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

Survival Force Seminar

NCJ Number
189113
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 5 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 64-68
Author(s)
Ed Sanow
Date Published
June 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Survival FORCE is an annual five-day, hands-on training conference involving Controlled FORCE instructors.
Abstract
Controlled FORCE is a series of defensive tactic techniques taught as building blocks in a three day course. The goal is to develop a national training standard for all uses of force along the continuum, from physical force to lethal force. During this training, instructors conduct two or four hour training blocks, all of which build on the Controlled FORCE system of training. The basic skills of arm and wrist locks, takedowns and handcuffing are expanded to specific street scenarios such as ground fighting, baton strikes, and disarm/retention. Many training blocks filled the ten hour days, including the Mechanical Advantage Positioning System (MAPS) which involves moving to one of six positions, relative to the violator, that will give the officer a positional advantage. The conference had two different ground fighting courses: one instructed officers how to disengage and get off the ground; and the other showed officers what to do if they have to fight on the ground. The Rapid Assault Tactics (RAT) concept, which is designed to avoid a prolonged exchange of blows with a suspect who may be younger, bigger or stronger, was also taught. Conference goers also learned that the Mechanical Advantage Control Hold number ten (MACH 10) is not a choke hold but is designed to slow the blood supply returning from the brain, causing a subject to struggle less. This technique was taught in the Bi-lateral Neck Restraint course. A system of self-defense developed in Israel, Krav Maga, was taught, focusing on responding to threats from an unarmed assailant. Other training, such as weapon retention, straight or expandable baton, and civil liability, was provided during the conference.