Escorting a Suspect
NOTE: You must watch the video in its entirety to progress and continue to the next lesson.
Maintain “Care and Control” of your suspect at all time. Once the subject is handcuffed you have
transitioned from “Force giver” to “Care giver.”
There are 3 levels of escort positions that you may use after you arrest a suspect. These escort
positions will give you a tactical advantage and added safety measures. When performed
correctly, these escort positions will provide the officer with added suspect control.
Level 1: Compliant
With compliant escorting you will assess the level of force you use which will depend on the suspect’s
actions and demeanor.
Maintain control of your suspect by holding his bicep with your support hand. Stand at a 45 degree
angle behind them with your weapon side away from the suspect.
Rest your weapon hand on the suspect’s shoulder so it is ready to protect you in case the suspect
becomes violent.
Level 2: Passive/Active Resistance
As with Level 1, you will assess the level of force you use depending on your suspect’s actions.
Stand at a 45 degree angle behind the suspect.
This time however, you will grab the suspect’s bicep with your weapon hand.
Your support hand will grab the suspect’s hand that is closest to you in an overhand grip and bend his
wrist upwards using a pain compliance technique to keep control of your suspect. Grab the suspects
hand in the same manner you would when handcuffing.
Level 3: Assaultive
For level 3 escorting you will transition from level 2 and turn your body facing the opposite direction as
the suspect. Reach through the suspects elbow with your weapon hand and grab the suspect’s hand. Maintain a solid grip and bend the suspect’s wrist towards your body. At the same time pull his elbow into your rib cage.
Your support hand will grab the suspects shoulder and pull him downward and towards you so he/she is
walking backwards. This will render the suspect off balance as you are walking forward.
Your support hand on his shoulder will also give you protection from a head-butt, spitting and biting.
- Never place the suspect in a headlock*
