ASP Basic Tactical Handcuff Certification (ABC) Program

ASP Basic Tactical Handcuff Certification (ABC) Program

Section 1: Course Introduction

1.04 Course Description4 hour hands on participatory seminar

Trained in the operational use of the ASP tactical Handcuffs

Focus on: Portation (Carrying) Presentation (Drawing) Handcuff application techniques

1.04 Course DescriptionASP tactical restraints are designed as a temporary restraintsProvides efficient restraint tactics for criminal justice personnel without long hours of trainingThe tactics are quickly learned, easily practiced and readily maintainedProvides techniques that work 90% of the time on 90% of subjects and retains the ability to disengage or escalateWorks effectively for all law enforcement officersThe training incorporates drills which simulate the wide variety of street encounters which require restraintsProvide you with a understanding of the conditions in which restraints may be used, justification for use and how to document these actions

1.05 Program StandardsThe ASP basic certification program (ABC) is based on modern, court defensible police standards for less lethal use of force

The ASP Tactical Baton programs are designed to meet three standards of training The techniques work on the street, not just in the classroom The techniques are court defensible and are backed by the

nation’s most experienced use of force consultants The program is administratively feasible for use in a

contemporary law enforcement agency

Section 9: EvaluationStudents must pass a: Written examination Physical performance test Students will complete a class critique at the completion of the

course

1.06 SafetySAFETY IS THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INSTRUCTORNo functional firearms or other weapons allowed in the training areaNo jewelryMouth guards are requiredShoes should have good lateral and linear supportOnly ASP batons will be usedThe training area will be kept clearThe Trainer will have a safety setAll activity will stop on the whistleParticipants will only strike areas covered by a training bag or protective training suitBatons will be kept in scabbards on duty belts when not in use


Section 2: Control Theory

2.01 OverviewThe ability to use force against the public is permitted to law enforcement under the 4th Amendment

As a result of the responsibility, the use of force comes under close scrutiny by both the public and the courts

2.02 Confrontational Continuum

In an attempt to define and clarify appropriate circumstances for the use of force, the Confrontational Continuum was developedThe Continuum provides the law enforcement administrator with a realistic means of evaluating force usage, while providing the street officer with reasonable guidance in determining what level of force is neededThe Continuum was developed in a effort to explain to law enforcement personal the proper response to assailant’s actions and designed as a mechanism for explaining the level of force that was employed and the circumstances under which it was exercisedSpecific Agencies have diverse labels and techniques for its force options, however the order of escalation and evaluation of techniques used, are generally consistent among agenciesThe physical process of arrest occurs after control has been achieved. Force must cease when control has been effected. Restraint after control must be viewed as part of all use of force training

2.06 Use of Force Evaluations

The goal of a law enforcement officer in a confrontation is to control the subjectControl is not a 50/50 balance. The officer must win and not just 50% of the time. If have the confrontation result in a failure to control the subject, the officer and the general public are put in critical dangerEach technique employed in a confrontation must be evaluated in terms of its likelihood to gain control compared to its likelihood to cause damage. This does not mean that officers must exhaust every lower option before moving to a higher level response. Such thinking is both naïve and dangerous. The officer only needs to use a reasonable force optionIn evaluating techniques, a final consideration must be made to insure the safety of the officer. This involves the officer’s ability to instantly disengage or escalate in response to a confrontation based on the totality of the situation

2.11 Documentation

REPORT DOCUMENTATIONThe type of call which first brought the officer in contact with the subjectThe number of persons involved in the situationThe time of day, physical setting and type of situationWhat subject said to the officerThe subject’s demeanor and attitudeWhat the officer saidThe subject’s actions and officers reactionA detailed report of the officers injuries, including photographs when PossibleA detailed report of the subject’s injuries, including photographs when possibleNames, addresses and telephone numbers of neutral witnesses not involved in the confrontation


Section 3: Technical characteristics of the ASP tactical restraint system

3.01 OverviewASP through talking with trainers, instructors and officers from around the world, developed a handcuff that meets the needs and request of today's criminal justice personnelThe ASP tactical handcuffs are classified as temporary restraining devices The ASP tactical handcuffs meet NIJ standard 0307.01 The ASP tactical handcuffs are designed to be quick, quiet and highly effective for officers in a operational setting

3.02 Handcuff designThe handcuffs are made out of heated treated, ribbed one piece stainless steel with ordinance grade polymer and replaceable locksets. This makes the handcuffs lighter in weight with flex frame technology.They have a flat bow face with 22 locking positions for a greater span of locking positions and has a smooth action. The deep set teeth were increased for better hold and security. They have a dual keyway with one direction unlock.The double lock indicators are easy to reach and the highly visible yellow indicator is a visible warning to double lock the restraints.The edges are rediused and are less likely to cause damage.The handcuffs can be color coded for agencies.The swivel of the chained handcuff has been reinforced.The handcuffs are made in Chain, Hinged and rigid styles as well as the tri-fold soft restraints.

ASP also makes a full like of accessories for the handcuffs.


