The escort position has been taught at police and corrections academies across the U.S. for many years. Traditionally it is used to move or separate people, or to set up various control holds or takedowns.
Typically, the escort hold involves contacting the elbow at the tricep tendon, while grabbing control of the wrist bone or the hand at the wrist. Once contact has been made, the person grabbed can be pulled slightly off balance and moved from one point to another or controlled in some way.
As it is traditionally taught, grabbing at the wrist or hand many times does not allow for a full and complete grip and could be more escapable.
Control the fingers
Grabbing and maintaining a closed grip on two or three fingers provides better control and allows for a full and complete grip on a weaker part of the hand, the fingers.
Once grabbed, downward pressure can be applied to force the person forward to the ground, or upward twisting pressure can be applied to the fingers in a “twist-lock” position, followed by a forward takedown.
The elbow is controlled by grabbing at the tricep tendon.
escort finger lock takedown
- Make an approach from the side or rear. Simultaneously grab control of the elbow and fingers.
- Immediately announce yourself, “Officer ______, don’t move.”
- Maintain a solid stance, feet offset and apart
- Keep your back straight. Do not lean in toward the person.
- Place your closest foot next to theirs, shoulder to shoulder.
- Maintain close control of the elbow and fingers.
- Slightly pull on the fingers and push on the elbow, to move them from one point to another.
- Use clear and concise verbal commands.
- If they pull away, the escort finger lock forward takedown technique can be used to quickly prone them out. Escort finger-lock takedown involves quickly forcing the controlled hand downward while bending the fingers upward, maintaining control of the elbow and moving to their front. It is important to try to keep a bend in the elbow and maintain positive pressure on the fingers until control is established.
- If they move toward you, reach for you, or for a weapon, the escort finger lock can be used to set up a “twist-lock” or also known as a Sankyo technique. While twisting the fingers and wrist inward and upward, force the controlled elbow high toward their ear to take them off balance. Once off-balance, the hand that earlier controlled the elbow can be used to apply pressure at the back of the elbow, to force them forward to a prone position. It is important not to support the elbow or use it to force the arm upward. Doing so can interfere with the pain compliance aspects of the technique.
- If the hand that you are trying to control is fisted, a stun or strike with a knee to the side of the leg may cause the person to open their hand to allow control of the fingers. If not, the traditional method can be used.
Conclusion
The escort finger lock control hold can provide for better gripping, control and a higher level of pain compliance. It also provides officers who may have smaller hands or weaker grip better control of a resistive or aggressive person.
