NCJ Number
163758
Journal
Gazette Volume: 58 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1996) Pages: 20-24
Date Published
1996
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article on "restraint techniques" does not teach specific techniques, but rather provides information designed to enhance the techniques and tactics learned at a training academy.
Abstract
Joint locks, come-alongs, and pain compliance techniques are defensive tactics used to control an individual, allowing application of handcuffs or secure movement from one place to another. The term "restraint techniques" is used in this article in a generic sense to cover the various types of holds detailed in the article. The general types of responses that police and correctional officers encounter from those they are responsible for controlling are the "no" people, who will not cooperate; the "yes" people, who will cooperate; and the "maybe" people, who are still deciding whether to cooperate or are mildly uncooperative. In addition to use against "maybe" and "no" people (once a certain degree of violence has been defused), restraint techniques can be useful against passive resisters and people who anchor themselves to objects and refuse to let go. It is important to remember that restraint techniques are only a temporary means of control. At an appropriate time, handcuffs should be used to secure the individual after a restraint technique has been used. In addition to an overview of restraint techniques, handcuffing and locks, and their appropriate use, this article discusses tactical communication in relation to restraint techniques, problems with the application of traditional techniques, enhanced application of techniques, multiple-attacker situations, and the importance and nature of training exercises and practice.