The Startle Reflex

All graduates of ITG’s weapons training programs will recognize the terminology ‘The Startle Reflex.’ It is because of The Startle Reflex that we strongly believe in scanning for threats with the finger OFF the trigger. This may be one example of an instance where such training would have saved the officer from a natural, physiological reaction that will likely be deemed a mistake.

From KSAZ Fox 10 TV in Phoenix, AZ

Police Sergeant Accidentally Shoots Man

Updated: Thursday, 11 Mar 2010, 12:14 PM MST
Published : Thursday, 11 Mar 2010, 5:49 AM MST

PHOENIX - A man wanted for pistol whipping another person is in critical condition after a Phoenix police officer accidentally shot him.

Officers tell us they were looking for the 27-year-old man because he had reportedly hit someone with a gun and threatened to kill them earlier in the day near 45th Street and Baseline Road.

Officers were told the suspect always carried a gun.

While looking for the man, they saw him leave an apartment. A sergeant had his weapon drawn and was turning a corner when he ran right into the suspect.

"He came to him face to face and he startled...and the sergeant's gun went off and struck the suspect in the shoulder." said Sgt. Tommy Thompson of the Phoenix Police Department.

Police say the suspect told people inside the apartment that if police tried to arrest him, he would "shoot it out" with them.

No other injuries were reported.

Thompson says the suspect had a pistol tucked in his waistband.

The 36-year-old sergeant will be placed on administrative leave, standard practice in officer-involved shootings.