THREE CHECK OR “TRICHEQUE”, POLICE SURVIVAL PROTOCOL: IMMEDIATE ACTIONS AFTER AN ARMED CONFRONTATION

Abstract

This scientific article aims to address the triple verification protocol following armed confrontation, named as the “three check” or “tricheque” as an essential mechanism for officer survival and law enforcement compliance, including by the Polícia Militar do Amazonas (PMAM). The study emphasizes mitigating the psychophysical effects of combat stress during high-risk interventions. With a qualitative and descriptive approach, the research is based on official data from the Secretaria Nacional de Segurança Pública (SENASP) and scientific literature examining combat physiology and tactical mindset. The investigation reveals that the activation of the sympathetic nervous system causes severe perceptual distortions, such as tunnel vision and auditory exclusion, which compromise decision-making. In this context, the automation of immediate actions after firearm discharge, comprising the verification of the target (check 1), the weaponry (check 2), and the environment (check 3), proves decisive in restoring situational awareness and the OODA loop. Furthermore, the implementation of the “tricheque” protocol ensures that the use of force complies with the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality, as established by Portaria Interministerial nº 4.226/2010 and Portaria nº 855/2025 do MJSP. The research concludes that this protocol represents a symbol of technical evolution, not only for the PMAM but for all agencies within Brazil's public security system, providing operational efficiency, safeguarding the lives of officers and civilians, and strengthening legal certainty.