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Defensive tactics training for police officers

Learn essential defensive tactics to improve officer safety, control, and de-escalation in high-stress situations.

Many recruits across the country are required to have wrestling shoes – but why do so many throw their shoes away when they graduate from the police academy?
“Officers should have an hour of hands-on training a week.”
If members of our profession continue to deliver indefensible blows such as those delivered in Memphis, the American police profession as we know it may very well find itself on the ropes.
Where and how officers choose to wear their mic, or any other piece of equipment, is a personal decision that should be tactically thought out
22-year-old Robert Martin of Staunton pleaded guilty Wednesday to malicious injury to a law enforcement officer and drug charges
An 80-year-old man is accused of punching a police officer who stopped him from approaching kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart with a knife
The critics have the benefit of hindsight — 20/20 vision seen through the lens of a smartphone — not the sworn duty to quickly resolve violent confrontations
What did police officers use before ASPs and TASERs?
The overwhelming majority of ambush murders of our coppers have occurred when the LEO was alone
Early police forces used the billy club as a tool and a symbol of authority
Many “ordinary” citizens who populate this great nation have an inherent willingness to step in to a dangerous confrontation to save a cop’s life
Almost every LEO carries a knife, but very few agencies have an edged weapons policy commensurate with those they have for firearms, impact weapons, chemical weapons, and conductive energy weapons
As instructors teaching defensive tactics, we have an obligation to teach our students techniques that are effective and don’t result in unnecessary injuries
Here’s what made PoliceOne’s Facebook audience see red
In a critical incident, there is an unspecified amount of time where even the best intentioned EMTs may not be able to get to you — you are on your own
Rapper could face up to three years in prison if convicted
The argument started over a custody battle; the police and fire department are investigating the incident
Defensive Tactics FAQs

What are defensive tactics for police officers?

Defensive tactics encompass a range of techniques and strategies that police officers use to protect themselves and others during confrontations. These include control holds, joint locks, takedowns, and de-escalation methods designed to manage resistant or aggressive individuals safely and effectively.

Why is defensive tactics training important for law enforcement?

Defensive tactics training is vital for law enforcement as it prepares officers to handle physical confrontations with confidence and control. Proper training reduces the risk of injury to both officers and suspects, ensures appropriate use of force, and enhances decision-making under stress.

How often should police officers undergo defensive tactics training?

Regular training is essential to maintain proficiency in defensive tactics. While specific requirements vary by department, ongoing practice helps officers retain skills, adapt to evolving threats, and respond effectively in high-pressure situations.

How do defensive tactics impact officer safety and public perception?

Effective defensive tactics enhance officer safety by providing tools to manage confrontations without excessive force. They also positively influence public perception by demonstrating a commitment to professionalism, restraint, and the appropriate use of force in policing.

What techniques are common defensive tactics?

Defensive tactics typically cover a variety of techniques, including: