The Hidden Impact of “Making It Home” Training on Policing in America

In recent years, the spotlight on policing in America has intensified, raising questions about officer training and its real-world impact. One particular aspect of police training, often referred to as the “making it home” philosophy, has come under scrutiny for its potential influence on officer decision-making during high-stress encounters.
The “making it home” approach emphasizes officer safety as the paramount concern, instilling a heightened awareness of potential threats. While officer safety is undoubtedly crucial, this training mindset may have unintended consequences on police-community interactions and use-of-force decisions.

During stressful encounters, officers trained with this philosophy may experience:

1. Elevated threat perception: The constant emphasis on potential dangers can lead officers to interpret ambiguous situations as more threatening than they may actually be.

2. Rapid escalation: When personal safety is the top priority, officers might be quicker to escalate the use of force in confrontations, potentially bypassing opportunities for de-escalation.

3. Increased anxiety: The persistent focus on threats can elevate stress levels, affecting an officer’s ability to make calm, rational decisions in the heat of the moment.

4. Conflict with community policing goals: The “warrior” mentality often associated with this training can clash with the “guardian” approach advocated by proponents of community policing.

5. Split-second decision challenges: While officers often face situations requiring rapid decisions, the “making it home” mindset may skew these split-second choices toward more aggressive responses.

Critics argue that this training approach may contribute to implicit bias and negatively impact police reform efforts. They suggest that a more balanced training regime, incorporating de-escalation techniques and emphasizing the guardian role of police, could lead to better outcomes in stressful encounters.

Proponents of the “making it home” philosophy contend that it’s essential for protecting officers in a potentially dangerous profession. They argue that officer safety is a prerequisite for effective policing and community protection.

As the debate continues, police departments across the nation are reassessing their training protocols. Many are exploring ways to balance officer safety concerns with the need for improved community relations and reduced use of force.

A Citizen’s Perspective: The Hidden Dangers of “Make It Home” Training

As an average citizen, I’ve come to realize that there’s a significant disconnect between how we perceive police interactions and the reality shaped by police training. Most of us are unaware of the “make it home” mentality instilled in officers, and this lack of understanding can put us at risk.

When I interact with police, my natural assumption is that they can clearly see I’m not a threat. If my hands are empty or I’m not making any threatening gestures, I expect the officer to recognize this. However, I’ve learned that an officer’s training may cause them to perceive threats where none exist.

This realization is unsettling. It means that even when I believe I’m being compliant and non-threatening, an officer might still view me as a potential danger. Their training has conditioned them to be hypervigilant, sometimes at the expense of a more measured assessment of the situation.

For example, a sudden movement to reach for my ID – something I would consider harmless – might be interpreted as a potential threat by an officer primed to expect danger at every turn. This misalignment between citizen expectations and officer training creates a dangerous gap where misunderstandings can quickly escalate.

Moreover, knowing that officers are trained to prioritize their own safety above all else makes me wonder: in a tense situation, will their focus on “making it home” overshadow their duty to protect and serve the public?

As citizens, we need to be aware of this training mindset. While it doesn’t excuse excessive use of force, understanding it can help us navigate police interactions more safely. At the same time, I believe it’s crucial for police departments to reevaluate this aspect of their training. An approach that balances officer safety with a more nuanced threat assessment and de-escalation techniques could go a long way in bridging the gap between police and the communities they serve.

The challenge lies in developing training programs that prepare officers for the real dangers they may face while also equipping them with the skills to defuse tense situations, recognize and mitigate implicit biases, and serve as guardians of public safety.
As we move forward, it’s clear that police training will play a crucial role in shaping the future of law enforcement in America. The ongoing dialogue between police departments, community leaders, and policy makers will be essential in striking the right balance and ensuring that officers are prepared to make sound decisions in the most stressful of circumstances.

Ultimately, for true reform to occur, both citizens and law enforcement need to work towards a mutual understanding. Only then can we hope to create a safer environment for everyone – officers and citizens alike.