Too many officers try to handcuff a suspect while he or she is still fighting. Before you can handcuff a suspect, you must obtain control. Here are three techniques for when you're on your own (rear leg sweep), with a partner (rear takedown), or with a group of three or more officers (the swarm). Read our feature, " Closing the Gap ," for the full story. Photos by Amaury Murgado.
Handcuffing Suspects: 3 Techniques
Officers on either side of the suspect set up for the rear takedown that's taught in the L.O.C.K.U.P. (Law Officers Combat Kinetics Unarmed Panoply) system.
The rear officer moves toward the suspect's knees to drive him to the ground.
Once the suspect is face down, he can be handcuffed.
On signal, the rear officer surprises the suspect by grabbing his shoulders and breaking his balance.
The suspect is then flipped over and placed under control before handcuffing.
When you're facing a suspect as a lone officer, a rear leg sweep will help quickly gain control.
The rest of the team then moves in to secure the suspect's head and arms.
When you have three or more officers surrounding a suspect, avoid the "dog pile effect" by using the swarm.
Once on the ground, the suspect is placed under control and then handcuffed.
The rear officer then pulls the suspect back toward the ground.
To initiate it, move forward and break the suspect's balance toward the rear. Take hold of the right arm and thrust your right hand toward the shoulder.
Other officers then help guide the suspect the rest of the way down to the ground.
To bring the suspect to the ground, step through and start the leg sweep. Bring your right elbow to the suspect's chest.