Cache.Deals

Oak Park (IL) Police Officer Gunned Down: My Thoughts

Instructor Mike
Published on December 1, 2024
Category: Training & Techniques
Duration: 78:27

Instructor Mike critically analyzes the line-of-duty death of Oak Park Police Detective Allen Reading, highlighting perceived deficiencies in police training and preparedness for active shooter scenarios. He emphasizes the importance of consistent, realistic training, physical fitness, and maintaining tactical awareness, suggesting departments often fail to adequately prepare officers for high-stress situations. The discussion also touches on the psychological impact of the job and the need for officers to prioritize their own readiness.

Tags

Active Shooter Response
Officer Training
Police Tactics
Situational Awareness
Use of Force Continuum
Command Presence
Officer Wellness
Physical Fitness
Oak Park Police Department
Line of Duty Death
Tactical Mindset

Quick Summary

Instructor Mike critiques Oak Park Police Department's training, suggesting a lack of preparedness for active shooter scenarios and emphasizing the need for realistic, consistent training and physical fitness. He highlights tactical insights like observing shoulder movements and the importance of equanimity for officers facing high-stress situations.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction and Live Stream Setup
  2. 00:37Tragic Loss of Oak Park Officer
  3. 01:12Critique of Police Training Standards
  4. 02:21Press Conference with Oak Park Police Chief
  5. 03:24Chief Chatman Johnson's Statement
  6. 04:04Instructor Mike's Personal Reflection on Loss
  7. 05:03Remembering Detective Allen Reading
  8. 06:03Detective Reading's Career and Service
  9. 07:01Incident Details: Man with a Gun Call
  10. 08:35Analysis of Commands Given to Suspect
  11. 09:46Questions on Command Delivery and Officer Positioning
  12. 10:21In-Service Training for Suburban Departments
  13. 10:53Historical Context: Officer Deaths in Oak Park
  14. 11:38Critique of 'Woke' Ideology in Policing
  15. 13:15Detective Reading's Previous Department: Metra
  16. 13:37Training Frequency for Metra Officers
  17. 14:30The Role of Memorial Foundations
  18. 15:49Chicago Officer's Plea: 'Show Me Your Hands'
  19. 16:31Firearms and Switches on the Streets
  20. 17:25The Danger of Complacency in Policing
  21. 18:19Using Tragedy for Necessary Conversations
  22. 19:05Critique of Safety Act and Criminal Brazenness
  23. 20:00Responding to a 'Man with a Gun' Call
  24. 20:44Importance of Video Evidence
  25. 21:00Suburban Policing: Solo Officers
  26. 21:18Detective's Role and Potential Skill Atrophy
  27. 23:22Aggressiveness of Active Shooter Training
  28. 23:40Retired Officers and Training Reluctance
  29. 24:05Potential Lawsuit: Failure to Train
  30. 25:13Litigation Mitigation Training
  31. 25:50Press Conference Continues: Officer Pronounced Deceased
  32. 26:18Thanks to Responding Agencies
  33. 27:20Peer Support and Officer Wellness Programs
  34. 28:02Where are the Department Trainers?
  35. 28:29Personal Accountability: Physical Fitness
  36. 29:09Lack of Physical Fitness Mandates
  37. 29:52Departmental Hesitation on Fitness Standards
  38. 30:43Commentary on Physical Fitness Standards
  39. 31:03Impact of Physical Fitness on Job Stressors
  40. 32:06Handling Stress Under High Heart Rate
  41. 32:14Departmental Failures and 'F Around and Find Out'
  42. 32:54The Command: 'Show Me Your Hands'
  43. 33:15Reaction Time vs. Action
  44. 33:33Focus on Hands in Police Academy Training
  45. 33:42Observing Body Movement: Shoulders First
  46. 34:59Visual Cues: Shoulder Movement
  47. 35:00Interpreting Body Posture and Intent
  48. 35:26Prioritizing Safety: Better Wrong Than Dead
  49. 35:43The Nature of the Game: Policing
  50. 36:01Responding to a Bank Gun Call
  51. 36:13Number of Officers on Scene
  52. 36:45Issuing Commands to the Suspect
  53. 36:54The Safety Act and Command Requirements
  54. 37:07Consequences of Delayed Action
  55. 37:25The Conversation of Giving Chances
  56. 38:00Reading a Suspect's Intentions
  57. 38:14Policing in the Modern Era
  58. 38:23Criminals' Awareness of Police Limitations
  59. 39:04Active Shooter Candidates Pay Attention
  60. 39:10Perception of Police Inability to Act
  61. 39:32Illinois State Police vs. Local Departments
  62. 40:11Illinois State Police Pursuit Policy
  63. 40:35Chicago Police Limitations
  64. 40:46Three Commands Rule vs. Situational Dependence
  65. 41:02One Command Opportunity in Certain Scenarios
  66. 41:18Loudspeaker Commands and Immediate Reaction
  67. 41:41'It's Up and Stuck' - Urban Dictionary
  68. 42:06Policing in the Black Community: Oppression and Wokeness
  69. 42:24Officer Martinez's Death
  70. 42:31Giving Criminals Chances
  71. 43:13Chief's Emotion vs. Departmental Failure
  72. 43:59Woke Ideology and Police Hesitation
