Kim Fundingsland/MDN What would you do? In this training scenario a student of the Minot Police Citizen’s Academy responds to a report of two men engaged in a heated argument.

The final of four sessions of the Minot Police Citizen’s Academy tackled the issue of use of force. Starting in the classroom, participants learned about the various considerations that every police officer must quickly process when deciding whether or not to use force as a means to possibly resolve a situation.

Master Police Officer Aaron Moss, who conducted the academy, explained the reasoning behind the “use of force” presentation.

“The purpose is to show the general public the other side of the story when sometimes people question use of force, which they should do,” stated Moss. “It’s an in-depth look at legal and procedural requirements.”

Some conditions must be met to justify use of force. Among those are the severity of the crime, a threat, or an individual resisting arrest. However, said Moss, it also must be determined what response is reasonable or necessary during a particular situation. Adding to the mix is that prosecution and defense attorneys are not likely to agree on a common definition.

“Cops should be able to de-escalate a bad situation, I agree,” said Moss. “But we don’t have a magic wand either.”

To emphasize the quick decision making, perhaps life and death decisions, that police are confronted with, participants moved from the classroom at City Hall to the Law Enforcement Training Center in Trestle Valley. There they were asked to play the role of police officer in various training scenarios.

“They were faced with shoot or no-shoot decisions,” said Moss. “Even veteran officers can’t rely on experience alone. That’s why we constantly have to train, intellectually and well as physically.”

The Citizen’s Academy was originally scheduled to be held earlier in the summer but delayed due to coronavirus. Moss said he expects the academy to return for another session in 2021.

“Absolutely. Even with the pandemic restrictions we still had very good public interest and are very happy to continue this program,” said Moss.