U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Using Force Wisely

NCJ Number
136820
Journal
Security Management Volume: 36 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1992) Pages: 65-66,68
Author(s)
L Jackson
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
An effective, use-of-force training program for private security officers that will stand up in court should meet an established standard, such as the Components of Acceptability developed by Bruce Siddle of Pressure Point Control Tactics Management Systems Inc.
Abstract
Siddle's 3-point standard has been used internationally as a guide for use-of-force training programs for police and private security that are defensible in court. The Components of Acceptability state that to be court defensible, a use-of-force training program must meet tactical, legal, and medical standards of acceptability. Under these standards, all tactically acceptable physical control of defensive techniques must be supported by research which documents that they are easy to learn and retain. Tactically acceptable techniques must also be effective when used by security officers of any size, sex, or age and must work when used in real encounters on the job. Techniques should be simple and based on gross motor skills that use the large muscles of the body. These are easiest to retain and execute under stress. All techniques must meet legal standards for the acceptable use of force by security personnel. They must also produce predictable and reasonable results every time. Medically acceptable techniques are backed by medical evaluations and research that documents and predicts the result of the technique. Consistency in training program content and information delivery is important as is training documentation.

Downloads

No download available

Availability