An Officer’s Edge: The Art of Weapon Retention

In the world of law enforcement, the primary tools of the trade often include firearms, handcuffs, and various less-lethal options. However, there’s a lesser-known tool that nearly all police officers choose to carry - the knife. In this article, I will explore the use of knives by police officers as a means of personal defense, shedding light on their training and tactics.

It is important to clarify that knives are considered a last resort tool for self-protection among police officers. The primary duty of a police officer is to protect and serve, and lethal force is only employed when there is an imminent threat to life. This threat could be to the officer’s life or someone else’s. When deadly force is justified, firearms are the primary tool. However, when a threat is attempting to gain control of the officer’s weapon (a justifiable deadly force situation) and the officer is trying to retain control of it while simultaneously protecting themselves, this is when a knife can be used as a lethal force option. Using an edged weapon as a police officer is a skill officers who carry knives should thoroughly understand.

Unfortunately, most police officers who choose to carry a knife on duty do not undergo training to ensure they are skilled and knowledgeable in the use of edged weapons. This training should include proper handling and holstering, disarming techniques, retention techniques, transition methods, and situational awareness. Gray Ram Tactical provides law enforcement and military personnel proprietary and highly specialized training addressing these issues to ensure those carrying a knife understand how to use an edged weapon to protect themselves while lowering liability for departments and agencies.

The choice of knife varies among officers. Some opt for folding knives that can be easily concealed, while others prefer fixed-blade knives for their durability and quick deployment. The selection depends on individual preferences and department regulations (if any exist for the department). Proper training should include a discussion and practical application of both types of blades so officers understand what really works when their life is on the line.

While knives can be effective tools for self-defense, there is a significant amount of controversy surrounding their use by police officers. Critics argue that knives can escalate situations, potentially leading to unnecessary harm. It is crucial to strike a balance between providing officers with tools for self-protection and ensuring their responsible use. This balance is achieved through adequate training.

The use of knives by police officers is subject to strict legal regulations. Officers must follow department policies and local laws governing the use of force. Any misuse or excessive force with a knife can lead to serious consequences, including legal actions and disciplinary measures to both the individual officer and, likewise, the department as well as the department’s leadership {see Bret’s separate article addressing the court decision of Canton v. Harris and how it affect police training in this matter}. Departments must provide training to officers on the proper use of edged weapons and establish realistic policies in order to lower the officer’s, leadership’s, and department’s legal liabilities.

There are everyday non-lethal applications for officers including cutting seat belts away from crash victims, cutting caution tape, opening boxes, or any other use that a knife is ever used for. The knife is like any other tool an officer carries on their belt, but one that has been around for millennia.

The use of knives for self-protection by police officers is an issue many departments have not properly considered. Rigorous training and strict regulations are essential to ensure knives are used responsibly and judiciously in the line of duty. As law enforcement agencies continue to evolve and adapt to modern challenges, the role of the knife in an officer’s toolkit will continue to be vital.

Bret E. Brooks is the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Consultant with the international training and consulting firm Gray Ram Tactical, LLC. Since 2007, he has provided training courses for law enforcement and military personnel worldwide. He has more than 23 years of military experience and over 20 years of law enforcement experience. Bret specializes in Subterranean Tactics, Tubular Assault Tactics, and Edged Weapon Tactics including Train-the-Trainer programs. He can be reached directly at bretbrooks@grayramtacticaltraining.com.