Almost ten years ago, the Law Enforcement Television Network (LETN) filmed the latest in cell entry tactics. It was billed as the answer to the question: “What do you do when all negotiation attempts have been exhausted?”
Although the physical cell entry tactics filmed at the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office’s Jail are still state-of-the-art, corrections has come light years in our understanding of Tactical Communication and sound negotiation tactics that take place at the cell door. (This experience is based on the research of Dr. George Thompson of the Verbal Judo Institute, other professional trainers, and the experience of literally thousands of correctional professionals.)
After watching the video below, C1 member Jim C. offered this feedback on how officers at his facility would defuse the situation:
“We use the same tactics but different equipment. Instead of the MK9 for the first contact, we use Pepperball. We have found that staring at the muzzle of an apparent firearm gets better compliance. But if it doesn’t, we still have powder OC available, as well as the MK9 for backup. We use a hand-held EMDT device instead of a baton. It keeps his arms and legs behind the shield until we achieve compliance and control.”
What would your team do? Add your comments below.