Air Police Control and Restraint Techniques
Air Police Control and Restraint Techniques
This online version copyright EJMAS 2001. Contributed by W. Stewart Bush. Editors note: Distribution list, table of contents, and list of illustrations omitted. The images presented are best available. Some minor formatting changes were made, but no information was changed.
Foreword
1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE. This manual describes the basic principles in the application of control and restraint techniques. The application of these principles is necessary to the development of those combative skills essential to air police personnel in the performance of their official duties. Corollary benefits will be the development of self-confidence and the promotion of physical fitness. 2. BACKGROUND. The nature of air police duties is such that military personnel engaged therein must at all times be mentally and physically prepared to apply whatever force is necessary to accomplish their mission. The air policemans training dictates that he first resort to all means short of the use of force to control any situation. There will occur certain circumstances under which the use of force is unavoidable. The ability to act effectively will quickly terminate such encounters in favor of the air policeman with little or no injury to the offender. This manual is intended to provide further refinements to basic training in air police control and restraint techniques, and to develop and instill confidence within the air policeman in his ability to cope with such situations.
FOR THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF: BYRON K. ENYART Colonel, USAF Director of Administrative Services This manual contains no copyright material. This directive pertains to all SAC bases.
Section I. General
1. PURPOSE. This manual prescribes the basic maneuvers and application of control and restraint techniques so as to impart such essential combative skills (Judo) as are required of air police in the performance of their official duties, to develop self-confidence, and to promote physical conditioning. 2. OBJECTIVE. The objectives are: a. To insure the ability of the air police to tactfully and skillfully cope with situations which require the use of force in the control and/or restraint of personnel. b. To integrate combative training with modern control procedures, teaching the principles of restraint so as to prevent the use of unnecessary force in the handling of military personnel and/or prisoners. 3. RESPONSIBILITY. The base provost marshal will monitor and supervise this training in accordance with SACR 50-9.
b. Psychological time creating the element of surprise by temporarily distracting the adversarys attention through subtle psychological or physical means for preparation of attack, counterattack, or control. c. Leverage grasping the clothing and applying the fulcrum-lever principle against the adversarys weaker muscles, joints, or off-balance positions serves as a means of leverage in the control or handling of individuals. d. Footwork correct shifting of the feet insures both balance and strong counterattacking positions. Crossing the legs must be avoided. The effective control of the adversary is dependent upon proper footwork. e. Physical timing the principle of physical timing is to attack at the split second when weight, momentum, and strength are gathered for use against itself. 5. BALANCE. Mental balance, or stability, is a state of mind that is necessary before physical balance can be achieved. Physical balance must be retained by the air policeman and destroyed in his adversary. The destruction of the adversarys body balance, after he has been led by a finesse or subtle movement into an off-balance position, is a fundamental of Judo technique. A sudden push or pull applied to the upper parts of the body will weaken or break body balance and serve to nullify the adversarys strength or offensive power. Once the adversary has been place off balance, he should not be allowed to regain it. This should be followed by immediate control or restraint.
6. ON-GUARD POSITION. To get into a position which offers fighting maneuverability for offense, defense, or control, the feet are placed apart about the distance of the width or the shoulders, palms are open, posture is erect, and knees are slightly bent. (Figure 1.) In this position, the air policeman can move about and is in a state of readiness to meet the adversary according to the action or type of control that might be required to terminate the situation. Positions of movement as indicated in figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 may also be applied from the on-guard position.
7. AVOIDING THE ADVERSARYS ATTACK. Avoid working against or stopping momentum initiated by the attacker; use it and/or redirect its force to defeat it through its own action. For example, if the adversary attacks with a wild blow, quickly avoid the impetus of the blow, parry, and let his momentum take him off balance; immediately apply follow-up restraint. Usually unskilled individuals will use wild swinging type blows, and many times they will pick up implements that may serve as a weapon for attack. Such blows may be avoided and parried outward or inward with the edges of the hands and forearms. (Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5.) The impetus of a missed blow will also create for the air policeman an opportunity to apply any one of the restraints or come-alongs outlined in section IV.
