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Problems with Defensive Tactics Programs:
Insufficient Training:
Unfortunately, our fellow officers have been short changed too often and they have not been given the proper tools to adequately defend themselves against violent attacks. The reality of this hits home when we see publicized videos of fellow officers tragically lose their lives in situations where proper training could have changed the outcome. One problem is that Public Safety "defensive tactics" are, more often than not, taught by individuals with limited knowledge and experience of defensive and offensive tactics. Furthermore, many of these trainers lack the basic principles and real-life application of the techniques they are teaching. Another problem is that police and correction departments have bought into programs from companies who have good marketing but a worthless product.
Misconceptions:
A huge misconception of many department administrators is the idea that as officers learn more effective hand-to-hand tactics, they will become more aggressive and, thus, a liability to their department. The opposite is actually true. The well-trained officer is less-likely to resort to savage or uncontrolled tendencies such as the "flashlight shampoo". The well-trained officer is more-likely to take action with a calculated and controlled response appropriate to the given situation, just as they demonstrated in realistic models of training reflective of their real-life circumstance.
When an officer's defensive tactics knowledge and training is low:
- they will lack confidence in themselves and fellow officers
- they will lack the ability to see and anticipate the beginning of a dangerous situation
- they lose control more often during physical confrontations and act out of fear, anxiety, stress and excitement
- they most likely will not realize limits of power and application during physical confrontations
- they will most likely over-react or under-react during physical confrontations
- they may hesitate and freeze during critical moments involving themselves, fellow officers and the public
- they may get unnecessarily injured or killed
- they will ultimately bring a higher level of legal liability danger to the department
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