EP47 “Time to Stop Shooting: Firearms Simulation Dynamics” with Lon Bartel

Summary

In this conversation, Chris Butler and Lon Bartel discuss the critical intersection of human performance research and law enforcement training. They explore the importance of understanding the time it takes for officers to stop shooting in high-stress situations. The conversation includes the critical human factors involved in the stop-shooting process. Bartel shares insights from his research, highlighting the need for training methodologies and analysis of officer involved use of force events to evolve based on empirical findings. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of bridging the gap between academic research and practical application in law enforcement, ultimately aiming to enhance officer safety and public trust.

Takeaways

• Understanding the time it takes to stop a shooting response is crucial for ensuring fair and neutral investigations take place.

• The psychological refractory period affects decision-making in high-stress situations and can slow down decision making.

• The ‘Flankers Effect’ demonstrates how attention can be diverted in critical moments when important decisions need to be made.

• Training methodologies in law enforcement need to evolve based on research findings.

• Real-world conditions differ significantly from controlled lab settings. Lab research is helpful but should not be transferred directly to operational incident analysis.

• The study found an average of two additional shots fired after a stop signal.

• Future research should focus on realistic threat scenarios for better training outcomes.

For more information about the research or the amazing technology and research by Virtra, contact Lon Bartel at lbartel@virtra.com