Figure 5. Left outside pivot and parry 8. STRIKING TECHNIQUES. a. If striking is necessary, striking techniques must be used only to the extent necessary to effectively control a physical problem situation. All striking techniques should be executed with caution and control. The more serious types of blows should never be administered unless a life is endangered.
b. The immediate objective in any offensive or defensive encounter is to control the adversary as quickly as possible, and if it becomes necessary to administer some type of striking technique, it should be executed with lightning action and accuracy. In executing these techniques, one should always bear in mind the following points: 1. The bone edges of the limbs can be used as a means of attacking the sensitive nerve plexuses or soft areas of the body, either from far range or ground positions in which self-defense may be involved. 2. Striking techniques directed to muscle areas or across bone areas are effective in diverting the attacker from any mode of attack. An element of surprise is effected when this technique is applied. It is recommended only against an antagonist who is difficult to control. 3. Blows directed to any of the vital areas are the most serious and effective toward "knocking out" the antagonist. These areas are located at the base of the occipital mastoid process, nasion, point of chin, thyroid cartilage, carotid artery, and testicles. 4. Blows delivered to attackers midsection cause a sickening feeling and are very disconcerting. Digging or pressure action by use of the knuckles and finger points may be effectively used to produce shock against nerve areas and gain control of the antagonist.
prisoner amenable to movement or to other actions by the air policeman. A comealong or other type of restraint is often used in preparation for handcuffing or additional mechanical means of control. b. No come-along or restraint applied without mechanical means has been developed that can be maintained successfully over a long period of time against a prisoner who is in full possession of his faculties and who is determined to break it. It is true that some escapes from come-alongs may be made at the expense of broken bones or painful dislocations. If the adversary is desperate enough, this will not deter him. If the come-along or restraint must be maintained over considerable distance, or for a considerable length of time, it is advisable to apply handcuffs or other mechanical means or keep the prisoner under definite control through continuous use of leverage or follow-up extreme methods if necessary. c. Control or restraint techniques in this guide are based on the following approaches: 1. Psychological approach. This may consist of reasoning with the individual. All too often an antagonistic approach merely aggravates the situation and leads to the use of force which might otherwise have been prevented. Application of common sense, a courteous but firm manner, and basic leadership principles are essential to the initial approach to any situation. The position of interrogation, as shown in figure 9, is the basic position for all maneuvers. From this position, the interrogator is so situated as to apply any of the come-along and/or restraint holds.
Figure 9. Position of interrogation 2. Physical approach. When all psychological approaches to handling individuals have been exhausted and it becomes necessary to resort to the use of force, restraining techniques should be applied in the manner that best suits the situation.
a. Mild application. This consists of utilizing a light grasp of the individuals sleeve with the hand and guiding him in the direction desired. From this position, the air policeman will be prepared to prevent or control any increased resistance initiated by the individual. (Figure 10.)
Figure 10. Mild application b. Medium application. This consists of progression from mild application to more vigorous techniques when the individual is strong and aggressive. The degree of control to be applied falls short of full application of severe leverage or other maximum force. (Figure 11.)
Figure 11. Medium application c. Advanced application. This consists of throws, chokes, or application of severe leverage when the individual is uncontrollable. It is applied when it is necessary to immediately terminate any situation which may involve a struggle. It is used in extreme cases when the individual is dangerous and when self-defense is an absolute necessity. (Figure 12.)
Figure 12. Advanced application d. In applying restraint or come-along methods, initial control of the adversary is effected by grasping his clothing with concentration directed toward use
of resistance or use of extension or flexed arm movement. For example, if the adversarys arm is in the extended position, leverage should be applied to his elbow. (Figure 13.)
Figure 13. Elbow leverage e. If resistance is offered to this application, and the adversarys arm or wrist is in a flexed position (Figure 14), leverage would be logically applied to either the wrist or shoulder. (Figures 24, 25, 27, 28, and 29.)
Figure 16. Two-point spin and control 12. SHOULDER DRAG. If the adversary resists the two-point control or any of the initial control or restraint leverages, the shoulder drag may be executed by twisting the adversarys shoulder diagonally to his footing. (Figure 17.) At this point, immediate application of cross-shoulder control or half choke (figures 18 and 19) may be effected.
