According to the author of ES what training must be the number one training priority?

• A. Communication skills
• B. Officer safety
• C. Legal updates
• D. Physical fitness

Answer: (B)

Officer safety is the primary training priority. When safety is the guiding goal, training centers on recognizing and mitigating threats, using proper tactics, and making disciplined decisions under stress to protect yourself and others. This foundation shapes how scenarios are taught—emphasizing situational awareness, threat recognition, de-escalation when possible, and safe use of cover and communication to summon help quickly.

Communication skills, legal updates, and physical fitness are all important components of effective policing, but they support safety rather than override it. Clear communication helps protect everyone involved, legal updates keep actions within the law, and physical fitness enhances performance, yet none guarantee safety in every encounter as directly as training focused on risk assessment and protective tactics.