In today’s ever-changing landscape, law enforcement officers face increasingly complex situations that demand sharp decision-making, tactical thinking, and critical problem-solving skills. Recognizing this need, our new observational skill builders are designed to add another layer to training by providing short clips or stills that encourage trainees to discuss tactics, critical thinking, and decision-making options in real-world scenarios.

Each clip or still focuses on different environments, such as abandoned homes, commercial properties, or residential areas. These visuals promote a deeper understanding of key factors like potential calls, points of entry, safety concerns, tactics, and approaches, allowing trainees to develop both their skills and their ability to apply them in high-pressure situations.

By examining various environments, officers can apply their decision-making, tactical thinking, and critical thinking skills—such as recognizing threats, determining the best approach, and navigating tight spaces—while building their capability to handle unpredictable calls. The skill builders feature an overhead view of the area, providing more detail of the environment and encouraging discussions about strategic positioning. This helps officers consider important elements like prior call history, lighting, potential hazards, and best approach methods, fostering thoughtful conversation about how to respond effectively.

These exercises may be especially useful to field training officers who mentor and evaluate new recruits. The common practice of “in-car training” using hypothetical incidents would be enhanced with the visuals and prompts provided in these skill builders, offering a more dynamic and engaging learning experience.

Ultimately, the goal is to enhance decision-making and tactical planning, ensuring that officers not only know how to react but also demonstrate the competency to apply their skills effectively under real-world conditions.

Content available under 2025 Vol. 1 packs