Behind the Technique
ASP integrated training is principle-based. Its protocols and elements are centered around reasonableness, which is the standard commonly applied to use of force analysis. At times, however, some instructors struggle...
Trainer Talk
Behind the Technique
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Fundamentals of Marksmanship
Marksmanship, quite simply, refers to the skill of accurately shooting a weapon at a target. And like all skills, competency in marksmanship starts with mastering fundamentals of marksmanship, and making...
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The Art of the Demo—Technique Demonstration, the ASP Way
 When candidates attend an ASP Instructor Certification (AIC) class, they are expected to show up with solid baton, handcuff and flashlight skills, though we will hone those skills in...
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Power Generation—The Key to Impact Weapon Effectiveness
I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to train officers around the world. And in my travels, I sometimes hear officers say “I don’t carry a baton anymore, because it’s ineffective;...
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“Cease to Exist”
All officers are taught and trained on the critical importance of weapon retention. Clearly, being able to retain the firearm—whether holstered or drawn—is a life-or-death proposition. But what about handcuff retention? In...
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The Expandable Baton —Still an Irreplaceable Tool
Expandable Batons have been used by law enforcement and security agencies for decades, but with advances in technology—and increasingly burdened duty belts or vests—some officers and agencies question whether they...
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Challenge Coins: An exclusive “currency,” steeped in tradition
Military and law enforcement challenge coins are much more than just collectibles or souvenirs; they are tangible symbols of honor, camaraderie, and pride. These small medallions carry immense significance, representing...
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Angle of Advantage: What it is and how to use it
Angle of advantage (AOA) is a defensive tactics principle that increases officer safety, situational awareness, and control. As we teach in ASP training programs, Angle of Advantage dictates that the...
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The Art of a Good Question
To use questions effectively, we must first understand a key principle: HOW you communicate impacts WHAT you communicate—and that “what” is a two-way street. Ask a better question and you...
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Functional Fitness for Law Enforcement Officers
Law enforcement work comes with fitness demands that are unique among professions. An officer may spend hours in a car, but then have to suddenly burst into an all-out run,...
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Dialogue: Why it's the best defensive tactic
In Law Enforcement, fundamentals matter—and the most basic fundamental of all is dialogue. Verbal direction plays a role throughout the use of force continuum, from cooperative subjects to lethal scenarios.
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Elements of an Attack
The very foundation of defensive tactics is knowing what constitutes an attack in the first place. There are three elements that contribute to an attack—intent, weapon, and delivery system—and all three...
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Hand Positioning During Handcuffing—"The Why Behind the How”
Understanding why something is done a certain way helps straighten the learning curve, and handcuffing is one area where a little bit of learning goes a long way. That’s because...
