Thinking Man's Corner

Article By: Terry B. 

In law enforcement, split-second decisions often determine whether an officer gains control of a dangerous encounter—or is forced into a reactive posture. One area where this reality becomes especially clear is firearms training. Modern police work requires officers to be fluent in three core movement-and-engagement skills:

1. Shoot, then move
2. Move, then shoot
3. Shoot while moving

These aren’t advanced tricks reserved for tactical teams—they’re essential skills for every patrol officer. Here’s why. 

1. Shoot, Then Move: Stopping the Immediate Threat

When a threat is so close, or so imminent that hesitation could cost lives, officers may need to fire before they can move to a safer position. In these moments, accuracy is critical. Delivering controlled rounds from a brief stable stance can stop the threat long enough for an officer to reposition.

Why it matters:

• Some encounters require immediate accuracy before anything else.

• A moment of stability helps ensure rounds go where they must, especially with people or homes behind the threat.

• Officers can articulate: “The threat was so immediate that I had to stop it before moving.”

Immediate action, followed by smart movement, saves lives. 

2. Move, Then Shoot: Creating Time, Distance, and Better Angles

Not every threat demands instantaneous fire. Sometimes the safest—and most professional—response is to move first. A quick lateral step or movement to cover buys valuable time and may prevent injury altogether.

Why it matters:

• Even a short sprint or sidestep disrupts the attacker’s ability to target the officer.

• Movement may reposition the officer away from bystanders or into cover.

• It reduces the chance of crossfire and collateral damage.

Creating distance can be as important as creating accuracy. 

3. Shoot While Moving: Realistic Skills for Realistic Fights

Officers rarely face static, predictable dangers. Suspects move. Officers move. Cars move. People flee. Environments change by the second. Because real-life threats don’t pause for perfect stances, officers must be able to deliver effective fire while in motion.

Why it matters:

• A moving officer is harder to hit.

• Officers may need to reach a downed partner, evacuate a victim, or maneuver to safety while still addressing a threat.

• “Combat-accurate” hits—not target-range perfection—are what stop real threats.

Movement keeps officers alive; accuracy keeps the public safe. Both must coexist. 

Why This Training Matters

Modern policing requires officers to make decisions in fluid, rapidly changing circumstances. Mastering all three movement options ensures officers can respond appropriately based on:

• The threat level

• The presence of bystanders

• Environmental hazards

• Legal standards of objective reasonableness

No single technique fits every situation. The ability to seamlessly transition between them protects officers, protects the public, and strengthens the integrity of every use-of-force decision. 

Final Thought

Police work isn’t static, and firearms training can’t be either. By training to shoot then move, move then shoot, and shoot while moving, officers build confidence and competence in situations where hesitation or rigid habits could be costly.

These skills are not just tactical…they’re professional. They reinforce the mission every officer carries into the field: protect life, preserve safety, and return home at the end of the shift.