Effectiveness of MMA in Defensive Tactics

[Bestatwhathedoes]

Hey guys,

I'm a student of Criminal Justice, and in our class we occassionally do DT training with a lot of wrestling. I have some difficulty with it, though, because I train in BJJ, but our teachers do not allow chokes or arm bars or stuff like that because of liability reasons. One of my teachers said that chokes are not allowed because as a Police officer, you are liable if the perp breaks his neck. However, in all my training using a rear naked choke, I have never broken a persons neck. Are his concerns valid? Also, are you allowed to actually break the bones of a perp who is fighting you, like in Jiu Jitsu? I think this has something to do with the elevation of force rule but I'm not sure I understand it.

Thanks guys,
Daniel

[TonyU]

Chokes are not allowed in many states and police agencies not because of a broken neck but because of the larynx being crushed if applied incorrectly.
Most of your police officer are not martial artist thus most if not all do not how to apply proper chokes. Add to that trying it under pressure and you have what many administrators and lawmakers call a recipe for disaster.
Instead of concentrating on proper training they decide to eliminate it. Idiotic imo but I'm not a lawmaker

[Bestatwhathedoes]

I see. So, as Law Enforcement officers, what kind of tactics have YOU personally used the most? Is it strikes like Taekwondo or Karate, stand-up grappling like Judo or Jujitsu, or ground work like wrestling or Jiu Jitsu? Although I am better at striking, I understand the importance grappling and control techniques in Law Enforcement.

[Dennis Monk]

I'm glad to be from Texas.
I have used many a vascular restraint, and will again.

[Gary Keaton]

I'm with Dennis, being in Texas is a good thing when it comes to using force. As long as the use of force is justified according to Texas law, I am pretty much allowed to use whatever force necessary to effect a lawful arrest. I do have to be able to articulate why the force was necessary, and the level of force has to be appropriate ( no smacking him with the Crown Vic just because he said bad words). But as long as the use of force and level of force were justified, we do have a good amount of latitude.

[JiuJitsuRabbit]

I understand the accepted use of force and that police officers have restrictions placed on "allowed" techniques. After that though, if it ever comes down to your safety or the perp’s safety, I would error on the side of my own life despite what legal problems I would have afterwards.

I rather deal with legal issues and be alive than have no legal problems and be dead.

My advice, mind you I am not a cop, would play by the rules unless the situation is absolutely dire.