NEW “OPERATIONALLY CONSTRAINED ENVIRONMENTS” STUDY NEEDS YOUR INPUT!

Calibre Press instructor Dr. Richard Hough, a Professor of Practice in the Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology at East Tennessee State University, is spearheading an important new study focused on better understanding how officers perceive the effects of operationally constrained environments (e.g., bathrooms, hallways, stairwells, vehicles, jail cells, bedrooms, etc.) on professional observation, movement, communication, coordination, decision-making, training and documentation.

“We routinely discuss policy, law, training, tactics, and human performance, but comparatively little attention has been given to how the physical geometry of an encounter shapes the range of decisions that are realistically available to officers in real time,” he says. “Rather than assuming that premise is correct, the survey is designed to learn from officers’ own operational experiences.”

We strongly encourage you to participate! The information gleaned from this work will be shared in a future article/s and likely included in relevant Calibre Press courses.

With that, here is a ETSU-sanctioned invitation for participation:

Dear Law Enforcement Professional,

You are invited to participate in an anonymous online research study conducted by East Tennessee State University. The purpose of this research is to better understand how law enforcement professionals perceive the effects of operationally constrained environments on professional observation, movement, communication, coordination, decision-making, training, and documentation.

You may participate if you:

  • are 18 years of age or older;
  • are currently or formerly employed in law enforcement;
  • are currently located within the United States;
  • are able to read English; and
  • voluntarily agree to participate.

Participation consists of completing one anonymous online survey requiring approximately 10–20 minutes.

No direct personal identifiers will be collected.

Participation is entirely voluntary and will have no effect on webinar attendance, continuing education, employment, certification, or professional standing.

To participate, please select the link below or scan the QR code.

Survey Link: https://etsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cD7f6pTYhE7x5J4

 

 

 

 

Questions about the study may be directed to:

Dr. Richard M. Hough, Professor of Practice

Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology, East Tennessee State University

Email: houghr@etsu.edu

Thank you for considering participation.

II. SCHOLARSHIP FOR OFFICERS INJURED IN THE LINE OF DUTY ANNOUNCED

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor inspired by the remarkable recovery journey of Deputy Yates Rodney of the Covington County (MS) Sheriff’s Office, any officer wounded in the line of duty may attend this year’s Wounded Blue National Law Enforcement Survival Summit—being held Sept. 28-30 at the Palace Station Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas—FREE. Normal entry is $295 – $395.

Deputy Rodney was paralyzed from the upper chest down after being shot during a traffic stop following a vehicle pursuit in June 2026. He continues to share his inspiring recovery through social media. To watch Wounded Blue founder Randy Sutton’s interview with Deputy Rodney on Facebook, click here.

The 2026 Survival Summit will focus on:

  • Physical Survival – navigating injury, recovery, and long-term health
  • Emotional Survival – addressing trauma, mental health, and resilience
  • Officer Wellness – building sustainable habits for longevity and well-being
  • Vocational Survival – transitioning careers and finding purpose after service
  • Legal Survival – understanding rights and navigating the legal system after catastrophic incidents
  • Family & Relationship Survival – strengthening the support systems behind the badge

“Through impactful presentations, real-life experiences, and expert-led training sessions, attendees gain practical tools, critical resources, and renewed purpose to move forward in their personal and professional lives,” Summit organizers share.

“At its core, the Survival Summit embodies the S.E.A.L. Mission of The Wounded Blue:
Support – Education – Assistance – Legislation. More than just a conference, the Summit is a lifeline and a community—a place where those who have sacrificed in service can find understanding, empowerment, and hope for the future.”

If you are a wounded officer, you can claim your complimentary registration by visiting TWBsummit.com and checking the “TWB Injured Officer Scholarship” box during registration. Your registration fee will be waived—it’s that simple.