The Essential Elements Of Subject Control & Restraint

                                      By Lyle R. Sharman

“I don’t know why we spend so much time learning this stuff anyway,  It never works in the real world.”  How familiar does this sound?  For those of us teaching and using Subject Control and Restraint techniques, or what is sometimes better known as Defensive Tactics, this is a very common statement by students.

This article will explore the myths and facts that make defensive tactics work, or not work.  By understanding some basic Essential Elements, the officer will find that these tactics not only work in the classroom, but also in the field.

OFFICER BELIEFS (Myths)

Many officers believe that most, if not all weaponless defense styled tactics rarely, if ever work in the field.  Depending on their training, this may be true.  In the classroom, defensive tactics are somewhat choreographed.  This is especially true in the beginning phases of defensive tactics when slow perfecting stages are being practiced.  The officer believes that these tactics will work the same way in the field.  When they don’t, The officer develops the “this stuff doesn’t work” attitude.  The officer must learn to distinguish the difference between the myth and fact reality in order to better understand what makes defensive tactics successful.

OFFICER BELIEFS  (Facts)

Realistically, any defensive tactic may not work in the field as it did in the classroom.  No matter how much experience, no matter how much training and practice, it just simply might not work.  Every officer must know and understand this.  Nothing in this world is invincible.  Instructing your students on just this theory alone will make a difference in their understanding of just what will help to make any tactic work.  It will also keep the officer from developing an over confident attitude that could get him or her seriously injured or even killed.

Once the student understands this theory, it is then time to instruct them on the essential elements that really bring all their defensive tactics training together.

THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

After many interviews and simulated realistic scenario practice with several Defensive Tactics Instructors and students, It became obvious that something was missing in defensive tactics training.  While everyone agreed that most of the techniques offered today are very sound, the elements that make them work were not a primary focus in training.

Through this practice and research, it was found that five elements significantly increased the chances of any defensive tactics to be successful.  These five elements consisted of:

• The Right Technique
• The Skill Level
• The Strength
• The Element of Surprise
• The Will To Win

 To better understand how each of these elements work, each one will be broke down and it’s importance explained.

THE RIGHT TECHNIQUE

The Right Technique to meet the circumstances.  In this element, the importance of selecting the right technique based upon the subjects actions is very critical.  The officer must not only be able to recognize the reasonable equipment to be used, but also which particular technique associated with that equipment will be the best choice.  As an example, an officer who takes a subject into a compliant escort position, and meets resistance as that subject pushed their arm backwards, would not be selecting the right technique by attempting to perform a front wrist lock.  Since the subject is pushing their arm backwards, the right technique would be to follow through the motion and perform a rear wrist lock.  In order for the officer to be able to recognize this, he or she must have a certain amount of skill level.

THE SKILL LEVEL

The Skill Level to properly and effectively perform the technique.  Skill is achieved by practice.  If you don’t practice, you will never have the skill to perform any tactic.  A disappointing and true fact is that many officers rarely, if ever practice any of their defensive tactics outside of the classroom.  It sometimes appears that the only ones practicing these tactics are the instructors.

Unfortunately, many officers will get injured when attempting to take a subject into custody.  This will be attributed to the lack of practice.  Practice sessions should be scheduled on a regular basis.  This training can be mixed together with other sessions i.e. briefings, firearms, etc..  Annual retraining should also be a priority.

This element is so important, yet so many officers do not take it seriously.  It’s important to ensure that all officers receive regular training and practice of all defensive tactics in order to achieve the skill level needed.  Through practice, an officer will build strength, a key element in subject control and restraint.

THE STRENGTH

The Strength to meet or exceed your opponent.  Having the strength to meet or exceed an opponent gives the officer a much higher level of success when performing subject control and restraint techniques.  An officer who is beat in terms of strength will have little success attempting to place a subject into a submission hold.  Even if the officer is able to lock into a hold, chances are they won’t be able to maintain it.

Officers can’t expect to be in better physical conditioning than everyone they will have to control.  However, they must be as fit and able as possible.  The better the conditioning of the officer, the better chance an officer has to be successful in applying, locking, holding and completing a subject control and restraint technique and defending themselves.

Officers must also be aware that they do not have to stand alone in terms of strength.  Whenever possible, two officers should apply control holds at the same time to the subject.  This will double the strength factor and decrease the chances of injury to everyone.  An important point to remember when using the two officer approach is that both officers must have similar training and be able to recognize each others movements.  While strength is an important element, the officer making the first move is another very important element.

THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE

The Element Of Surprise to be one step ahead of your opponent.  While it’s not always possible, an officer should always try to have the first move when using subject control and restraint techniques.

It’s important to remember that action beat Reaction.  If the officer knows that a control technique will be needed, then placing that hold by surprise will give the officer a better chance of success.  This can be accomplished by approaching from the rear of a subject while the other officer keeps the subjects attention from the front.

The officers thoughts need to be one step ahead of their actions.  This can be better accomplished if the officer learns to identify a subjects body language.  If an officer learns to recognize these signs of aggression, that officer will have a better idea as to if and when a control hold will be needed.  This will allow the officer(s) to make the first move.  This will greatly increase the chances of successfully applying and locking into a control hold.

THE WILL TO WIN

The Will To Win every encounter.  You can have all of the other four elements down pat, but if you do not have the will to win, you might lose.  You must be trained in, and believe in this with all your heart.

Officers must receive will to win training with all subject control and restraint courses.  Constant encouragement, positive reinforcement and realistic training are the keys to implanting this belief.  Many defensive tactics classes are now utilizing this type of training.  This will to win styled training greatly increases officer survival in any confrontation.  Make sure it is understood and believed by all students.

As you have read, there are many different elements that make subject control and restraint techniques work.  The five elements of The Right Technique, Skill Level, Strength, Surprise and the Will To Win are crucial in making any technique a safe and successful one.  By looking at these elements closely, it is easy to conclude that if just one is missing, the chances of a technique working is greatly reduced.

By implementing these Essential Elements the officer learns a more realistic approach to applying subject control and restraint techniques.  Just knowing how to perform the technique alone is not enough.  Each officer must know how to apply these elements with their training.  By doing so, Officers will increase their chance of a safety and a successful control hold.