This course is designed for both new and experienced use of force instructors, giving them certification in our groundbreaking soft empty-hand system and teaching methods. Officers will leave with essential skills that integrate seamlessly with tools like expandable batons, spray irritants, and handcuffing techniques.
We are proud to have trained over 250 law enforcement, military, and security agencies and are the exclusive provider of defensive tactics training for the Minneapolis Police Department. Our curriculum was featured in the largest known data study linking police training to force outcomes, conducted at the Saint Paul Police Department. This peer-reviewed study analyzed over 2,800 force incidents from 2014 to 2020 and found remarkable reductions:
- 37% in the use of force
- 68% in officers using strikes
- 51% in the use of chemical irritants
- 39% in Taser deployments
- 44% in injuries to people being arrested
- 25% in injuries to officers
Perhaps most notably, the city’s civil liability payouts dropped from $2 million in 2017 to just $5,000 in 2020.
The key to a great defensive tactics program is a strong curriculum and capable instructors. Our modern system combines effective, easy-to-learn techniques with proven training methods. Officers of all skill levels will enhance their ability to handle various levels of resistance. Core principles like leverage, body positioning, and timing align with any existing defensive tactics systems. The course also focuses on using tools such as Tasers, ASP batons, and less-lethal platforms. But this training is about more than physical skills.
We also teach officers how to be better communicators, trainers, and mentors. Traditional teaching methods often result in just 20% knowledge retention. Our student-focused approach dramatically improves retention and real-world application. This course is adaptable for any law enforcement or security organization and ensures participants are equipped to train others effectively.
Course objectives include:
- Enhancing compliance through verbal de-escalation and soft empty-hand techniques.
- Responding effectively to close-quarter assaults.
- Developing skills in handcuffing and controlling resistant subjects.
- Performing single-officer and multiple-officer takedowns.
- Incorporating force tools and transitioning to the best options.
- Achieving proficiency with intermediate force weapons.
- Improving your training program with student-centered, adult learning principles.
The foundation of this course lies in easy-to-learn, highly effective empty-hand control techniques that integrate well with existing tactics. Situational awareness is important, but it’s not enough. This course ensures officers are ready to face real-world challenges safely and confidently.
What to bring:
- BDU style pants
- Duty belt/duty vest
- Training weapon
- Mouth guard
FEATURED INSTRUCTORS
Tom Menton and Chad Malmberg
TESTIMONIALS
“Better instructors than I’ve seen anywhere.”
“Great presentation skills. Made the course interesting and fun. Very realistic course material.”
“Very usable techniques!”
-Dan Swanson, Rochester Police Department SWAT
”Top level instructors. Highly recommended, here to help you. What I liked most about the course overall was the atmosphere, learning how to teach, and the realistic tactics.”
-Tyler Martin, Washington County Sheriff’s Office SWAT
“By far, some of the most effective instructors I’ve worked with.”
“What I liked most was not only being taught the subject material, but learning how to teach others while keeping it simple and applicable.”
“I enjoyed every minute and wish there were more days to train with Chad and Tom.”
-Deputy Tony Nelson, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office SWAT