Tactical Edge

This book details tactics and techniques for controlling life-threatening situations encountered on police patrol. Mental conditioning for dealing with life-threatening situations is considered under the topics of the mind-body partnership, the control of the stress and relaxation responses to crises, and the development of heightened awareness. A review of tactical thinking considers threat assessment, thought processes, and analyzing a tactic. Detailed descriptions of tactics for potentially life-threatening situations encompass building searches, barricaded subjects, armed robbery responses, vehicle stops, domestic disturbances, and hostage situations. Tactical descriptions compare what to do and not to do under various circumstances. Techniques of physical control for assaultive persons cover tactical positioning, escort control, pressure points, countermeasures, neck restraint, and handcuffing. The concluding chapter presents tips on maintaining mental and tactical conditioning as practiced by police officers who have functioned well in life-threatening situations. 158 additional readings.