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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.

Instead of training for that perfect repetition with a completely compliant partner, let’s challenge our students with a “what next” frame of thought
When instructors create a safety culture and invite their students to participate actively in that culture, the chances of injury are reduced exponentially
Award-winning indie filmmaker Jason Harney’s new documentary provides the icebreaker for a discussion on priorities around police training and use of force
Female officer’s head was repeatedly slammed into the ground during the vicious assault
Risk of transmitting the disease depends on whether the HIV carrier has a “high viral load” and the severity of the bite
Police trainers should attempt to move officers who have mastered individual skills toward developing schemas — blocking groups of well-learned skills together for different environmental problems
I was privileged to have been trained by the great James Lindell of Kansas City Police Department in 1979, and learned his system of Lateral Vascular Neck Restraint (LVNR) as well as his follow-up protocol
School principal is asking students to bring cans of food such as corn and peas as a way of fighting off a school intruder
How can we legitimize any specific training if we cannot support its effectiveness with evidence of success?
Ever notice how a picket fence along the road appears to be racing by at a blur immediately to your three or nine o’clock, but that same fence directly ahead of you barely appears to be moving at all? This is an illustration of how the eyes and brain use motion to assist us in judging speed and distance, including issues of “looming”
The question of how to better integrate EVOC, DT, PT, firearms, and other training elements is an old one, but it also hasn’t yet been adequately answered
We must create the proper environment in order for officers to visualize the true threat that is ever present and be prepared physically and mentally to prevail
The discussion ranged over a wide area of topics — here are a just handful of things that stood out
Use-of-force models based on continuum / scale / ladder / escalator designs often fail to take into account the “totality of the circumstances” perceived by the officer
Incidents like these “are the reason we do stress-inoculation drills in training”
Such a stop is based on suspected criminal activity, so treat it as the dangerous situation it is
From hostage situations to drugged-up lunatics to little lost teddy bears, it’s all in a day’s work
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: