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Gun-safety suggestions
According to self-defence fundamentals, methods most easily learnt and most effective are those devised on the basis of response by instinct - natural body reaction. That is, one does not need to think before reacting. In fact, all sorts of self-defence techniques have several points in common. They must be simple for the learners to grasp. The fewer the choices, the quicker the response. Counter-attack is the best kind of defence.
However, it seems the anti-gun snatching techniques currently taught by the Force are a little difficult to grasp as there are two different ways to react when facing attacks from three directions - front, side and back.
Officers are trained to first find the direction of the attack before deciding how to react. It goes without saying that the reaction will be belated and ill-effective. On the basis of response by instinct mentioned above, I have some suggestions for colleagues devising anti-snatching techniques.
Officers should be trained to react on instinct without thinking about the attack's direction. In the face of attacks from the side or the back, officers should learn to turn around as quickly as possible to confront the attacker face-to-face. To counter-attack, officers should also be taught to use the most direct and effective method to apprehend the attacker as gun-snatching is a serious offence. The present method to focus on hitting the attacker's forearm to stop the snatch attempt is far from adequate. Officers should learn to hit other important parts of the body to subdue the snatcher, such as the face, throat, groin and knees.
Ling Kim-kwong
Senior Inspector, Continuation and Promotion
Training Division Police Training School
Response from Training Wing . . .
Mr Ling's letter contains a number of sensible ideas and opinions. At present, there are more than 200 weapons-retention techniques used by law-enforcement agencies world wide. Our weapons-retention techniques were first developed in 1992 based on the principles mentioned by Mr Ling - simple and direct.
In 1998 a new set of techniques were introduced. These focused on natural body reaction, i.e. using whichever hand was available to secure the weapon and disengage it from the assailant. These are called Resistance Control Techniques. These have been introduced to all facets of training in the Force including Police Training School basic training, Police Tactical Unit training, tactics training and annual revolver training.
Once again, I would like to thank Mr Ling for his comments. Should any readers have further comments on this subject, please feel free to contact me.
Lee Yeung-chi
Superintendent, Weapons Training
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