How Safe Combatives Training Enhances Officer Safety and Reduces Perpetrator Injuries

Posted by Keith J - Tactical Solutions on 22nd Jul 2025

How Safe Combatives Training Enhances Officer Safety and Reduces Perpetrator Injuries

In today’s dynamic law enforcement landscape, frontline officers must be equipped not only with the right tools but also with the right training mindset. One of the most effective ways to protect officers and reduce harm to the public is through safe, ongoing combatives training.

At Tactical Solutions Australia, we support agencies that prioritise realistic, injury-reducing training, including the use of products like FIST™ protective suits and the Neck Check® vascular restraint trainer. These innovations aren’t just about gear—they’re about saving lives and improving outcomes in the field.

 

Why Continuation Combatives Training Matters

Combatives training refers to physical techniques used in close-quarter scenarios, such as defensive tactics, control holds, takedowns, and restraint methods. But initial academy training isn’t enough. Studies show that skills degrade without consistent practice, and officers under stress often revert to their most deeply ingrained muscle memory.

According to the Force Science Institute, high-stress situations reduce cognitive recall, meaning officers will perform best when they have regularly trained using realistic, dynamic simulations.

 

The Link Between Training and Reduced Injuries

There’s a common misconception that training officers in combatives leads to excessive force. In reality, the opposite is true when done safely and ethically.

Well-trained officers are:

  • More likely to de-escalate situations before force becomes necessary.
  • Better at controlling suspects without relying on strikes or weapons.
  • Able to apply force with precision, avoiding injury to vital areas.

A U.S. Department of Justice study found that agencies investing in regular defensive tactics and restraint training reported fewer excessive force complaints and lower rates of suspect injury.

 

How Protective Equipment Makes It Safe

To train realistically without causing harm, law enforcement needs industry-leading protective equipment. At Tactical Solutions, we supply:

  • FIST™ StrikePro Suits: Allow full-contact scenario training with protection from strikes, takedowns, and joint manipulation.
  • Neck Check®: The world’s first vascular neck restraint feedback tool, alerting users when pressure is applied incorrectly to the respiratory tract.

These tools enable safe, full-speed repetitions of high-risk maneuvers, building officer confidence and technical precision.

 Displayed are the individual components of the FIST™ StrikePro Training Suit, laid out to show the full range of modular protection offered. This includes the impact-rated helmet with clear face shield, padded chest vest, groin protection, forearm and thigh guards—designed for full-contact police, corrections, and military training in Australia. The gear is constructed with high-durability Cordura® Nylon and engineered for rapid donning, reliable protection, and user comfort during tactical scenarios. Ideal for use in law enforcement academies, riot control preparation, and force-on-force training environments.

Benefits for Officers and Communities

Investing in safe continuation combatives training delivers benefits beyond the mat:

  • Enhanced officer safety in unpredictable environments
  • Reduced injury rates for suspects during arrests
  • Greater public trust through professional conduct
  • Increased confidence and readiness for the officer

Whether it’s a high-risk takedown, a rapidly escalating domestic incident, or an attempt to subdue a resisting individual, preparedness saves lives.

 

Conclusion

In a time where scrutiny on police interactions is higher than ever, the solution lies in training smarter, not harder. With regular, safe combatives training and the right protective equipment, law enforcement can strike the balance between officer safety and duty-of-care to the public.

At Tactical Solutions Australia, we are proud to support agencies in building competent, confident, and compassionate officers—ready for any situation.

 

Featured Products for Combatives Training:

  • FIST™ StrikePro Training Suits
  • Neck Check® Training Device