HomeMy WebLinkAboutWeaponless Defense 1-Updated 2020ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT
WEAPONLESS DEFENSE COURSE MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
This course is designed to provide our officers with a current update of basic weaponless
defense techniques. Footwork, control holds, takedowns, gun retention, searching/ handcuffing techniques and the carotid restraint (SUSPENDED) will be covered ii:i the
course. This manual is to be used as a ref erence during in-service training and as a resource after training .. The manual does not provide all the information available on
the subject matter. The manual is provid ed in the hope that it may be used to . increase
retention of the psycho-motor skills instructed in the course.
Losing an on duty physical confrontation is not an option for law enforcement officers, as
this could result i n death or serious bodily injury. Training, tactics, experience and
physical fitness will all affect the degree of success an officer has when in a physical
altercation. Officers must be proficient and confident in the techniques they elect to use.
In order to achieve muscle memory or a conditioned physical response, most experts
agree that the movement must be repeated at least 1000 times. To maintain proficiency
with any technique, an individual must practice on a regular basis. Some of the
techniques are capable of causing injury if practiced without appropriate care. Officers
should practice the techniques with caution and restraint when working with a partner.
Brief summaries of some court opinions are included to illustrate how various types of
use of force issues have been viewed by the court. Officers need to remember that new laws, department policies and court decisions are constantly developed that impact how
we function.
CRIMINAL LAW AND DEPARTMENT POLICY
CALIFORNIA PENAL CODE SECTION 835:
Method of making arrest; amount of restraint
An arrest is made by an actual restraint of the person, or by submission to the custody of
an officer. The person arrested may be subjected to such restraint as is reasonable for his arrest and detention.
ALBANY P.D. USE OF FORCE AND LEG RESTRAINT DEVICE POLICIES
. Refer to and review attached Albany Police policy manual sections 300.1 through 300.5
and 306.1 through 306.8.
CALIFORNIA PEACE OFFICERS LEGAL SOURCEBOOK
·Discussion of consensual encounters, detentions, arrests and pat down searches. Officers
are directed to review the sourcebook sections on Search and Seizure -Persons.- 1 -
(SUSPENDED)