Trainer Talk

The ability to use force is the most significant responsibility given to law enforcement officers. It is also the thing that is most likely to draw harsh scrutiny from both the public and the courts. Because of the significant liability and other risks faced by officers when they use force, ASP incl...

As a trainer, I frequently get asked what martial art is best for police officers. It’s a great question, and a topic that’s particularly close to my heart, but there’s really no one answer. There are countless variables—different styles, different students with different abilities and needs, and mu...

Most police academies and/or agencies provide guidelines or recommendations on setting up your duty belt. Some Standard Operating Procedures even dictate the placement of critical equipment. However, every officer and situation is different, so finding the best setup for your “rig” may require ongoi...

We all know a guy who has every tool ever needed in his garage, while some of us use duct tape to fix just about everything. While we might be able to tape our way out of trouble much of the time, it is best to have the right tool for the job, at the right time… and to know how to use it. It applies...

Flashlights—and especially law enforcement lights—have come a long way in the 21st century. It wasn’t so long ago that police officers carried duty lights with three or four batteries (or even five massive “D” cells in some cases), and relatively dim, fragile incandescent bulbs. These flashlights we...