Hermosa Beach Police Department Revolutionizes Use-of-Force Tactics, Ensuring Officer Safety
Hermosa Beach Police Department in California has made groundbreaking strides in enhancing their use-of-force tactics while prioritizing officer safety. Spearheaded by Officer Jon Sibbald, who possesses black belts in hapkido and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the department has embraced martial arts as an effective method of subduing uncooperative individuals without resorting to traditional means like pepper spray or batons.
Officer Sibbald’s interest in martial arts began during his high school years, and he further honed his skills in jiu jitsu. In 2003, his use of an outside leg takedown to halt a brawl on The Strand gained widespread attention when a passerby’s video of the incident went viral. The incident sparked discussions on alternative methods of apprehension and the unnecessary use of force by law enforcement. This incident, coupled with attorney Thomas Beck’s successful lawsuit against the Hermosa Beach Police Department alleging police brutality, created a pressing need for change.
However, Officer Sibbald’s proposal to teach martial arts to fellow officers faced numerous rejections from police chiefs concerned about potential injuries. Fortunately, the arrival of Chief Paul Lebaron, a proponent of 21st Century policing strategies, in April 2020 marked a turning point for the department. Chief Lebaron embraced Officer Sibbald’s proposal after reviewing data from the Marietta Police Department in Georgia, which required officers to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The Marietta Police Department reported a significant reduction in both officer and suspect injuries following the implementation of this training.
With Chief Lebaron’s support, Officer Sibbald and a team of officers established the Hermosa Beach Police Grappling Control Techniques (PGCT) program. Over half of the department’s 39 officers now participate in this program, which blends the punch blocks of hapkido and Krav Maga with grappling and jiu jitsu techniques. Classes are led by Officer Sibbald and his fellow officers, including Sgt. Guy Dove, Det. Kurt Mateko, Det. Brent Zuber, Det. Dalton Blumenfeld, and Officer Fabian Reyes.
The PGCT program differs from traditional police training by focusing on practical techniques that work in real-world scenarios. Officers are trained to adapt quickly and possess the confidence to handle challenging and potentially dangerous situations. By substituting strikes and blunt force techniques with grappling and restraining holds, officers minimize the risk of causing unnecessary harm and avoid the negative public perception that often arises from such encounters.
Moreover, the PGCT program emphasizes the importance of effective communication and de-escalation techniques during confrontations. Officers are encouraged to engage in dialogue with uncooperative individuals while maintaining control and ensuring their own safety. The goal is to create a sense of comfort and preparedness in officers when faced with uncomfortable and unpredictable circumstances.
The results of the PGCT program’s first year have been truly remarkable. In 2022, not a single officer sustained injuries during use-of-force incidents, and there were no use-of-force-related workers’ compensation claims. This stark contrast is evident when comparing the combined statistics from 2020 and 2021, which reported 35 officer injuries and over $300,000 in related workers’ compensation payments.
The success of the program can be attributed to its focus on providing officers with the tools to adapt and respond effectively to various situations. By instilling confidence and promoting a calm approach, the Hermosa Beach Police Department has created a safer environment for both officers and the public.
Other police departments across the country can learn from Hermosa Beach’s pioneering approach to law enforcement training, prioritizing officer safety, and reducing the risk of excessive use of force. The integration of martial arts into their training regimen has proven to be a game-changer, mitigating injuries and enhancing officers’ ability to handle challenging encounters with tact and precision.
As the Hermosa Beach Police Department continues to make significant strides in revolutionizing their use-of-force tactics, it serves as a shining example of effective and progressive law enforcement practices in the United States. By embracing alternative methods of apprehension and emphasizing officer safety, the department sets the stage for potential transformations in police training nationwide.
