Improvised Weapons Identification & Awareness

This is an online only (virtual) training course that is meant to familiarize officers to be alert for and recognize improvised weapons. This course addresses improvised or unique firearms, edged weapons, impact weapons and tools used to escape custody.

This is an online only (virtual) training course that is meant to familiarize officers to be alert for and recognize improvised weapons. This course addresses improvised or unique firearms, edged weapons, impact weapons and tools used to escape custody.

The course includes a PowerPoint slide show that corresponds to the four training videos. The total viewing time for the videos is approximately 35 minutes broken down into four segments. For viewer’s reference there is also a downloadable PDF version of the PowerPoint presentation, perfect for use in taking notes. A course syllabus and extra reading resources are also included in the training materials.

If there are any questions with regard to the content, please contact the instructor:
Lt. Frank Borelli via email to frank@officer.com.

Course Location:

This is a virtual course, offered online only and available to registered users of the Officer Virtual Academy at all times.

Course Description:

This course of instruction is meant to familiarize officers to be alert for and recognize improvised weapons. This course addresses improvised or unique firearms, edged weapons, impact weapons and tools used to escape custody.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites for attending this program.

Course Sequencing:

This course is a personal-knowledge-only (no continuing education or in-service credits) program. It is recommended that the student officer view/attend the following courses before viewing this one:
Boyd’s Cycle Applied to Conflict Survival

Course Objectives:

  • Upon completion, the student officer will be able to identify a variety of common improvised weapons.
  • Upon completion, the student officer will be able to articulate how identifying improvised or unique weapons can assist in justifying seizure of a dangerous item during a “Terry frisk.”

About the Instructor

Lt. Frank Borelli – LE Instructor / Editorial Director
With over 35 years of operational experience and more than 30 years of instructional experience, Lt. Borelli has taught programs involving firearms, defensive tactics, officer survival, active shooter response and more to officers from all levels of government to include city, county, state, federal and military. He remains active in law enforcement, continually training and being trained to keep his skills up to date and sharp. 

Improvised Weapons ID Course Introduction

Improvised Weapons ID Course Syllabus

Improvised-Weapon-ID-Awareness-Course-Handout  

Additional Resources:

Who’s Armed?                                                  (article)

Understanding Dangers of Contact Weapons      (article)

Take Another Look: Common Weapons & Tools (article)

Duty Gear is Good                                                       (article)

Not Enrolled

Course Includes

  • 4 Lessons
  • Course Certificate