By Brian Willis

Winning is about offense. In order to win officers need to be conditioned to act and think offensively rather than defensively. In a sporting event if a team only ever plays defense the best they can hope for is a tie, which still earns them a point in the league standings. On the street there are no ties, and a loss for a law enforcement officer can have tragic consequences. In sports the term ‘sudden death overtime’ creates tension and excitement for the viewing public; for law enforcement officers it can mean adding another name to the memorial walls. Officers with the winning mind treat every block as an offensive technique designed to attack and negate the assailant’s deliver system. These officers accept that every situation is winnable knowing that this is not the superman syndrome, but an acceptance that if they are in it, they will win it.

Winning is about being the predator, not the prey. For many people the word ‘Predator’ conjures up very negative images. They tend to think of the seedy element of society who prey on the weak and the elderly, or sexual predators. As a result, it is difficult for many law enforcement officers to understand that the ‘Predator Mentality’ plays an integral role in the Winning Mind. To assist in developing an understanding of the positive aspects of the predator mentality let us look to the animal kingdom. When asked to list the positive traits of predatory animals, those traits and characteristics that allow them to be successful, officers list such qualities as:
Physical quickness, speed, strength and power
Mental calmness, focus, control and confidence
Controlled aggression
Environmental awareness including the use of concealment, cover and movement
Understanding one’s opponent
Commitment to the goal/mission


Without these traits these animals do not survive. Because we admire and appreciate these traits the images of predatory animals are often used as symbols of strength, power, and unity. Taking a step back and examining the list it becomes apparent that these are the same qualities trainers and organizations work to instill in law enforcement officers during officer safety, firearms and subject control tactics training. The same traits that make the difference between success and failure, life and death in the animal world can also make the difference between being the victor and the victim for law enforcement professionals involved in violent altercations.

Trainers may have numerous obstacles to overcome in order to instill this attitude in new recruits. Many of these new officers have never been in a real fight and some have never played contact sports. As a result, they have no idea what it is like to get punched or kicked, to have someone threaten them or to experienced any form of interpersonal human aggression. Some have been taught since they were small children that it is wrong to fight, others are taught to always play fair and many are told at home and at church that it is wrong to kill. New officers must understand that they will be exposed to elements of society raised in a culture of violence where they were taught that you must fight to get what you want and protect what is yours. They must accept that there are those people on the street and in the prisons who are prepared to hurt or kill a cop or corrections officer to accomplish a goal or make a point. Trainers need to ensure that they are conducting dynamic and realistic confrontation simulation training. This allows new officers to experience interpersonal human aggression and be successful in defeating a variety of threats. It also serves to inoculate them to the stress of violent confrontations.

Embracing the shift in philosophies from Survival to Winning will yield positive results for trainers who are committed to keeping their officers safe and ‘Keeping the Walls Bare’.