Enforcement
Shootings
Tim Snyder
APS-400-OL009
Introduction
900,000 sworn law enforcement officers in the
U.S., which is the highest in recorded history
Most law enforcement officers carry firearm to protect themselves.
Accidents happen in all professions.
When accidents happen during law enforcement, they are highly scrutinized.
Equipment & Lack of
Training
In March 2014, Denver Colorado Police Dept. had two accidental shootings because of equipment being used with firearms.
In both instances, weapon mounted flashlights were used and contributed to the shootings.
Denver police has instituted an immediate ban on all weapon mounted lights until a safety review is conducted.
In both instances, the weapons were fired as officers attempted to turn on their weapon mounted lights
Obviously, not enough training had been conducted to prevent these issues.
A design flaw in the weapon mounted light may also have contributed to the issues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= eP6UvNgbqIA
Above is a famous YouTube video of a DEA agent accidentally shooting himself in the foot.
SUMMARY OF VIDEO
DEA agent giving a weapon safety seminar to inner city youth.
Agent improperly clears his weapon.
Co-worker does not check that the weapon is unloaded. Agent shoots himself in the foot.
Heroically continues seminar.
Human Error
Agent fails to remove the weapons’ magazine prior to locking the slide to the rear.
Coworker does not visually and physically inspect that the weapon is clear.
Agent does not keep the weapon slide to the rear while giving presentation.
Most importantly, the agent did not keep his