Decisions for Patrol Officers
This month, we introduce a type of ShadowBox exercise we call ShadowBox Lite (SBXL), which is an abbreviated scenario with minimal set-up and only one decision point. The idea is to distill the decision down to its essence. Here we offer six SBXLs from law enforcement.
Welcome to our featured scenario of the month! We use this format to share a unique scenario that highlights an interesting problem, an emerging topic, or a new scenario format. As you read through the scenario, think carefully about how you would handle the situation – what stands out to you, what do you think is going on, and what would your priorities be if you found yourself in this situation? We suggest recording your choices and decision rationale so that you can compare your decisions with the experts at the end of the scenario. Read on to find out how you stack up against expert decision makers for the SBXLs below.
SBXL #1
You are responding to a call in a residential neighborhood at 2315 hours. A homeowner reports noises downstairs and believes there is an intruder in the home. As you turn onto the street in your squad car, you see a person get into a sedan parked at the curb directly across the street and speed away. What do you do?
| Selection | Option |
|---|---|
| a. Pursue and stop the vehicle to investigate a possible suspect. | |
| b. Report the vehicle to another unit and continue to the scene. |
Take a moment to consider your reasons for your decision.
SBXL #2
You respond to a domestic disturbance call. A man reports that his 20-year-old son James, who has mental health issues, has threatened him with a hand saw. You and your partner arrive to find the father waiting at the end of the driveway. He reports that the son is alone inside the house. You look through the front door window and see that the front room is unoccupied. You knock, and you and your partner enter, announcing yourselves. Shortly, James enters holding a 30-inch bow saw. You tell him to put it down. He says, “Take it from me.” What do you do?
| Selection | Option |
|---|---|
| a. Approach James slowly while showing him the palms of your hands and attempting to start a conversation. | |
| b. Conduct a tactical withdrawal to the front porch to create time and space and begin a conversation from there. | |
| c. You and your partner maneuver into the room to disarm James, with one of you going hands-on and the other providing lethal cover. | |
| d. You and your partner maneuver into the room to disarm James, with one of you employing the TASER and the other providing lethal cover. |
Take a moment to consider your reasons for your decision.
SBXL #3
At 2035 hours you respond to a domestic violence call. A woman reports that her boyfriend has punched her several times in the face and departed the residence. She says she is bleeding and in need of first aid. There are two young children in the house. She provides a detailed description of the suspect. She says she has a restraining order against him. A records check confirms that he is awaiting trial for domestic battery. Another officer is also responding. As you approach the address, you spot a male matching the suspect description walking toward you on the opposite side of the street. What do you do?
| Selection | Option |
|---|---|
| a. Detain the suspect for questioning. | |
| b. Report the suspect but continue to the house. |
Take a moment to consider your reasons for your decision.
SBXL #4
You’ve pulled over a driver for speeding midday. She rolls down the window a few inches to provide her license and other documents. A records check reveals that the driver has two prior citations, but no warrants or criminal history. The driver is agitated and not easy to hear with the window rolled mostly up, but you make out she clearly does not trust police officers. You ask the driver to step out of the vehicle, planning to conduct a plain view search, but she refuses. What do you do?
| Selection | Option |
|---|---|
| a. The citation can wait until the driver complies with verbal commands to exit the vehicle. | |
| b. End the stop and issue the citation at a later date. | |
| c. Forget the plain view search; finish writing the citation and end the stop. | |
| d. Call for an additional unit. If the driver continues to refuse, arrest her for obstruction. |
Take a moment to consider your reasons for your decision.
SBXL #5
You respond to a domestic disturbance call. A woman reports that her ex-boyfriend, against whom she has a restraining order, has showed up and threatened her. By the time you and your partner arrive, the woman reports that she has left but the boyfriend is still there. You go to the back door, which is ajar. You call out. A male voice answers. You push the door open into a kitchen. The suspect appears from an adjoining room. You tell him you want to talk. He says you will have to kill him. You repeat that you just want to talk. As he approaches you, he takes a large knife out of the drying rack by the sink. You tell him to put the knife down. He says, “Shoot me!” as he continues to approach. You back out. He slams the door. What do you do?
| Selection | Option |
|---|---|
| a. Make tactical entry immediately to catch him by surprise, with one of you employing the TASER and the other providing lethal cover. | |
| b. Go around and enter from the front of the house to surprise him, with one of you employing the TASER and the other providing lethal cover. | |
| c. Tell him you’re coming in without your weapon drawn and you want to talk. | |
| d. Establish a perimeter and attempt to start a conversation, while requesting a negotiator. |
Take a moment to consider your reasons for your decision.
SBXL #6
As you pull over a vehicle for running a stop sign in a residential area, the driver exits and appears agitated as he approaches your patrol car. You exit and begin to order the driver back to his vehicle when you hear him say that he has to get home quickly to check on the health of his mother. You ask if he needs an ambulance. He says he isn’t sure, but that he is worried about her. He appears frustrated, switching between pleading and anger as he clarifies his mother is a diabetic, he can’t get in touch with her, and he has to go immediately. He says she is only three blocks away. What do you do?
| Selection | Option |
|---|---|
| a. Call for an ambulance to check on the mother while you finish the traffic stop. | |
| b. Call an ambulance and follow the driver to the residence. | |
| c. Issue the citation quickly to get the driver on his way. | |
| d. Get the driver’s information and issue the citation later. |
Take a moment to consider your reasons for your decision.
Click the link below to see how your choices compared with a panel of law enforcement experts!