Faulty Logic: Police Training?

Question

Police and security guards are normally subjected to pepper spray training. This training includes the officer/guard being sprayed in the face with pepper spray. This is done so the officer/guard can experience what it is like and still try to perform while under the effects of the pepper spray/Mace/stun gunned/etc.

In my opinion, this is a weak argument for performing this masochistic practice. I have never been shot or stabbed (or pepper sprayed for that matter) but I can well imagine the incapacitating effects of each injury.

What do you think?

So far, you all (answers 1-6) have not gone beyond a pedestrian answer; by your logic officers/security personnel should also be shot so that they know what to expect and still act accordingly.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aje9GLmCP7sbBdKN83EuLMHsy6IX?qid=20060824201505AA0JoFB

Answer 1

To imagine a situation and to actually be in it and feel it are often two very different things. People react differently to things and often it isn't how they thought they would react. By letting them feel the effects if it does happen they will react more calmly then if they don't. A woman who has already been through labor and delivery will handle it better the second time. The first time she is likely to tense up and make it worse for herself. It is the same thing with learning how to deal with the effects of pepper spray and such, by learning to react and experiencing it they are much more likely to react in a way that could save their lives.
You can't compare it to a gunshot wound or a stabbing, the effects of the others wear off and don't cause lifelong damage to them.

Answer 2

well, i think they also do that so that when they need to use it on a criminal, that person cant say he's being subjected to inhumane treatment. every man and woman on the force will be able to say they've done it, and were able to still perform their job immediately thereafter.

and, its to teach them how to remain calm under pressure. if you'd never had it happen, you dont know what to expect, and it would be more of a shock. if you know whats coming, you're not going to get as shocked.

also, a friend of mine is a cop, and he had to tackle a perp once. that individual wouldnt stop resisting, and they needed to tazer him. since my friend was still holding the guy by the arms, he was getting zapped too. so there are instances where a cop needs to know whats happening. if he just felt himself being zapped and freaked out, that guy would have gotten away. but, he knew what to do and remained calm.

ok...... apparently my friend needing to wrestle a man to the ground and feeling the effects of a tazer in a real life situation are "pedestrian" to you.......

yeah, call me crazy, but i'm pretty sure that shooting someone would be really cost ineffective, and then, hell, we need to teach them to get shot in the arm, leg, chest, head...... so, see how that wouldnt work out? why not teach them to die, just in case that might happen? hell, lets kill off mailmen to show them what might happen if a car hops the curb.

inflicting serious injuries would be a stupid idea, theres obviously no preparing for that no matter how much you've experienced it already. i've broken multiple bones, and it didnt help any time it happened again. cant imagine getting shot would help you the next time either. whereas knowing the effects of pepper spray or a tazer can actually present useful knowledge.

but, it is now clear that you've made up your mind and are only looking for agreements, not another opinion. and i find it funny that you're so sure its so intolerable when you've never experienced it.

dont sign up for police academy, and dont break any laws, you'll be fine.

Answer 3

The whole point of pepper spray is that it isn't the same as being shot, so your comparison doesn't really work.

Besides, a little empathy is generally a fine thing to learn, if possible.

*******

I will reiterate - being shot and being maced are entirely different experiences. The entire point of mace is that it is not permanently debilitating nor is it deadly. Therefore, it is possible to let people experience this without any serious harm; the same can not be said of being shot. Therefore, your suggestion that one equates with the other is faulty.

I'm guessing they may have these people experience what it's like to wear handcuffs as well, but this obviously doesn't mean we have to toss them in prison for fifty years so they can experience that.

Answer 4

This is done so you will be prepared in case you are sprayed with pepper spray. You can't understand these effects unless you can feel them. If you are not prepared for anything you can be taken by surprise and seriouly hurt..the effects of pepper spray has different effects on all people.you should experience your effect to be ready! Don't be a baby it'd not going to kill you, and you might like it..

Answer 5

If you are ever in the military you would also get to feel the symptoms of tear gas first hand. Rather enlightening and sinus clearing.

Answer 6

My view on this is that it gives the trainees an idea that this is not stuff to be used lightly - - - otherwise they'd just use it too often.

Toodles

Answer 7

I think it shows them what it really feels like so they won't be tempted to overuse or abuse the privalege.