DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Members of the 436th Security Forces Squadron recently got a chance to train side-by-side with Delaware’s finest. Approximately 30 Delaware State Policemen visited Dover Air Force Base to help the airmen practice some basic, but vital skills.
The mission of the 436th Security Forces Squadron is to "Protect, defend and fight to enable worldwide contingency operations and in-garrison missions." Working in garrison can sometimes seem relatively safe because military policemen don’t deal with crime on a constant basis like their counterparts in the DSP. Despite this, the 436th SFS must be ready for any threat. As those threats change over time, the techniques used to defeat them must also change.
“Training like this is important because, as Security Forces, we don't know what kind of threats each new day will bring, but no matter the situation we have to be ready.” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Reshef, 436th SFS Unit scheduler and Installation Base Defense Program manager. Reshef has six years of experience in security forces.
Recently, the DSP Tactical Control Unit made themselves available to help. The unit trains with other police agencies throughout Delaware, the National Guard and most recently, with Dover AFB security forces members.
Cpl. Jason Baxley, DSP Tactical Control Unit defensive tactics instructor, led the recent training session and stressed the importance of this training. “We’re constantly trying to refine and do things better,” he said.
Some of the standard operating procedures used by law enforcement today are the result of unfortunate mishaps that resulted in the serious injury or even death of an officer. Changes in procedure are handed down from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, a network of federally operated training centers aimed at providing career-long training to law enforcement professionals to help them fulfill their responsibilities safely and proficiently. Baxley has attended FLETC training and is certified to teach police officer tactics and self-defense.
The training at Dover AFB included a discussion of case law pertaining to arresting and handcuffing procedures and weapon retention, then physically practicing various scenarios. The Airmen and policemen practiced properly handcuffing a suspect in a standing, kneeling and prone position as well as how to handle suspects displaying aggressive behavior and/or potential danger to the arresting officer. Defensive tactics were also part of the training such as how to deal with suspects who are resisting arrest or even attempting to take the officer’s sidearm.
“I learned a few new tricks to add to our handcuffing techniques, and also some valuable tips on weapons retention…handcuffing is a basic skill that is good to revisit from time to time to ensure that we don't get rusty, while knowing how to properly secure our weapons or, conversely, take them from our opponents, could mean the difference between life and death” said Reshef.
Baxley and the DSP are expected to visit Dover AFB a few times a year to conduct training.