officer’s senses and cognitive capabilities during a critical incident where they are forced to shoot their firearm. Based on experiences from ALERRT instructors and firsthand accounts, we will examine the sensory and memory effects of deploying firearms under pressure.

Introduction to Police Shooting and Training

According to the experiences of a Police Officer who never had to use his weapon in the line of duty, the stress and physical impact of a critical incident are both profound and immediate. Being a part of the ALERRT (Armed Law Enforcement Response and Rapid Tactics) instructor cadre, he trained officers in active shooter response. In one such training, he played the role of the bad guy and experienced firsthand what it is like to be involved in a deployment scenario.

This officer provided valuable insight into the sensory and cognitive changes that occur during a critical incident. He recalls being under the intense noise of a flashbang and immediately discharging a magazine from a simunitions M4 rifle, all without the ability to hear properly. As a result, he had to sleep with a fan on high for a long time afterward, a measure to alleviate auditory overstimulation. This story highlights the importance of wearing appropriate personal protective equipment during training and deployments.

Lack of Sensory Perception During Critical Incidents

During a critical incident, the human body often suppresses certain sensory perceptions to focus on survival. As Tim Dees, an experienced officer, attests to, there is often a significant disconnect between what one thinks they heard and what they actually heard. Tim reported experiencing muzzle flashes but no audible sound from the shots fired at him during an encounter, despite having a walkie-talkie and communicating with dispatchers.

Another officer, William Hix, provided an even more vivid account of his experience. He noted that firing his .357 Magnum revolver in a small neighborhood bar resulted in a much milder sensation than he expected. He described the flash and noise as faint, compared to the expected impact of such a powerful weapon. Post-shooting, he was able to hear every word of his immediate communication with dispatchers, indicating that auditory abilities quickly return to normal.

Training and Firing Range Experiences

Frequent practice at the firing range is crucial for maintaining proficiency in firearm deployment. However, the impact of the shooting itself is often less intense compared to a real-life scenario. According to this officer, it is rare for the noise of firing to be loud enough to cause long-term hearing damage. He shared the opinion that even military and civilian ranges do not typically generate volume levels that would impair hearing.

The training and practical exercises in law enforcement focus on equipping officers with the skills to make quick, informed decisions under immense pressure. While the sensory experience during actual deployment may vary significantly from the controlled environment of the firing range, the goal is to ensure that officers are prepared for any situation that may arise.

Conclusion and Reflection

The unique experiences shared by these officers paint a vivid picture of the sensory and cognitive effects of firing a firearm in a critical incident. The impact on hearing, memory, and overall perception underscores the importance of proper training and personal protective gear. Officers must be prepared to handle the sensory overload that can accompany such events, both during and after deployment.

While these experiences highlight the challenges and potential effects of deploying firearms, it is important to acknowledge the broader context of police work and the ongoing efforts to improve training and safety protocols. The insights provided by these seasoned officers offer valuable perspectives that can inform both training and policy development in the law enforcement community.