A survey was developed and administered to a population of Mississippi conservation law enforcement officers in order to elicit demographic characteristics and satisfaction with weaponless tactics training. One hundred and four of 253 (41%) surveys were returned for analysis. Respondents were classified based on having <5 years, 5-15 years, or >15 years service. In general, officers with more experience were likely to find weaponless tactics training important but only moderately so. More experienced officers were less likely to find weaponless tactic techniques easy to learn and remember. Additionally, more experienced officers found the techniques for weaponless tactics to be less efficient at controlling aggressively assaulting subjects. Officers felt the number of hours received in firearms training and pressure point control techniques were satisfactory whereas training in other defense areas was less than adequate. More than 60% of respondents indicated that too little time was spent training in verbal tactics, punching techniques, defending punches, kicking techniques, and throwing/takedown techniques. More than 70% of respondents indicated that too little time was allotted for training in defending against kicks, ground wrestling, and gun retention. Over 85% felt there should be an increase in multiple-assailant defense training. This survey indicated a lack of satisfaction in how officers feel they have been trained to protect themselves in their daily work. Thus, the current training system for conservation officers in Mississippi needs to be reevaluated; alternatively, encouragement or incentives for officers to seek additional training outside the agency may be necessary.