Figure 19. Half choke 13. FRONT ARM DRAG. The front arm drag is an advanced method which can be applied in maneuvering the adversary off balance and may be used in various close contact positions or from counter-offensive ground positions. It is an effective method when direct action is required. It may be secured by reaching forward with the right hand and grasping under the adversarys arm at his triceps point. The drag is swiftly initiated by pulling him directly forward. (Figure 20.) From this point, controls illustrated in figures 18, 19, 31, and 32 may be applied. If necessary, blows or advance throwing techniques can also be applied in the process of the arm drag.
Figure 20. Front arm drag 14. CHECK BEHIND. If advance checking of the adversarys movement or resistance is required, he may be controlled by quickly destroying his footing and thrusting the arm across his lower jaw. (Figure 21.) This movement will force him off balance and backwards to the ground where further control or restraint may be applied. (Reference figures 33 and 34.) The check-behind method may also be applied as a counter to variable rear or frontal attack situations.
Figure 21. Check behind 15. FULL HAMMERLOCK. When the adversary checks the initial sleeve leverage by throwing his arm over the air policemans grasping hand (figure 22), the follow-up is made by immediately grasping the adversarys elbow with the other hand and applying leverage to the elbow and shoulder (figure 23). Simultaneously, pivot and wrap his arm into a twisting position above his back (figure 24) and increase leverage on the elbow and shoulder by throwing the hip in front of the adversarys elbow (figure 25). Use the free
hand for further control of the adversary by either grasping the top forelock of his hair or the back of his collar. This method is considered extreme leverage and may be adapted to various attack situations where cautious control of the adversary may be required.
Figure 25. Full hammerlock (step 4) 16. FOREARM-ELBOW LOCK COME-ALONG. This is another come-along with a great deal of merit. Properly applied, it makes a hold strong enough to escort a prisoner a short distance. If pressure is maintained on the forearm, you have complete control of your opponent. The air policeman takes an overhand grasp of his adversarys inside wrist with his right hand; he stretches the arm in front of him and simultaneously releases his left hand grasp of the sleeve or elbow; he advances his left hand under the right shoulder to the front of the chest and applies leverage to the secured arm across the forearm or chest. (Figure 26.) Further progression may be applied as indicated in figures 14, 29, 30, 31, and 32.
Figure 26. Forearm-elbow lock come-along 17. WRIST COME-ALONG. As mentioned before, the application of leverage depends upon the adversarys movement and resistance. If he flexes his arm, the logical application of control is the wrist leverage series indicated in figures 27, 28, and 29. The following technique is the most effective of all come-alongs, especially when you are forced to walk a man a long distance and keep him under control. This position is maintained by twisting his hand and wrist toward you at any sign of rebellion. By applying slight pressure on the wrist, you can raise your victim up on his toes and, by this means, you will know that he is completely under your control. This come-along has the advantage of allowing you, in most cases, to maintain sufficient pressure with one hand while you walk along with a weapon in your right hand. This application can be reversed for the purpose of leaving your left hand free. The wrist come-along may be applied from any of the positions shown in figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 20, and 26.
Figure 29. Wrist come-along (step 3) 18. REVERSE FOREARM-ELBOW LOCK. If the adversarys arm is in an extended position, reach across and grab his right wrist with your right hand, raising it about waist high. Move over to his right and slip your left arm over his forearm and under his right elbow, at a point just above the elbow. In this position, the sharp bone of your left forearm can be used to lift upward against the elbow, while the right hand can press down. To make the hold more secure, grip the coat or lapel with your left hand once the arm is in place. (Figure 30.) Further progression may be applied as shown in figures 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 31, and 32.
19. WHEELBARROW CROTCH LIFT. From the initial sleeve guide position, the air policeman quickly reaches over with his right hand and grasps the adversarys right wrist; he stretches the arm with a whip-like motion and breaks the adversarys balance forward (figure 31); he draws the arm underneath the crotch and moves to the rear (figure 32). He then advances by grasping the right wrist with his left hand, keeping the adversary off balance by exerting a lifting movement under the crotch. This method is applicable in moving adversaries into vehicles, rooms, or cells. This maneuver may be applied from positions indicated in figures 2, 3, 4, and 5.
