Police Training Focuses on the Dangers of Foot Pursuits

Dalton police officers recently participated in training to learn about the dangers of foot pursuits during 4 hours of in-service instruction.  The training, attended by all sworn members of the department, puts the officer in the field with "bad guys" to chase . 

Foot pursuits are a common occurrence among police officers but training to show officers the dangers associated with them is rarely done.  In light of this, the Dalton Police Department decided to incorporate this training into the department's yearly in-service schedule.

The officers are given four scenarios during the 4-hour block of instruction.  Each is designed to show the officers the dangers of foot pursuits.  "If they are going to err, we want it to be in training where the only damage to the officer is his or her ego", says Sergeant Chris Cooke, the department's training coordinator and one of the instructors for the training.  "Mistakes made in training are not generally repeated in the real world".

Officer Kenneth Brooks, a 26 year veteran of the department, plays the role of bad guy as he is pursued by a Dalton Officer.  The training was done in the downtown area of Dalton around the courthouse.

Detective Mack Flood, left, attempting to take Officer Shuan Scott into custody following a foot pursuit at Dalton Green in Downtown Dalton.  A prior struggle between Detective Flood and the suspect, leaves Officer Scott without a shirt.