Week 12

As the sun sets on Week 12 of the 21st Session Deputy Training Academy, the class is enjoying a well-earned rest after completing a two-week, intensive Defensive Tactics course.

Last week, the session learned and practiced various control tactics and handcuffing maneuvers; this week, the class had to take those lessons one step further. The instructors acted out real-life scenarios in which the trainees may find themselves at the Chesapeake Correctional Center. No weapons are allowed inside the facility, so deputies are trained to regain control of a situation using only their hands and mouths. Instructors teach them to de-escalate situations using their interpersonal communication and crisis intervention skills. However, the trainees must also be prepared to act should a situation escalate.

During what is infamously called “Red Man” training, instructors and trainees put on padded suits for protection, allowing the trainees to practice their defensive maneuvers and the degree of force needed to gain control of a combative subject.

“Effective use of defensive tactics can make the difference between life and death,” said Lead Defensive Tactics Instructor Deputy J. Holbrook. “We teach them to use enough force to gain control of a situation safely.”

The trainees had to successfully, safely, and responsibly complete five scenarios designed to push their limits and test what they had learned over the past 11 weeks. The whole class did well, but one trainee especially stood out. He completed one of his scenarios so quickly and efficiently that instructors were stunned. Each trainee had to pass all five scenarios before the class could move on to correctly using the ASP baton.

It may have been a physically and mentally exhausting week, but the trainees know the worst is yet to come. Next week, the class will learn about civil process, gang intelligence, and the most dreaded course of all, chemical agents (IE. OC Spray)!

Good luck 21st session; you’ll need it next week 😉. Just six weeks to go!