20. REAR BELT-GRASP AND CROTCH LIFT. This method is similar to the wheelbarrow crotch lift except that the air policeman exerts control by reaching through with the left hand and grasping the front of the adversarys belt or pants.
26. THE GRIP. The grip is most important. Place the thong over the thumb so that the stick will hang with the thong crossing over the back of the hand. Turn the hand in and grasp the handle so that the thumb points parallel to the stick. Raise the stick to a 45-degree angle, and the grip is complete. The thong must be adjusted in length to fit the hand. When correctly adjusted, the butt of the club should extend slightly below the edge of the hand. (Figure 39.)
Figure 39. How to hold riot stick 27. THE BLOW. A blow delivered by the riot stick is generally effective in the same body areas in which the edge of the hand is best used. a. Normally, the air policeman should not use his riot stick to strike blows about the head; this is dangerous and fatal injuries can result. Side blows to the temple and throat area also are potentially fatal when delivered with force. Blows delivered to the top of the head and to the forehead are also dangerous. b. Wild blows using the full length of the arm in the swing are not nearly as effective as they seem; they leave the air policeman wide open for a parry and retaliation by a trained opponent. c. By using the riot stick as an extension of the arm in conjunction with basic fundamental movement as indicated in figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, the stick can be used as an effective parrying and striking instrument. A powerful thrust with the end of the stick delivered to the solar plexus will temporarily disable the opponent (figure 43), and short jabs to the stomach region are effective in clearing away crowds or clearing a pathway through a mob. d. The riot stick may also be used as a lever to apply against the wrist, elbow, and shoulder leverage points. It is particularly useful in breaking the adversarys balance by placing it in front of the adversarys thigh for use as a come-along similar to the rear crotch lift indicated in figure 32. e. Blows to the shinbone will often block an attempted kick after it has been launched and sidestepped. f. Well-directed blows as described below are usually as effective as head blows, with less chance of serious injury to the recipient. 1. A man who is moving in to attack can be dropped with a downward blow to the collar bone (figure 40); or by a shoulder shove to twist the body, followed by a hard blow across the big muscle in the back of the thigh (figure 41). This can be delivered with full force and results in cramping the leg muscle so that the victim is temporarily unable to walk.
2. If the opponents arm is outstretched, a blow to the back of the hand, on the outside of the elbow or wrist, will suffice. (Figure 42.)
in preventing any attempted escape. Generally, it is much better to use the handcuffs to pinion both the prisoners hands. b. Since there are many methods of using handcuffs, each prisoner can be cuffed in a manner which will prevent him attempting to escape or attacking, according to the air policemans estimate of his dangerous potentialities. This is particularly important if the prisoner is being moved from one locality to another. Various methods of attaining maximum use from handcuffs are described below. 29. INTERLOCKING CUFF. One wrist is locked and pinioned with enough room to permit the jaw of the other cuff to be inserted between the wrist and the locked cuff. In effect, the cuffs are linked together like a chain, while at the same time the wrists are kept pinioned in a rigid position, and use of the hands is greatly restricted. Any exertion can be painful if the cuffs are applied tightly. 30. CUFFING BEHIND THE LEG. This method is especially good when a lone air policeman is transporting a prisoner by automobile. It can be used also to lock a prisoner to a chair in which he is sitting, the links of the cuffs being passed around the rung or leg of the chair. The same method, locking a single leg and arm together, may be used in the seat of a car, or both legs may be passed through the loop of the arms. 31. CUFFING TO SOLID OBJECTS. When there are two or more prisoners, they can be temporarily secured under light guard. In this case three pairs of cuffs are used. An automobile tire chain, with one or more pairs of cuffs is also useful in securing prisoners to a solid object. The chain can be used together with the cuffs to wrap around the bodies of several prisoners, thus restricting their movements. 32. CUFFING TO THE BELT. The wrists cuffed with the link under the belt will greatly reduce the freedom of the hands and arms. This is a good method when walking a prisoner a long distance or when transporting him by car. Ideally, the belt buckle should be moved far enough around to prevent its being loosened by the hands. The belt can also be used to restrict the hands further when the hands are cuffed behind the prisoners back. Another variation is to remove the belt and force the prisoner to hold up his trousers with his hands.
