Cape Town – City of Cape Town law enforcement officers, whohave increasingly come under attack, are to undergo specialised training tomore effectively deal with stressful and highly dangerous situations.
It was hoped
At least 70 of the city’s officers came under attack in thelast year, which was alarming, safety and security mayoral committee member JPSmith said on Monday.
Traffic officers made up a disproportionately large amountof these attacks, especially when stopping and approaching vehicles.
Various officers had reported being shot at, pelted withstones, and even being bitten.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration would train a numberof the city’s metro police, traffic and law enforcement officers in the nexttwo weeks.
The stress exposure training had been developed for policingagencies in that country as well as for military units in various countries.
Smith said it was unfair to ask officers to make complexdecisions with very little practice. The criminals they dealt with were notforced to play by the rules.
Training would include placing officers in a room with alaser-equipped pistol and interactive video scenarios.
"The officer will have to determine quickly whether ornot lethal force is legally justified or not. At the end of the encounter, theparticipant is required to articulate their actions in accordance with agencypolicies and laws."
The second training system, known as Simunition, would putofficers through realistic training with modified, non-lethal ammunition.
"Simunition provides a 'pain penalty' when hit, forcingthe participants to use good tactics, make proper use of available cover, andmaintain a positive mind-set whether they are with other officers oralone," said Smith.
US Consul General Teddy Taylor said the training was anotherproduct of the long-standing and rewarding partnership with the city.
