The use of force has never crossed my mind in serious situations other then this simple thought. “Use the minimum amount of force necessary to contain and control the situation and then stop yourself when the event is under control.” Then when you write the report you pull out your UOF policy and justify your force. As for outside training it is a great idea but if you go too far and say get licensed as a instructor, take formal classes, or heaven forbid you take your training and get licensed and compete they actually use that against you in lawsuits and UOF panels. Kind of a catch 22.

Yes we too have standards everyone has to meet. But what I mean is they don’t take it seriously or even consider getting outside training. Also they do not know or understand our use of force continuum, which can only save their butts in a use of force situation.

With us Phase 1 is mandatory Phase 2 and 3 voluntary And Phases 2 and 3 are always over subscribed. Because we have no access to Tazers, Chemical agents or other weaponry we have to know how to defend ourselves. Batons are only issued for escorts or in a Riot situation.

Our facility mandated defensive tactics, everyone including civilian staff must attend unless you have a written doctor’s excuse from surgery. If you don’t attend you get suspended. I have always told new officers that you need to be ready for anything, physically and mentally. There are days that officers work by themselves and the crap hits the fan right in the catwalk where you are standing so you have to get into physical defense immediately. They always thought that would never happen. Wrong….stay safe.

No you’re absolutely right it doesn’t make you any safer at all.

Yeah, there are a few people in our class that think their mistakes are cute and funny and don’t take it seriously. I don’t want anyone to get hurt, but with that attitude they will be, they are about to step off into 2100 men who don’t care if you forget a block or to keep your guards up. My facility is only 200 but I’m not stupid enough to think that makes me any safer,

I’m simply amazed by the lack of training or willingness to learn defensive/offensive tactics by the staff in my department. Our job is one that requires us to use force in certain situations, if that situation does occur then why wouldn’t you want to be as quick and efficient as possible!?!? Not saying you’ve gotta be the next ultimate fighter, but hey why not train like it?

Believe me I have a lot more to say on this topic, just wanted to get this started and see where evryone is at on this.