Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Law-Enforcement (and military) Standards

The new recruit academy started yesterday.  Today they had their first fitness assessment, and for the first time since I got here, there is only one person who is sub-par!  The majority of the class is in decent to good shape, some are mediocre, and as mentioned, one is slightly behind.  Good news, right?

It took a while and many fights with the administration to establish standards for entry.  But as we make this progress I hear of many agencies that are so hungry for bodies that as long as one passes the polygraph test he/she will most likely be hired.

Not only that, academies do everything they can to retain whatever bodies made it into the academy.  tests are manipulated to assure that the weakest link can still pass the tests, extra work and training is provided, and when in doubt we pass the recruit and award him/her the certification.

But are we doing anyone any favors?  Are more bodies, regardless of what shape, are truly better than fewer and better officers?  Is the liability associated with poor officers worth the risk?

And as the title states, similar events are taking place in the military.  From issuing cards for when a soldier is mentally or emotionally stressed, to approval for service of questionable individuals (whether criminally or medically).

Are we doing ourselves a favor or shooting ourselves in the foot?

What do you think?

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein
Masada Tactical, LLC
http://www.masadatactical.com/

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