Understanding Why Police Officers Say 'Do Not Move' After Shooting Someone

Every now and then, incidents involving police officers and firearm usage make the headlines. In these situations, a common phrase heard is 'do not move.' This article will explore why police officers give this instruction and the implications it has on both officers and the public.

Incidents from Experience

Experience can often provide a clearer understanding of why certain protocols are in place. Let's examine two anecdotes from police officers who have faced life-threatening situations.

Incident 1: Workplace Violence

One particular incident occurred in a workplace where an employee, armed with a knife and revolver, started assaulting colleagues. The supervisor immediately contacted the emergency services, and a swift response ensued.

When the officers arrived, they faced a highly dangerous situation. Initially, the police were unaware of the specific weapons and number of assailants. Upon entering the area, the officers began a sweep to identify the threat. One officer encountered the suspect and, after a non-lethal confrontation, the suspect raised his arm with a gun.

The officer, unable to contain their urgency, fired one round into the suspect's chest. The suspect, though injured, managed to get back up and attempt to shoot the officer again. Multiple officers then fired their weapons, but the suspect's actions forced them to continue shooting. Miraculously, a medical examiner later determined that the first shot was fatal, despite the suspect's initial return to shooting.

In this case, the officer's immediate response and the suspect's resilient actions highlight the critical nature of the 'do not move' instruction. Moving could have led to further injury or even death.

Incident 2: Car Accident Involving Deer

A different incident, though not related to law enforcement, provides a stark contrast in the importance of not moving. A police officer, while riding on a motorcycle, unfortunately hit a deer at high speed. After a few minutes, the officer awoke, seemingly unharmed, and joked with the highway patrol before experiencing excruciating pain and losing the use of their left arm.

This incident underscores that severe injuries may not always be immediately apparent. Similarly, a gunshot wound can be non-lethal and still require immediate stabilization to prevent further harm.

Police Protocol: 'Do Not Move'

The primary reasons for instructing individuals not to move after being shot are:

1. Officer Safety

After shooting a suspect, the officer is still in a dangerous situation. The suspect may still be armed or capable of movement. Instructing the suspect not to move minimizes the risk of further violence and reduces the likelihood of the officer being targeted again.

2. Injury Management

Shooting can cause severe internal and external trauma. Moving can exacerbate injuries, leading to further damage to organs, blood vessels, and other critical structures. Instructing the suspect to stay still helps prevent this.

3. Medical Response

Efficient medical response is crucial post-shooting. Moving an injured individual can complicate medical treatment. It is easier and safer for medical professionals to manage and treat the casualty if they remain stationary.

Public Safety and Home Defense

These principles are not just relevant to law enforcement. They are also applicable to handling potential threats in a home defense scenario.

Learning from Law Enforcement

Homeowners preparing for home defense should use this principle to their advantage. When faced with an intruder, a powerful weapon should be employed to neutralize the threat, not just to stop it from moving. This can make the difference between a successful defense and a failed attempt.

Conclusion

The phrase 'do not move' is not just a procedural instruction but a life-saving protocol. Officers and civilians alike must understand its importance to ensure both safety and efficient medical response. These lessons from real-life experiences highlight the critical nature of staying still after a shooting, whether in a professional or personal setting.