Section XI Summary
33. RESTRAINT AND CONTROL. Additional principles for the air policeman to apply toward successful adaptation to emergency problem situations are: a. Display confidence and an objective attitude. b. Remain alert and unbiased; examine, judge, and then act firmly and decisively. c. Maintain a conciliatory, unexcited manner with a quiet, steady, yet authoritative voice. d. Do nothing to precipitate the need for force; permit anger to decrease and exhaust itself if possible. Keep the incident from progressing beyond the talking stage, if
e. f. g. h. i. j.
possible, thereby providing an opportunity for speech to create an outlet for tensions. Always use the proper way in approaching a recalcitrant individual. Maintain safe offensive or defensive positions. Maintain solid, balanced positions and concentrate upon breaking adversarys balance. Prevent adversary from using weapons for attack and protect your own weapons. Be wary, prepared, and composed so as to be able to meet any situation; avoid being lured into a dangerous position. Use an aggressive approach to situations needing aggressive action. Avoid indecision and follow through with any action decided upon.
has been fulfilled. For example, the groups below are broken down by the head instructor, as follows: Group A B C Time 15 minutes 15 minutes 15 minutes Activity Movement, Position of Interrogation Blows, Use of Club Sleeve Leverages
b. Upon fulfilling the time allotted, the head instructor directs the groups to rotate. Then group A rotates to group C position, group C to group B position, and group B to group A position. When group A reaches its initial position and completes all phases of the instructional plan, the rotation will have been completed. 38. PREPARATION FOR INSTRUCTION. Prior to class physical participation, allow sufficient time to check: a. The area for any obstructions or hazards. b. Proper ventilation, shower facilities, participants workout gear, and condition of their toenails and fingernails. c. Photographs, charts, or any other training aids to be used. d. The lesson plan for the day, time to be allotted, and what points are to be emphasized. e. For any additional remarks, individuals to be present, and scoring roll call sheets to be used. 39. EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTION. Points to be observed in regard to individual progress are: a. Development of directional sense, coordination, and flexibility in both the standing and ground positions. b. Toning of the various muscle groups required in the application of combative skills (strengthening of hand grasp, feet, calves, extensors and flexors of the legs and arms, waist, back and neck). c. Development of waist action (pivot) as required in the effective application of the basic throwing skills. d. Basic reflex action in falling, footwork, striking tactics, and basic ground tactics. e. Proper foot placement in the various positions (leverage). f. Proper form in the basic combative skills. g. A moderate ability in dodging offensive attacks, in fundamental maneuvering of the opponent while in the ground or standing positions, and in the application of basic restraint and come-along leverages. h. Basic knowledge of the terminology of the combatives. i. The ability to contest in the basic skills learned. j. The ability to control physical action and the degree of calmness while under adverse conditions.
k. Adherence to safety precautions in conjunction with consistent application of the hygienic practices in the gymnasium. l. Elementary knowledge of how to practice, prepare, and terminate the physical workout. m. Basic knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the body. n. Proper use of club as a means of control, attack, and defense. o. Use of mechanical means of restraint (such as handcuffs) in conjunction with application of restraint and come-alongs. 40. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT. a. Facilities (Area) 1. Flooring area 24 x 48 covered with 3# Kapok-filled mats. 2. Other areas meeting safety requirements may be used. b. Clothing and Equipment 1. Clothing. Fatigue uniforms or any durable clothing may be used. 2. Equipment. a. Sufficiently thick mats (2" minimum) which will cover designated area for combative instruction. b. Judo "tatami" mats, mattresses, or other materials which may be substituted and meet safety requirements may be used. 41. MANUALS. a. Kodokan Judo, Kobayashi and Sharpe, Charles E. Tuttle Co., Rutland, Vermont b. Physical Conditioning, AFM [Air Force Manual] 160-26 42. FILMS. a. Arrest and Search TF 1-4057. b. Combative Measures (Judo) TF 1-4981. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Part II, Introduction for Air Police Part III-A, Principles and Body Movement Part III-D, Shoulder Throw Part III-F, Hip Throw Part III-L, Holding Techniques Part IV-A, Parrying and Striking Part IV-B, Standing and Ground Maneuvering Part IV-C, Combinations and Counters JNC July 2001