Great insights in just one post, EEE. I would hope that police academies are stressing the importance of being able to talk to a wide range of people.  Far better to defuse a situation than escalate it. I see that in school. And I realize that the typical recruit probably lacks a fair amount of real world experience. Or am I wrong about that? Those detectives who you referred to could lecture recruits and even inexperienced officers in person or via video. Do you know if things like that are happening? People skills are invaluable in so many professions. I understand that muscle/physical strength is typically part of the police toolbox but I would hope that thinking on one's feet is also present.

Peter T.