Police Defense Techniques

I.     Course Prefix/Number: LAE 240

       Course Name: Police Defense Techniques

       Credits: 3 (2 lecture; 2 lab)

II.    Prerequisite


III.   Course (Catalog) Description

Course examines defense techniques.  Content includes principles of self-defense against persons armed with dangerous weapons; psychology in use of force; physical and mental preparation and practice in defense and control techniques; and arrest and search procedures.

IV.   Learning Objectives

The student will be able to practice skills the basic skills and mechanics of defense and control techniques, and arrest and search procedures.

The student will be able to better understand the principles of self-defense against persons armed with dangerous weapons, the psychology in the use of force, and the professional standards of conduct involved.

V.    Academic Integrity and Student Conduct


• cheating,
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.



VI.   Sequence of Topics

  1. Basic Principles in the Use of Force:
    1. Types and degrees of resistance
    2. Methods of control and tactics
    3. Use of Force Reporting
    4. Use of Force Spectrum
  2. Escalation of Trauma Considerations:
    1. Primary Targets of Choice:  (Green Target Areas)
    2. Secondary Targets of Choice:  (Yellow Target Areas)
    3. Final targets of Choice:  (Red Target Areas)
  3. Foundations of Police Defensive Tactics: (MDTS)
    1. Protect and Restrain Philosophy
    2. Psychology of the arrest situation: (Body Language)
    3. Weapon Safety Factors
  4. Importance of Physical Fitness in Law Enforcement:
    1. The Big Three Requirements:(a erobic, flexibility, power)
    2. Warm Up and Stretching done in each class
    3. Tactical Aerobics
  5. Skill development
    1. basic stance for safety on the street
    2. balance points
    3. patterns of movement: survival dancing
    4. basic blocking techniques
    5. basic counter-assault techniques
    6. basic falls
    7. basic ground techniques
    8. control techniques
    9. takedown and control techniques
    10. handcuffing techniques (the big three)
    11. tactical simulations
    12. defense against grab attacks
    13. defense against choke attacks
    14. defense against punches and kick attacks
  6. Short stick (persuader baton) techniques
    1. history of the short stick (Yawara) in self defense
    2. history of the short stick (Yawara) in police work
    3. nomenclature of the short stick (persuader baton
    4. basic methods to grip the persuader baton
    5. basic blocking methods
    6. basic counter-assault methods
    7. basic control and takedown techniques
  7. Basic straight baton techniques
    1. history of the straight baton in Law Enforcement
    2. nomenclature of the straight baton
    3. basic grips
    4. basic methods of carry
    5. basic blocking methods
    6. basic counter-assault techniques
    7. basic control and takedown techniques
  8. Handcuffing techniques
    1. nomenclature of various types of handcuffs (big t here)
    2. how to grip the handcuffs
    3. cooperative subject standing
    4. uncooperative subject standing handcuff techniques
    5. uncooperative subject ground handcuffing
    6. searching subject
    7. verbal direction
  9. Essential elements of officer survival
    1. awareness
    2. aware of body language clues
    3. a plan of action
    4. being prepared to take action
    5. not relaxing too soon
    6. importance of staying physically fit
    7. development of survival techniques
    8. being aggressive w hen required
    9. coolness under pressure
    10. dealing with your fear
    11. developing your command pressure
    12. developing your will to survive and win at all costs

VII.  Methods of Instruction

Lecture, demonstration, physical practice, audio/visual material

VIII. Course Practices Required

Reading texts, physical practice, writing notes, proficiency testing and written examination.


IX.   Instructional Materials


  1. The Monadnock Defensive Tactics System by Joseph J. Truncale and Terry Smith.
  2. THE CLAMP Basic Student Manual by Chris & Larry Lein.
  3. The Student Curriculum Handbook for the MEB (Monadnock Expandable Baton) course.
  4. Persuader Defense Systems Manual by Joseph J. Truncale (You will also need a Persuader baton key chain for this part of the course).
  5. Various Handout material may also be included in this course.

X.    Methods of Evaluating Student Progress

  1. Mid-Term Proficiency and Written Examination
  2. Final Proficiency and Written Examination
  3. Mid-Term and Final Research Papers

XI.   Other Course Information

Class attendance required and being in class on time.



Resources and support for
  • pregnancy-related and parenting accommodations; and
  • victims of sexual misconduct
can be found at www.oakton.edu/title9/.
