Law Enforcement and Martial Arts – the “Best” Connection? – Part 3
…this is PART 3 and the final article of this 3 part series.
Shihan Pascetta - circa 1975
Liability Issues
A significant issue that has come to the forefront concerning LE physical encounters is that of both Criminal and Civil Liability. The proper “Use of Force” has advanced “front and center” as a primary concern. Along with other changes in the society where we presently live, this new “information age” presents unique challenges where any of us could be taped on a video with a cell phone and end up on “You Tube” within minutes of the occurrence.
Changing Society
The United States has become an ever increasing litigious society with less and less respect and consideration for the LE officer. Many times the officer has only seconds to make a decision that may affect his safety and/or of that of others while the news media and even the courts have days, weeks, and months to scrutinize every little nuance of those decisions. Although some laws and precedents exist that provide some support for the officer who acts within the law, the experience of enduring all the public and legal scrutiny following any questionable encounter can be career changing for many officers. It can also quickly and easily undermine the credibility and effectiveness of any given LE agency. (more…)
Law Enforcement and Martial Arts – the “Best” Connection? – Part 2
This is PART 2 of a 3 part series titled: “Law Enforcement and Martial Arts – the ‘Best Connection’?” A new section adding to this article will be posted each Monday. (Please excuse the delay of this post due to technical difficulties)
Shihan Pascetta - Police Honor Guard - circa 1976
Obstacles to “Best Practices” based training
After identifying some of the challenges for officers to even receive DT training beyond the academy basics, it becomes more significant that the initial training received is efficient, effective, and practical. There are number of obstacles that commonly stand in the way of accomplishing these simple requirements.
First, the “basic DT training” that exists in LE today varies significantly from academy to academy and sometimes even from instructor to instructor within a particular academy. It is only fair to acknowledge that there are some remarkably high quality LE/DT training programs in spite of many obstacles. This article is not intended as an indictment against the present status quo but as a fair discussion intended to inspire positive changes to benefit our LE professionals and help keep them safer. (more…)
Law Enforcement and Martial Arts – the “Best” Connection? – Part 1
This is PART 1 of a 3 part series titled: “Law Enforcement and Martial Arts – the ‘Best Connection’?” A new section adding to this article will be posted each Monday.
Shihan Pascetta receiving Honors Award at New Jersey State Police Academy - Sea Girt, NJ 1975
Here are some relevant questions facing Law Enforcement officers, administrators, and trainers today concerning Defensive Tactics training:
Is there a “natural” fit between Law Enforcements (LE) and the Martial Arts (MA)?
What is the “best” Martial Arts system to learn for Law Enforcement?
Do our police agencies have the “Best of the Best” with regard for Defensive Tactics (DT) training for their personnel?
What are some realistic and practical expectations for improving the present LE/DT training?
