Enhancing Human Performance in Security Operations: International and Law Enforcement Perspectives

In this age of terrorism, world and national security as well as policing the streets of our country have become an increasingly important objective. This book brings together international experts on stress, resiliency and performance. These experts draw on the latest research with military and police personnel to provide an integrated perspective on the psychological pressures involved in this type of work, as well as practical recommendations on how to optimize human performance in security operations. This book examines the research and practical applications to the field of security operations that provide new insights into the common stressors and challenges encountered by personnel and organizations involved in security. The book is divided into three sections. Section I provides basic theoretical perspectives on both social and psychological factors that significantly impact human responses to the high stress demands of security operations. A theoretical model of resilience is presented, with special reference to the police officer�s job. The model includes many of the factors that are addressed throughout the book, and provides a useful framework for considering both the selection and the training issues. Section II emphasizes scientifically grounded, yet practical, approaches for selecting, training, and preparing personnel to function effectively in security operations. Section III presents a collection of both case studies and special life-threatening scenarios that workers and leaders in security operations may face. The training of new police officers in Kosovo and of local demining teams in Sudan and Iraq are addressed, including the contagion in the use of deadly force by police and security workers. The preparation of security personnel to cope with the threat of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials is a special problem, and this book provides positive direction concerning human performance and effectiveness. It will serve as an outstanding resource for defense organizations, local, state and federal police forces, contract security firms, security operations personnel, policymakers, and educators in the military.