  73. 44:06Mama's Advice: Judged by 12, Carried by 6
  74. 44:14Ideal Scenario: Responding to a Gun Call
  75. 44:42Proactive Training and Self-Improvement
  76. 45:15Departments Don't Care About Officers
  77. 45:31Wisdom from Experience, Not Guesswork
  78. 45:40Officers as Replaceable Numbers
  79. 46:01Departmental Bunting and Flag Protocol
  80. 46:24Chicago Police Memorial Foundation
  81. 46:36Ella French and Other Fallen Officers
  82. 46:52Change Requires Officer Action (Arrest Risk)
  83. 47:13Lack of Sympathy for Unwillingness to Sacrifice
  84. 47:21Politicians Don't Care, They Don't Respond
  85. 47:36Balancing Rights with Necessary Action
  86. 47:45Willingness to Face Consequences
  87. 48:16The Nature of the Job: Signing Up for Risk
  88. 48:30Tim McCarthy and the Reagan Assassination Attempt
  89. 49:00Running Towards Danger vs. Mourning Loss
  90. 49:13Celebrating Life vs. Mourning Death
  91. 49:35Mourning Soldiers vs. Officers
  92. 49:49Mindset and Preparation for Death
  93. 50:00Addressing Death with Children
  94. 50:15Death Clock Accelerated in Policing
  95. 50:32Dying Doing What You Loved
  96. 50:50Danger of Being a CPD Officer
  97. 51:06Why Aren't Departments Training for Threats?
  98. 51:11Oak Park's Response to Similar Incidents
  99. 51:27Public Fear and Training Practice
  100. 51:44Public Scare and Frenzy After Incidents
  101. 51:51Oak Park vs. Highland Park Context
  102. 52:03Drone Technology and Preparedness
  103. 52:22The July 4th Incident and Preparedness
  104. 52:30Illusion of Security in Nice Communities
  105. 53:57Soldiers and Marines Sign Up to Protect, Not Die
  106. 54:27Marines' Primary Skill: Killing
  107. 55:02Signing Up to Protect Life
  108. 55:28Focus on Training for Preparedness
  109. 55:41Betting on Officer Preparedness
  110. 56:13Sadness Over Lack of Preparedness
  111. 56:18Coworker's Criticism of Spare Mags
  112. 56:37Guarantee of Lack of Preparedness
  113. 56:59Thoughts and Prayers as a Last Resort
  114. 57:09Cook County Policing: Politics and Failure
  115. 57:24Personal Responsibility for Survival
  116. 57:32Accountability for Overweight Condition
  117. 58:11Intentional Weight Loss Journey
  118. 59:01Intense Workout Schedule
  119. 59:24Enjoying Food vs. Health
  120. 59:41Feeling Healthy and Happy
  121. 59:52Physical Transformation and Clothing Fit
  122. 60:48Steps to Preparedness
  123. 61:00Handling Stress Better When in Shape
  124. 61:15Definition of Equanimity
  125. 62:03Equanimity and Health Connection
  126. 62:31Cardiovascular Fitness and Stress Management
  127. 62:43Necessary vs. Unnecessary Stress
  128. 63:01Interest in Workout Content
  129. 63:13Proof of Fitness Journey
  130. 63:30Starting from Not Running
  131. 64:08Habitual Eating and Workout Tracking
  132. 64:16Cannot Go Back to Being Fat
  133. 64:27Comments on Looking Sick After Weight Loss
  134. 64:44Doing It For Yourself
  135. 65:08Handling Stress Better with Fitness
  136. 65:15Wish Detective Was More Prepared
  137. 65:20Departments Don't Prepare Officers
  138. 65:29Critique of 'Active Shooter Training'
  139. 65:40Airsoft Play Sessions vs. Real Training
  140. 66:13Comfortable Mindset Before a Call
  141. 66:32Recalling Training Years Ago
  142. 66:41Attention to Approach and Scene Entry
  143. 66:54Cover, Concealment, and Positioning
  144. 67:13Playing 'What If' Scenarios on Duty
  145. 67:23Detective Mindset vs. Patrol Mindset
  146. 67:47Maintaining Patrol Skills
  147. 67:56Days Without Incident vs. The 1380th Day
  148. 68:15Damn Thoughts and Prayers
  149. 68:32Tally: Suspect One, Officer Zero
  150. 68:40Pissing People Off to Make Them Think
  151. 68:49Stand Instructor Mike: Was He Right?
  152. 68:55Suspect Injured and Going to Jail
  153. 69:06Begging Suspect to Show Hands
  154. 69:23Suspect Won That Game
  155. 69:41Tough Conversations Needed
  156. 70:07Closing Remarks and Jerry Springer Reference
  157. 70:13Instructor Mike's Sign-off
  158. 70:22Rest in Peace Detective Allen Reading
  159. 70:28Officers Not Learning from Tragedy
  160. 70:34Release of Ella French's Bodycam Footage
  161. 70:57Bodycam Videos in Training?
  162. 71:13Cities Paying for More Training
  163. 71:23Officers Banding Together
  164. 71:36Careful What You Ask For: Woke Town
  165. 71:51Eliminating Qualified Immunity
  166. 72:06Professional Policing Insurance Policy
  167. 72:28Simulated Call for Service
  168. 73:19Officer Refusing to Respond: Insurance Issue
  169. 73:43Lack of Training and Fitness Cited
  170. 73:59Officer Going Out of Service
  171. 74:13Public Liability After Eliminating Qualified Immunity
  172. 75:15Law Enforcement Equivalent of 'Go Woke Go Broke'
  173. 75:30Handicapping Officers
  174. 75:51You Get What You Ask For
  175. 76:07Concluding Remarks and Platform Updates
  176. 76:46Reasons to Be Thankful
  177. 76:54Contemplating Suicide
  178. 77:17Final Sign-off

