Because my schedule is different from most of the non-uniform staff, I was told this afternoon to report to the training Lieutenant for a refresher course in basic defensive tactics. I was in a class of one.

After the training, he informed me that I will be getting some additional training. Because I alone alot of the time with inmates, I am going to be trained in the use of the baton and pepper spray. After the training, I will be issued a baton to keep in my office and draw the pepper spray from Control everytime I come in.

 

Sounds like the higher-ups are getting nervous about something.

M

 

Yea that sounds rather ominous.

 

You mean that you work there and do not already have that training???? WTF

 

Are you looking forward to getting pepper sprayed so you can carry it?

 

Mindset is the most important tool that one can employ when close quarters tactics come into play. Granted you will be taught how to defend from attack (that's where grappling comes in) more than to go on the offensive and defending yourself is often more difficult than to go on the offensive and that is where your state of mind comes into play and it's all shits and giggles to beatdown a training dummy or suited up opponent but if you aren't ready to "get down and dirty" it will be of no use to you. You need to remember that you have to be prepared to do some serious damage to an opponent and that means "going for the throat" as it were. Some people just don't have a "mean streak" in them, luckily I'm not one of those people and the throat, eyes, ears, nose, chest and knees will sustain some damage by the time I am done with someone and I don't recommend it but all's fair in love and war ...

You need to remember the legal ramifications of using excessive force as compared to reasonable force considering that you are a civilian and not a peace officer so you aren't afforded the same safety net in the regard as a law enforcement officer might be but I hope that they will certify you when you are done at least to skill level one. I am a 4th degree black belt and still learn new things periodically.

We teach our MMA fighters extensive tactics both offensive and defensive and it can be a double edge sword to "drill the killer instinct" into some people without desensitizing them at the same time and turning them into a wrecking machine, which btw most inmates are ... they are the hardest of the hardened that you will come up against and I sure hope you know what you are getting yourself into when in your case it would be your best bet to just lock the door and stay in your office away from the trouble that they don't pay you enough to risk your life ... fighting for me is like foreplay, I hope it is for you too.

Just remember, "a little knowledge" is a dangerous thing and our men and women have countless hundreds of hours of training and they still don't come out on top all the time but I wish you luck and safety in your training and hope that you have that mad dog attitude needed to make sure you go home to your family at the end of the day.

You will get hit with "pepper spray" but not triple action (most likely) so tear gas isn't a concern for you but that doesn't make what you have instore for you any less painful. Don't rub your eyes or affected area's even though you will want to and most importantly, control your breathing afterward which won't be easy but if you "panic" you will do more damage than the spray will do before it wears off in about 15 minutes or so externally and a little longer internally. They will have special wipes and liquids that will help since PS is not water soluable so you can't simply "dilute" it. Baby shampoo and dish soap works well too ... you should try some PS on a pizza once it makes a great seasoning LOL.

The last person that took a baton to me spent months getting reconstructive surgery when I was done with them after I took it from him and fed it to him so be prepared to protect it with what may well be your life if you don't !!!