Blue to Gold | University

Today’s officers operate under a microscope when it comes to use of force. Public expectations are high, and every decision—especially those made in split seconds—can be second-guessed in court or the media. This course tackles the unique challenges officers face when dealing with suspects armed with edged or blunt weapons, focusing on what the law allows, what human performance science shows, and how to apply both in the field.

Cops will take a closer look at the realities of reaction time, distance, threat perception, and the use of force spectrum. The course connects those real-world pressures with the legal standards that govern officer behavior, helping officers understand how courts evaluate the reasonableness of a use of force decision in these specific situations.

What You’ll Learn

• Reaction Time and Human Limits
  Understand how quickly threats can escalate and how that impacts what courts consider “reasonable.”
  
  

• The Role of Distance
  Learn how proximity to the threat affects use of force decisions and legal outcomes.
  
  

• Edged and Blunt Weapon Threat Dynamics
  Explore the risks posed by knives, bats, pipes, and similar weapons, and how to assess them properly.
  
  

• Use of Force Legal Standards
  Review key case law guiding what’s considered reasonable when facing potentially lethal weapons.
  
  

• Totality of the Circumstances
  Examine how courts weigh officer training, warnings, suspect behavior, and timing in use of force reviews.
  
  

By the end, officers will walk away with a clearer grasp of how to assess these high-risk encounters, how courts evaluate their decisions, and how to articulate their actions in a way that holds up both legally and professionally.

Certificate: 2 Hour

Credit: In-service credit available in many states