Section 4: Body Mechanics

Principles of Human MovementThe ability to use basic body mechanics dramatically increases the officers ability to control a confrontation, while decreasing the chance of injuryThe foundation is the PYRAMID concept of defensive measuresHand position is the first line of defense. They must kept above the waist in front of the body and not over extendedOfficers must remain relaxed. Tense muscles cannot engage in dynamic movement and expend greater energyOfficers should remain centered while decentralizing there assailant maintaining a position of advantage


Section 6: Training Format

6.02 Warm-Up and Warm-Down

All training sessions will be preceded by an adequate warm-up (Daily Dozen)1) A warm-up emphasizing

flexibility and agility without bouncing or jerking. The warm-up will be repeated after extended breaks

2) A warm-down will be done after strenuous activity to reduce stiffness and soreness

6.03 Progressive TrainingAsp training teaches new skills in a progressive format going from basic skills to dynamic simulation.1) Skill Discussion: A overview of the technique

and the environment in which it is used is explained.

2) Skill Demonstration: The technique is demonstrated.

3) Skill practice: The technique is repeated to mastery.

6.04 Practice SequencesTechniques are taught using a four part progressive format to ensure that all participants gain competency during the session

Structured to a set deliberate 8 strike pace:

1) By the numbers: 1-2-3 to introduce the skill

2) Slow to form: 4-5-6 to concentrate on the form

3) Full speed and power: 7-8 add speed and power

4) Simulation: Realism under stress

6.06 Drill FormationsFive basic formations1) Line: Two lines facing each other2) Wheel: Two circles, with one inner circle and one

outer circle. Dynamic movement is added3) Post: Students perform a specified technique moving

in a zigzag pattern between the bags4) Circle: A single student will enter a circle to perform

techniques against bag holders or training suits5) Three minute: 2 officers one with a bag and the other

with a soft baton. The drill is run for 3 minutes with the subject being taken to the ground, stabilized and restrained

6.07 VerbalizationThe verbal exchange in any confrontation is very important. Verbalization practice during training is criticalVerbalization helps the subject understand what is expectedVerbalization also helps bystanders understand what the officer is trying to do. It turns bystanders into witnessesAll verbalization should be documented in officers reports

6.08 StancesInterview stance: Designed to be a natural, comfortable way for officers to stand all the time. PYRAMID concept Hands above the waist with the baton in the weapon

hand Maintain safe separation of two arms length

Combat stance: Maximizes the availability of the baton while putting you in the best defensive position PYRAMID concept Commands are BACK stay BACK

Reaction side: First line of defense (Checks or redirects assaults) Hand is at eye level, arm at 45 angle Used to create safe separation with the check and

redirection Command is BACK

Weapon side: Weapon delivery system (Grips the baton, firearm or restraint) Holds the restraints with a full hand grip at shoulder level,

arm at 45 angle

6.10 Safe SeparationSeparation of 2 arms length allows officers to deal with sudden assaultsTo maintain separation officers must deal with the subjects momentum, re-establish distance, and if necessary strike MDS Separation can be established by 2 techniques1) Check: Stopping the forward movement of a subject2) Redirect: To control and change the direction of a

subjects attack

6.11 Stabilization and 6.12 Restraint

When the aggression and resistance cease, the officer should move to a position of advantage and stabilize the subject to facilitate restraints

The officer can then use two types of restraints to secure the subject1) Hard restraints: Tactical handcuffs

2) Soft restraints: Disposable


Section 7: Restraint concepts

Restraint ConceptsASP restraint techniques consist of core concepts that build the basis for effective restraint application regardless of the tactics of a particular agency.In every situation where a subject is arrested they should be handcuffed.Want to create compliance over combat through verbalization prior to handcuffing.Subject must be controlled prior to handcuffing. This is done by stabilizing the subject.Officers should maintain angles of advantage and a proper reactionary gap. Resistance most of the time will come on first contact.Always read the palms.Want to control the subjects dominant hand first and last.Upon placing hands on the subject the restraints should be placed on quickly.The subject should not be searched until after properly restrained.If the subject becomes resistive during handcuffing officers should disengage and the restraints can “cease to exist”.


Section 8: Basic restraint skills

Restraint ApplicationASP tactical restraints can be carried on either side of the body, but in a position that they can be reached by either hand. They are placed in the case with the connectors in a downward position.The subject must be controlled and stabilized prior to handcuffing. Weapons should be secured and the restraints can be drawn. Restraints should not be used to gain control of the subject.Regardless of the stabilization position the palms of the subject should be visible (Read the palms)Restraints are held in the weapon hand with a full hand grip.Handcuff the subject behind the back, with palms facing out.Placed the handcuffs on the wrist just above the hand. They should be snug enough to not slip off and yet loose enough not to impinge on the nerves or impede blood flow.Restraints are then applied by the ROCK and LOCK method.Tri-fold restraints will be applied with the Pop. Place and Pull method.

Stabilization PositionsNo matter the tactics used by different criminal justice agencies to restrain subjects, the subject will be placed in one of 3 different stabilization position to effect handcuffing depending on their threat level:

1) Standing

2) Kneeling

3) Prone

Post Handcuffing

Slide the tip of a finger partially between the restraint and the subjects wrist, to check the fit

Double lock both cuffs. If the cuff is too tight. Turn the key to release the cuff then turn back to double lock the cuff. Double locks should always be applied no matter the application

Then search the subject. Follow a systematic, consistent searching pattern

RemovalSubject should be controlled and stabilized prior to handcuff removal.

Last cuff applied is the first to be removed. That hand is then placed in a position of advantage.

Remove the second cuff.

Document any marks or injuries on the subject.

Check the operation of the restraints prior to recasing them.

Documents

ASP Basic Tactical Handcuff Certification (ABC) Program