Unit 3 Lesson 13 Impact Weapons PDF

Unit 3 Defensive Tactics Techniques Lesson 13 Impact Weapons Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to demonstrate the proper use and application of intermediate weapons. **Note: This lesson is optional for law enforcement, corrections, and correctional probation.** Interme...

Unit 3 Defensive Tactics Techniques Lesson 13 Impact Weapons Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to demonstrate the proper use and application of intermediate weapons. **Note: This lesson is optional for law enforcement, corrections, and correctional probation.** Intermediate weapons are tools used when empty-handed control is ineffective, but the subject’s level of resistance does not merit deadly force. Though intermediate weapons may cause death or great bodily harm, they are not fundamentally designed to do so. A strike with an impact weapon affects a subject psychologically when they see an officer use the weapon in a controlled, competent manner. It gives the impression of a well-trained officer and emphasizes their authority and officer presence. The most common types of intermediate weapons include the following: impact weapons, such as batons or weapons of opportunity specialty impact weapons such as bean bag rounds (lead shot covered in a small fabric pillow, typically fired from a shotgun) or baton rounds (plastic or rubber bullets) electronic control devices, such as a CEW chemical agents An impact weapon is any object used for striking. Impact weapons may disable or cause tempo- rary motor dysfunction. The most common impact weapon is the baton. Even though new intermediate weapons have been developed, such as chemical agents and CEWs, the baton remains a standard tool for some criminal justice agencies. The baton is not the only impact weapon available to an officer. Any item an officer has at hand may be used as a potential impact weapon when needed, such as a broomstick, flashlight, clipboard, or radio. These unconventional impact weapons are also known as weapons of opportunity. An interview stance with an impact weapon is a low-profile stance with the weapon held partially hidden behind the leg. An offensive ready stance with an impact weapon is a high-profile stance with the weapon held at a shoulder position to enable a rapid strike. Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 311 ✅ HL4313.1. Identify target areas for impact weapon strikes An impact weapon can strike specific target areas on the shoulder, forearm, thigh, abdomen, calf, neck, head, throat, and groin. Target Areas—Impact Weapons Strikes DF means deadly force, and NDF means non-deadly force. (See Figure 4-75) The expected effect of NDF strikes is to disable or cause temporary motor dysfunction. Front of Shoulder (NDF)—Jab with an impact weapon. Top of Forearm (NDF)—Strike with an impact weapon. Inside of Forearm (NDF)—Strike with an impact weapon. Outside of Thigh (NDF)—Strike with an impact weapon. Inside of Thigh (NDF)—Strike with an impact weapon. Center of Abdomen (NDF)—Jab with an impact weapon. Top of Calf (NDF)—Strike with an impact weapon. Side of Neck (DF)—Striking the side of the neck with an impact weapon is deadly force. Head (DF)—Striking the head with an impact weapon is deadly force. Throat (DF)—Striking the throat with an impact weapon is deadly force. Groin (DF)—Striking the groin with an impact weapon is deadly force. 312 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 Figure 4-75 Target areas – impact weapon strikes Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 313 ✅ HL4313.2. Demonstrate impact weapon techniques The most common techniques using an impact weapon are thrusts, swings, and blocks. Impact Weapon Thrusts This technique can be executed in all directions with the tip, back, or shaft of the impact weapon. Generally, the weapon is thrust in a straight line into a target. 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the application of the technique. 2. Assume an appropriate position. 3. Hold the impact weapon with one or both hands. 4. Thrust the impact weapon into an appropriate target area. 5. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-76) Figure 4-76 Impact weapon thrust 314 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 Impact Weapon Swings This technique can be executed with the shaft or edge of the impact weapon. Generally, the weapon is swung in a circular motion to the target. This technique is also appropriate for use with weapons of opportunity, such as a flashlight, radio, or cell phone. 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the application of the technique. 2. Assume an appropriate position. 3. Hold the impact weapon with one or both hands. 4. Swing the impact weapon to an appropriate target area. 5. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-77) Figure 4-77 Impact weapon swing Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 315 Impact Weapon Blocks Blocks are reaction techniques. A block places the impact weapon between the officer and the subject. Scan blocks pull across the body. Power blocks push against the attacking arm. 1. Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the application of the technique. 2. Assume an appropriate hand position. 3. Hold the impact weapon with one or both hands. 4. Sweep or push the impact weapon across the front of the body, defending against attack. 5. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-78) Figure 4-78 Impact weapon block Electronic Control Devices Electronic control devices (ECD), or electronic immobilization devices, use a high voltage, low- power electrical charge to induce involuntary muscle contractions that temporarily disable a non- compliant subject. It is considered safe when used on people, but it will cause extreme muscular tension and may cause temporary loss of balance or coordination. Types of electronic control devices include conducted electrical weapon (CEW), handheld stun gun, electronic shield, electronic belt, and electronic sleeve. 316 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2