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main criticisms regarding police training in the Oak Park incident?

Instructor Mike criticizes the Oak Park Police Department for not having its own academy, implying officers are sent elsewhere for training. He questions the depth of specialized training like active shooter response and suggests departments often provide 'litigation mitigation training' rather than true preparedness.

What tactical advice does Instructor Mike offer regarding suspect encounters?

He advises officers to watch for body posture and shoulder movements, as these often precede a suspect drawing a weapon, rather than solely focusing on the hands. He also notes that in high-risk situations, prolonged commands might be detrimental.

Why does Instructor Mike emphasize physical fitness for police officers?

He argues that poor physical condition exacerbates stress responses and hinders performance during critical incidents. Maintaining cardiovascular fitness is linked to 'equanimity,' or mental calmness and composure, which is vital for effective policing under pressure.

What is Instructor Mike's perspective on the role of 'woke ideology' in policing?

He suggests that a focus on 'woke ideology' and political correctness can lead officers to second-guess their actions, potentially hindering their response in critical situations. This, he believes, can contribute to departmental failures and officer unpreparedness.

Related Articles

All Articles →
The Rifle America Keeps Banning: 50 Years of AK-47 Import Restrictions
Explainer20 min read

The Rifle America Keeps Banning: 50 Years of AK-47 Import Restrictions

Canik MC9 Prime: Complete Guide
Gear Deep Dive18 min read

Canik MC9 Prime: Complete Guide

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

Every Officer's Worst Nightmare Caught on Body Worn Camera
Every Officer's Worst Nightmare Caught on Body Worn Camera

This video analyzes a tragic incident where a Canadian Constable was killed. It emphasizes the critical importance of recognizing pre-attack indicators, even in seemingly routine calls like a car in a ditch. The discussion highlights how complacency and normalcy bias can hinder an officer's ability to perceive threats, stressing the need for constant vigilance and preparedness for the worst-case scenario. The importance of spiritual and emotional fitness is also underscored as a means to endure and potentially fight back in extreme situations.

Officer Safety
Pre-Attack Indicators
Channel:Active Self Protection
Category:Training & Techniques
Date: Feb 26, 2026
Duration: 16:32
Hard Advice for the Women in Law Enforcement, Security and Concealed Carriers
Hard Advice for the Women in Law Enforcement, Security and Concealed Carriers

Instructor Mike delivers a critical message to women in law enforcement, security, and concealed carry, emphasizing the need for genuine firearms proficiency beyond perceived job benefits. He stresses that relying on a pistol as a 'security blanket' is insufficient and highlights the dangers of complacency, inadequate training, and improper gear (like long nails interfering with operation). The video urges individuals to take their responsibilities seriously, practice diligently, and develop a proactive tactical mindset to ensure survival in critical incidents.

Firearms Proficiency
Officer Training
Channel:Instructor Mike
Category:Training & Techniques
Date: Oct 20, 2023
Duration: 7:26
D'Boss Firearms is LIVE with The Tactical Rabbi!
D'Boss Firearms is LIVE with The Tactical Rabbi!

The Tactical Rabbi discusses critical aspects of firearms training, self-defense, and legal considerations. He emphasizes the importance of realistic training, including force-on-force scenarios to build stress inoculation and critical decision-making skills. The conversation also delves into the nuances of concealed carry, the psychology of threat assessment, and the legal frameworks surrounding firearm ownership and use in states like New York and New Jersey.

