NCJ Number
189114
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 5 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 70-73
Date Published
June 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Several defensive tactics called Mechanical Advantage Control Holds (MACH) for police are discussed.
Abstract
The goal of police defensive tactics is to pin the subject on his stomach for handcuffing in order to both protect the subject from harm and force him to the ground. Up to 95 percent of police officers do not practice defensive tactics after they leave the academy and these physical skills are among the hardest skills to retain. With this in mind, Controlled FORCE developed the first police-specific system of defensive tactics, which is called MACH. The five building block holds, MACH 1 through MACH 5, are variations and adaptations of holds familiar to most officers. What makes the Controlled FORCE system different is its building block approach that transitions one hold to another and allows the officer to transition back and forth between holds. The advantages of these holds is that they are easy to remember long after training; they use body momentum and leverage that allow smaller officers to be effective against large violators; and the five holds naturally progress to a takedown prone for cuffing. All of the MACH holds can be performed while holding a straight baton. The baton is not used for strikes but is instead used for leverage, to instill smoothness, and to prove the baton does not have to be put away before moving to the hands-on takedowns. This system is POST certified in 12 States. It is taught in the police academies of an additional eight States.