Four Safer Strikes

There are arguments for and against law enforcement officers using closed-hand punches. It can be better to avoid hitting a suspect with your bare knuckles so you don't injure your hands so you can't pull a trigger, hold a baton or continue striking with a broken hand. Here are four safer strikes—palm strike, bottom fist strike, knee strike and elbow strike—when dealing with a violent suspect. Our related article, "Safer Strikes," explains how to avoid bloodborne pathogens.

Staff Writer
August 5, 2010

There are arguments for and against law enforcement officers using closed-hand punches. It can be better to avoid hitting a suspect with your bare knuckles so you don't injure your hands so you can't pull a trigger, hold a baton or continue striking with a broken hand. Here are four safer strikes—palm strike, bottom fist strike, knee strike and elbow strike—when dealing with a violent suspect. Our related article, "Safer Strikes," explains how to avoid bloodborne pathogens.

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