The more force options you have, the more training you need to ensure proficiency. The purpose of a distractionary device (or "flash bang") is to create a "pause in combat." This pause can be both mental and physical, creating a mental fog, vision impairment and, for a moment, loss of motor skills.

Remember, in order to get the maximum effect from a distractionary device you need the element of surprise and accuracy.

Here, RedMan Training Division director Dave Young gives you a training exercise to keep you up to speed:

1. Have the officer stand behind cover position:

• While wearing a protective mask
• On command remove DD from pouch
• Select target area
  • Shallow in room is 0-5 feet from entrance 
  •  Deep in room is –5 feet from back of room
  • On target is 0-5 feet from inmate
• Just before throwing have officer make safe as team enters room to secure threat
• Goal is have officer make device safe (either by replacing safety pin inside fuze, taping lever to body or throwing it in a designate "bang out" area – which is a safe place designate for the DD to go in case of an emergency

2. Have the officer stand behind cover position:

• While wearing a protective mask
• On command remove DD from pouch
• Select target area –
  • Shallow in room is 0-5 feet from entrance
  • Deep in room is –5 feet from back of room
  • On target is 0-5 feet from inmate
• Goal is have officer throw accurately 4-5 to designate target

3. Have the officer stand behind cover position;

• While wearing a protective mask
• On command remove DD from pouch
• With the target moving throughout the room have the officer select target area
• Then deploy on THEIR command
  • Shallow in room is 0-5 feet from entrance
  • Deep in room is –5 feet from back of room
  • On target is 0-5 feet from inmate
• Goal is have officer throw accurately 4-5 to designate target