"As we already know, more than what is provided in the annual defensive tactics (DT) recertification is needed, and it should be designed to make officers sufficiently effective on the streets.
Unfortunately, the yearly DT recertification for most agencies is just a 'checkmark in the box.' These skills are also perishable over time."
I taught officer safety and suspect control to Seattle Police Officers and King County Deputy Sheriffs using specifics from Combat Martial Arts which was designed specifically for police officers.
Civilians were not part of the student mix.
It was not a martial arts club.
Many departments/agencies reject any training which is not approved by their agency.
When I trained in the above disciplines with several BC agencies and the Canadian Military Police, several Members were denied participation by "E" Division management.
Photo Credit: Chris Mandigma
The above photo shows participants squaring off in fight mode. Do we want to fight suspects, grapple, wrestle or take them down?
The system I taught centered around the paradigm of preemptive striking.
Whether it be a backfist to the suspect's face or a kick to his groin, he was sufficiently distracted to take down and cuff.
Another concept which has appeared recently is:
Police Judo
https://policejudo.ca/aboutpolicejudo
Your thoughts?
Our appreciation to Chris Mandigma for the interesting article.