The NYPD is starting to train officers in Brazilian jiu jitsu in hopes it will make both officers and arrestees safer.
"Jiu jitsu and wrestling are both sports that utilize minimal force to control a suspect. So by using minimal force you prevent injuries to suspect civilians and officers," said Lt. Kirk Anderson of the Tactical Training Unit.
The NYPD has brought in world renowned jiu jitsu coach Rener Gracie to teach about two dozen officers his new method for restraining a noncomplying suspect, even if they're armed. The department's goal is to have those trainers incorporate the method in the Police Academy, as well as teach the current officers over the course of the next couple years, CBS reports.
"There no joint lock, no pressure point, no chokehold, and no compression of lungs or diaphragm, so it's the safest method of two-on-one restrain that has ever existed in law enforcement," Gracie said.
Gracie calls the method "safewrap" due to the way he wraps the limbs while a suspect is on their side, as opposed to the conventional police method of holding someone with their chest to the ground.
