Jeffrey Redding on Defensive Tactics Every Security & Law Enforcement Professional Should Know
Jeffrey Redding, Chicago, serves as the director of security for a major Pennsylvania retail merchant. He worked for the Chicago PD, a number of Inspector Generals Offices, and the Office of Internal Affairs as an investigator, and as the Director of Operations for two security firms where he managed recruitment, training, retention, and the assignment of security personnel to specific sites. He deployed his expertise in defensive tactics, active shooter response, and security best practices which he has used to benefit the public and the institutions he served.
After talking with Jeffrey Redding Chicago about some of his favorite pastimes, and best practices in law enforcement and security, we asked him what makes a good security guard or police officer. He went on to describe traits and skills that every armed guardian should possess.
Jeffrey Redding on Defensive Tactics Every Security & Law Enforcement Professional Should Know
Jeffrey Redding Chicago breaks these down into three categories: mental (or awareness-based) verbal, and practical.
The mental “tactics” one should develop in order to fulfill the role of an armed guardian can be developed, Jeffrey Redding Chicago explains- but they are more often an inborn part of the personalities of persons with the right disposition for the job. Military training programs attempt to instill the right types of thinking and attitude, but it is largely a matter of talent and desire- which cannot be taught.
Jeffrey Redding on Verbal Tactics Every Security & Law Enforcement Professional Should Know
Clarity: Any professional person who may use force for the defense of self or others should be able to quickly and clearly communicate what will happen to the person of concern if they continue to violate the property or pose a threat to persons. This clarity should come through the concise and appropriate use of language, verbal projection, and clear enunciation.
Tone Moderation: The guardian should never exude ego. He should not act or speak in a way that intentionally offends the person of concern. He should use language and tone that diffuses the situation, makes interactions impersonal, and remain neutral and professional at all times.
Understanding Your Purpose: An armed guardian should be able to express quickly and clearly what laws or rights are being violated by the target. He should know what he is doing and why.
Jeffrey Redding on Practical Tactics Every Security & Law Enforcement Professional Should Know
Hand to Hand Control: Every officer or security worker should have a basic H2H experience base, and be able to function in close quarters when his weapon is lost or has failed.
Weapon Retention: As an armed guardian, you lose nearly every edge you should have if you lose your weapon. Your firearm should be worn on the front of your person, it should be secured ergonomically, and should always be within the center of your awareness.
Communication: Access to backup maybe your greatest asset. Every armed guard and police officer should have constant ready access to communication lines with other personnel.