In the 1980s, about 12% of officers killed each year were shot with their own weapons. These tragic deaths led to the introduction of weapon retention training. In the years since, duty holsters have evolved to include varying levels of retention devices designed to keep weapons secure. Holster manufacturers also transitioned from leather — which could tear during a struggle — to stronger thermal plastics that offer greater durability and protection.
These changes have significantly reduced the number of officers killed in the line of duty with their own weapons. However, despite this progress, suspects still attempt — and sometimes succeed — in disarming officers.
Let’s look at two recent real-world examples and review some training takeaways to help prevent this from happening to you.
Tyler, Texas: BWC video shows woman grab Texas officer’s gun, fire shot during arrest
Officers responded to the report of shoplifting at a Dollar General store. They locate a female suspect, who resists arrest. While on the ground struggling for control, the suspect gets a grip on the officer’s pistol. Both officers on scene grab her arm during the fight to avoid the gun coming out of the holster. Despite their efforts, the officer’s gun discharges, though video footage shows that the retention strap remained engaged.
This incident underscores a critical truth: even with high-retention holsters, suspects can still gain partial control of a weapon — and sometimes, that’s all it takes for a shot to be fired. The following lessons highlight how officers can better prepare for these moments.
Don’t count on holster design alone
Modern holsters make gun grabs less likely to succeed — but you shouldn’t rely solely on retention levels to keep your weapon secure. Any holster can fail under enough force. That’s why it’s critical to know and regularly practice your weapon retention skills — not just for your firearm, but for every tool on your duty belt and vest.
Check the design of your holster
Some holsters designed for pistols with mounted lights have enough space at the top for a finger to access the trigger. This design flaw has been responsible for several unintentional discharges including one where a grade school student fired an officer’s pistol at an elementary school.
The smaller the hand, the more likely it can fit through the gap. To mitigate this risk, have your holster tested by someone with small hands to ensure it provides adequate protection.
Practice retention in all positions
You never know where you’ll be when someone tries to grab your gun. That’s why it’s essential to practice retention techniques from a variety of positions — standing, kneeling and prone. This ensures you’re familiar with the mechanics of control and retention required to maintain possession of your weapon in any situation.
Have a backup plan (and train with it)
If someone gets control of your weapon, there’s a high likelihood it could be used against you. That’s why, in addition to weapons retention training, it’s critical to carry a backup weapon that can be accessed during a struggle — whether it’s a knife or a second firearm.
But carrying it isn’t enough. You must regularly practice drawing and using it with a training knife or firearm to build and maintain the skills needed to respond effectively under pressure.
Fountain Valley, California: BWC: Man steals Calif. officer’s gun, climbs into cruiser before fatal OIS
Officers responded to a report of a man attempting to enter an occupied vehicle at a school. When contacted, the suspect flees with an officer in pursuit. The suspect loses that officer and then encounters another officer who is seated in a squad car. The officer opens her squad door and draws her weapon, pointing at the suspect as he walks toward her. He grabs her weapon and takes it away from her. She takes cover and the officer who was in foot pursuit arrives. He orders the suspect to drop the weapon, and the suspect gets into the squad car and is shot by that officer.
This case is a sobering reminder of how quickly a suspect can close distance and gain control of a weapon — even when the officer has drawn it. It reinforces the need for tactical positioning, retention shooting techniques, and backup plans. Here’s what you can take away from this encounter.
Keep your weapon close
The proximity of a threat should dictate the position of your sidearm. The closer a suspect is, the closer your weapon should remain to your body — extending it increases the risk of a gun grab.
Use your support hand to fend off the attack and shoot if necessary.
Practice shooting from a retention position at targets within a few feet, and incorporate close, near-contact shots from standing, kneeling and prone positions — especially while simulating a struggle over your weapon using a training gun.
Remember: pressing your firearm directly against an assailant can push it out of battery, preventing it from firing. Train accordingly.
Gun grab
If a suspect gains hold of your pistol, hang on with both hands and attempt to gain control. Your only option may be to shoot the suspect. That may result in only one round being fired and a malfunction caused by the slide not cycling.Be prepared to clear the stoppage when you regain control of your firearm.
Recognize a deadly force threat
An attempt to disarm you, whether your gun is in or out of the holster, should be recognized as a deadly force threat and met with the appropriate level of force. If you must use empty hand techniques, the eyes and throat should be among your main targets. The other tools on your belt can also be used. Have you considered, trained and practiced using them in close quarters in a deadly force scenario?
While the statistics show that the number of officers killed with their own weapons has dropped greatly in the past 40 years, gun takeaway attempts still occur. To survive a close-range, violent, deadly force encounter, you must have the right mindset — one that drives proper planning, training and response to this level of threat.
Ongoing physical and mental reps build the skills and confidence you need to win the fight for your weapon.
