| Title: | Training and decision-making in police firearms use : evidence from a survey of Slovenian police officers |
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| Authors: | ID Knez, Miroslav (Author)
ID Krope, Srečko (Author) |
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| Files: |  RAZ_Knez_Miroslav_2026.pdf (1,00 MB)
MD5: 61363F6B9739EE04DF9DBCDD7C743B11
 https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/orga-2026-0016
RAZ_KNEZ_Miroslav_2026.pdf (1,29 MB)
MD5: E9AF6C0BAECD85480185460F88DF1005
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| Language: | English |
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| Work type: | Article |
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| Typology: | 1.01 - Original Scientific Article |
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| Organization: | FOV - Faculty of Organizational Sciences in Kranj
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| Abstract: | Background/Purpose: The use of firearms represents the most severe coercive measure in policing and requires a high level of legal knowledge, technical competence, and psychological preparedness. Although the use of firearms by the Slovenian police is relatively rare, decisions regarding their deployment involve significant legal, ethical, and organizational consequences. The purpose of this study is to examine police officers’ preparedness for the use of firearms and their perceptions of the existing training system.
Methods: The study is based on a quantitative survey conducted among police officers working in operational units across Slovenia. A total of 359 valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed. In addition, official police statistics on the use of firearms between 2014 and 2024 were examined to provide a broader contextual framework.
Results: The results indicate that police officers generally assess their knowledge of the legal framework governing firearm use as high and perceive the legislation as largely clear. However, a substantial proportion of respondents express doubts regarding decision-making in stressful and unpredictable situations. While most officers participate regularly in firearms training, many consider the frequency and practical orientation of such training insufficient, particularly with regard to scenario-based exercises and decision-making under stress.
Conclusions: The findings highlight a gap between formal knowledge and perceived operational readiness, suggesting the need for more frequent, realistic, and simulation-based training approaches. From an organizational perspective, continuous and practice-oriented training represents a key factor in ensuring lawful, safe, and effective use of firearms in police work. |
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| Keywords: | policing, use of force, firearms, police training, decision-making, survey research |
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| Publication status: | Published |
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| Publication version: | Version of Record |
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| Submitted for review: | 21.01.2026 |
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| Article acceptance date: | 06.05.2026 |
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| Publication date: | 18.09.2026 |
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| Year of publishing: | 2026 |
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| Number of pages: | str. 259-270 |
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| Numbering: | Vol. 59, issue 3 |
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| PID: | 20.500.12556/DKUM-100521  |
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| UDC: | 351.741(497.4) |
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| ISSN on article: | 1318-5454 |
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| COBISS.SI-ID: | 291573251 |
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| DOI: | 10.2478/orga-2026-0016 |
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| Publication date in DKUM: | 22.09.2026 |
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| Views: | 59 |
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| Downloads: | 0 |
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| Metadata: |    |
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| Categories: | Misc.
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