This hands-on, low-impact workshop teaches a system of carefully selected defensive tactics skills that are easily learned, readily recalled and highly effective in a real-life struggle where an operator has a shoulder weapon deployed. Rather than asking operators to learn complicated techniques that would be difficult to recall and apply in a real-life dynamic and fluid scenario, this defensive tactics system teaches operators techniques that are based on gross motor skills. Specifically, operators are taught techniques for either controlling an aggressive and/or combative suspect or creating distance between themselves and the suspect. Operators also are instructed in the skills needed to prudently control subjects who are passive resistant, confused or unable to follow directions.

The shoulder weapon defensive tactics and techniques are demonstrated and taught as though operators don't have time to sling their shoulder weapons behind them. Thus, operators have to defend and protect themselves using the support side of their body. All the techniques are designed to pass the reasonable and proportional standard as it applies to use-of-force.

The ultimate goals of this workshop are to increase officer and citizen safety and to enhance performance excellence while using reasonable force options that help reduce injury and minimize liability exposure.

Operators will be instructed in the following:

Weapon retention techniques for tactical personnel deploying entry weapons

Distraction strikes and blocking techniques for tactical personnel wearing the SWAT kit

Team takedown techniques (discussion and demonstration) for aggressive and/or combative suspects in close-quarter environments

Arrest and control techniques for unarmed suspects/subjects in close-quarter environments

Arrest and control techniques for suspects/subjects with special considerations such as age or a medical condition

Control techniques for non-combative subjects

Tactical de-escalation and verbalization techniques