Compliance Education is worth investing in!

By: David Willoughby

This past year is one most will not forget.  The virus, police/civilian interactions and the election captured most headlines. When it comes to law enforcement, it seems like mainstream media put most of the focus on police behavior and the result of their actions. Because the focus was mainly on police actions, emotions ran wild and protests, rioting, looting and destruction of property ensued.

But what about the behaviors and actions of the civilian prior to injury, or death?  Did the civilian(s) comply with the police? Nearly 100% of incidents involving police officer inflicted injuries and deaths, the answer is no.

Can you show me a video of a civilian who is fully complying with police and ends up seriously injured or dead?  I can’t. I don’t believe that they exist.  However, I can show you countless videos of civilians not in compliance and ending up injured or dead.

Police decision-making is heavily influenced by the behavior of the civilian.  A civilian’s disrespectful or hostile behavior and failure to follow lawful orders will increase suspicion and risk for police officers. Civilians are putting themselves at risk by not complying. Injuries or death from non-compliance can be prevented if civilians show respect to the officer, obey lawful directions and don’t resist or flee.

So, what’s going on?  Why are so many people not complying with police officers?

Law enforcement officers are required to maintain state certifications and continued training throughout their careers.  Much of their training is focused on civilian interactions.  What kind of classes or education do civilians receive when it comes to police interactions?  The answer is next to none. That is a problem. 

Parents should be teaching their kids from an early age how to interact with police.  The next logical step is to form a community partnership and develop a curriculum within the schools, like adult parenting classes and driver’s education.  Topics should include: How to interact with police, compliance education and knowing your rights and how to file a complaint if you feel you have been treated unfairly.

In 2021, let’s make police relations and compliance education a priority.  Now is not the time to defund the police.  Compliance education is worth investing in and will save lives.  Leadership within the community and law enforcement brass can make this happen.