Real-Life Decision Making
Police officers deal with tough life-and-death decisions on a daily basis.
For dog handlers, these decisions can be even more difficult, since they are
often forced to make choices that could endanger the life of
their dog.
You've been called to a scene where a murder suspect has barricaded himself
inside a house. He's armed with a gun and has threatened to kill anyone who
comes near him. A SWAT team -- a team of tactical police officers -- is also
present at the scene.
Your dog is trained to apprehend suspects directly, meaning he runs straight
up to suspects and grabs them.
The SWAT team is trained in indirect attack. They find ways to force suspects
to surrender, rather than moving in at once and overpowering them.
You have a decision to make. You could send your dog into the house to
apprehend the suspect, or you could let the SWAT team officers handle the
situation.
Knowing the suspect is wanted for murder, you realize he probably wouldn't
think twice about shooting anyone who approaches. If your dog entered the
house, he would very likely be killed.
However, if the SWAT team tries to apprehend the suspect, there is a possibility
that an officer could be injured or killed.
What are you going to do?