When asked to demonstrate weapon retention, most officers place both hands on their holstered handgun and move their hips violently from side to side. This is a good technique. Here are three additional techniques that can help you keep your duty weapon out of the hands of the bad guy. For the full story, read " Stopping Gun Grabs ."
Gun Grabs: 3 Techniques
Defending With Arms: Place your hands under the suspect's chin and force the aggressor's head back, directing the suspect's eyes away from you.
Two-Handed Approach: Use both hands to keep your gun in your holster until you can get the suspect's hands off it.
Position yourself so you're standing in the suspect's blind spot. This allows you to have a better view and quicker reaction, if he makes a move for your sidearm.
Defending With Arms: Pushing with both arms can disrupt a suspect's balance and prevent a gun grab. It can also buy an officer enough time to react with an appropriate weapon from his or her belt.
Two-Handed Approach: When using this technique, keep both of your elbows close to your body. This will make it difficult for the suspect to take any weapons from your belt.
Defending With Arms: An added benefit of this technique is that the suspect will be forced onto his heels and will be less mobile.
Two-Handed Approach: Remember to the concept of creating tactical distance using the gross motor skills of pushing.
Defending With Legs: Raise your front foot as high as you can, then push down as if you are stepping on the gas pedal of a car. You can deliver great force while remaining balanced.
Defending With Legs: Your legs are stronger than your arms. You can use them to push the suspect away from your firearm to give you time to react.
Defending With Legs: Use your leg as a front foot push. Target the suspect's pelvic region, including the lower stomach, hips, groin, quadriceps, and knees.
Don't wait until a suspect has his hands on your weapon to think about weapon retention. You should try not to let the suspect near your duty belt in the first place.