As RLEOs, we're volunteering to do a dangerous job, period. Getting hurt is an ever-present possibility. And, on our site, in the news area, we've written about the 16 RLEOs killed in the line of duty over the past decade.
The only way to survive is to train, and training's not the most fun thing we do. My agency is blessed with an outstanding training division, staffed with truly dedicated professionals that are absolutely the best in the business. As Reserves, we have access to all of the classes offered by my agency: we're on equal footing. Honestly, I haven't taken advantage of this as much as I need to. And, this is true for most of us.
During the past couple of weeks, I've taken a one day defensive tactics refresher (something you can only get right by practice and repetition); and, a 3-day shotgun course (again, something that you only get good at through physical repetition on the range). So much of law enforcement's skills involve muscle memory and hand-eye coordination: and these are perishable skills that degrade if not practiced.
VLEOA recently put on a training weekend specifically for RLEOs, and more are planned. Here in my jurisdiction, the Oklahoma Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association just completed its annual one-week convention that centers on delivering Oklahoma CLEET-certified training. This includes a range day that's primarily for retired officers who need their annual requal for sidearms. Every time a RLEO trains, everyone wins. Make training a priority. And trainers: THANKS! - we truly appreciate you. Thanks for reading this, and be safe.
