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During a life threatening incident the Street Fighter's mind switches to overdrive, gathering and analyzing data and details, scouting out dangers behind every face, every entranceway, every car window. Street Fighters have wired their brains to learn, recall and effectuate what psychologists refer to as "heuristics". These cognitive shortcuts are based on previous experiences and training. It is these shortcuts that cut down on lag time. These shortcuts keep the Street Fighter alive. "Heuristics" allow the Street Fighter to make good legal and tactical decisions, to make them faster than Lucifer and to excel in execution of action.

There is no need to debate whether this LEO's search of the vehicle or his taser deployment was justifiable, that is not the point.

It is not my intention to criticize this LEO from the distant bleachers but it is a zero question that his demonstrated skills need significant improvement. The LEO had poor control of the driver; failed to keep his weapon hand free; poor vehicle positioning; failed to wait for cover officers; had gained so much weight his ballistic vest no longer covered his fat girth; relied on a taser that fails sixty percent of the time; quit the fight and while on his knees ran up the white flag of surrender. The shocking denouement, he was his department's training officer.

Four years at my alma mater, The Citadel, we probably did a zillion burpees exercise. Burpees are a full-body calisthenics workout that builds muscle strength and endurance in both the lower and upper body. To get the most from every rep they must be performed with picture perfect form. Although burpees will totally kick your ass they will keep your from becoming pathetically impotent like this LEO.

Street Fighters should take a moment to study lessons learned from the 11 April 1986 FBI Miami shootout. Within scant moments 145 shots were fired. The forearm of FBI Special Agent Ed Mireles was shredded by a .223 rifle round. With blood cascading down his face, Ed closed the distance killing Platt and Matix. Ed passionately instructed us to fight until either we are dead or the fight is over, but never quit.

Moving off the X is an important and potentially life-saving component in a deadly force encounter. Moving targets are harder to hit and mobility improves tactical advantage. This LEO had a training scar, it was as if his feet were planted in concrete as he drew and shot. He would have been better served if he had moved left, putting the driver's door between himself and the incoming rounds. He would have then stopped the threat by shooting through the windshield.

We must avoid preparing for yesterday's fight but we must prepare for tomorrow's fight on as-of-yet unknown terrain, against an undetermined foe.

Not only for the safety of the police but also for the safety of the general public, the law enforcement structure that gave this LEO a badge quite simply must change. Why do we continue to tie ourselves to the tail of its battered kite? There is an urgent necessity for an immediate, thorough, and realistic re-examination of how we train. Maintaining the status quo is unconscionable.

Semper Fi
Frank White