Active Shooter Response
Concealed Carry
Channel:D'Boss Firearms
Category:Training & Techniques
Date: Dec 18, 2025
Duration: 1:12:54
Post-Engagement Scan | Mindset Over Range Theatrics
Post-Engagement Scan | Mindset Over Range Theatrics

This video focuses on the critical mindset and training required for a post-engagement scan following a use-of-force incident. Daniel Shaw emphasizes that the scan is not just a physical head movement but a mental process of actively gathering and processing information. The training aims to develop a proactive and aware mindset rather than relying on rote actions, ensuring individuals truly assess their surroundings and any threats after a critical event.

Post-Engagement Scan
Mindset Training
Channel:GunMagWarehouse
Category:Training & Techniques
Date: Sep 10, 2020
Duration: 5:56
Why Didn’t He Shoot the Hand? The Truth No One Understands
Why Didn’t He Shoot the Hand? The Truth No One Understands

This video from Geauga Firearms Academy debunks the myth of shooting specific body parts like the hand or leg to stop a threat. Instructor Kim explains that the primary goal of using deadly force is to stop the threat, not to kill. He emphasizes that under extreme stress, aiming for small targets like hands or legs is ineffective due to reduced accuracy and the presence of vital arteries in those areas. The instruction highlights that center mass is the recommended target area because it's the largest and most accessible under duress, a principle used by law enforcement and military. The video also stresses the importance of de-escalation and using alternative, less-lethal methods if available before resorting to deadly force.

Threat Stop
Center Mass
Channel:Geauga Firearms Academy
Category:Training & Techniques
Date: Mar 27, 2026
Duration: 10:07
When Eliminating a Deadly Threat, Always Follow Through
When Eliminating a Deadly Threat, Always Follow Through

This video emphasizes the critical importance of 'follow-through' in self-defense scenarios, extending beyond simple marksmanship. It details both the mechanical aspect of resetting the trigger for immediate follow-up shots and the tactical aspect of staying engaged with the threat, following them to the ground, and scanning for additional threats. The instruction highlights the need for continuous threat assessment and readiness to re-engage.

Tactical Follow-Through
Trigger Reset
Channel:Guns & Ammo
Category:Training & Techniques
Date: Aug 14, 2025
Duration: 3:50

More from Instructor Mike

View all →
Another Way to Comply with the Police as an IL Concealed Carrier
Another Way to Comply with the Police as an IL Concealed Carrier

This video provides expert guidance from Instructor Mike on how an Illinois concealed carrier should comply with police during a traffic stop. It details maintaining officer safety, proper disclosure of a concealed firearm, and presenting identification and permits from a lanyard to avoid sudden movements. The instructor emphasizes proactive communication and adherence to safety protocols taught in his courses.

Illinois CCL
Concealed Carry
Channel:Instructor Mike
Category:2nd Amendment & Law
Date: Jul 14, 2022
Duration: 1:01
Carrying your Firearm in a Vehicle
Carrying your Firearm in a Vehicle

Instructor Mike, identified as a Firearms Instructor, provides expert guidance on secure firearm storage within a vehicle. He strongly advocates for carrying the firearm on your person as the most secure method, with shoulder holsters presented as a viable alternative. The video explicitly discourages several common but unsafe storage locations, including between seats, sun visors, door pockets, near the steering column, center consoles, and glove boxes, highlighting the risks associated with each.

Vehicle Carry
Firearm Storage
Channel:Instructor Mike
Category:Tactical & Gear
Date: Aug 23, 2019
Duration: 0:58
When you the police on your sidejob and don’t take it seriously…
When you the police on your sidejob and don’t take it seriously…

This video from Instructor Mike critiques an off-duty officer's poor tactical choices while working a side job. Key takeaways include the dangers of wearing a hoodie that obstructs peripheral vision and the risks associated with using earbuds that diminish auditory awareness. Instructor Mike emphasizes the importance of maintaining situational awareness even when off-duty or in a secondary role.

Off-Duty Carry
Situational Awareness
Channel:Instructor Mike
Category:Tactical & Gear
Date: Jun 27, 2022
Duration: 1:00
Different Traffic Stop. This time, White Chicago Cop. What will be the outcome? #police
Different Traffic Stop. This time, White Chicago Cop. What will be the outcome? #police

This video demonstrates a traffic stop scenario involving Instructor Mike and a Chicago police officer. It highlights the importance of maintaining visible hands during an interaction and provides a practical example of how to communicate effectively with law enforcement. The officer issues a warning for a missing license plate, emphasizing the need for proper vehicle documentation.

Traffic Stop
Police
Channel:Instructor Mike
Category:General
Date: Feb 27, 2023
Duration: 1:01
Find an FFL
Licensed dealers in your area