Why have martial arts become so important in police work today and which ones should we be focused on? Dr. Jeremy Butler joins the show to discuss the benefits this type of training can bring to our officers, communities, and law enforcement agencies. Other topics discussed include defund the police, abolish the police, growing up on Chicago’s south side, how Dr. Butler avoided becoming involved in gangs as a kid, and much more.
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Show Notes:
Dr. Jeremy Butler is a
- college professor,
- author,
- public speaker,
- control tactics instructor
- former police officer.
- He holds a PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois where he researched the social cognitive factors related to police defensive tactics training. Drawing from over 20 years of martial arts experience and 7 years of police experience, he regularly conducts trainings in control tactics, verbal de-escalation, and mental performance. He is the author of Stop Resisting: The Law Enforcement Officer’s Guide to Proven Control Tactics, Less Lawsuits, and Building Community Trust Through Martial Arts.
Body of show
1. Tell us about your experience as a child with the police.
a. “How my traumatic childhood experience with law enforcement led to a policing career, which led to a mission of police training reform through martial arts.”
2. Why Martial Arts? Aren’t cops supposed to be gentle and kind?
a. need for control tactics make up the majority of use of force incidents, yet it is one of the most under-trained areas of policing throughout an officer’s career.
i. Why a foundation of consistent training is critical for the early career officer
ii. Best martial arts training methods for police officers
iii. How martial arts training can be adapted to suit the needs of law enforcement.
iv. How officers can build police community relations while also getting consistent training
3. How does training in martials arts help with stress?
a. The important role that training can play in improving officer confidence and management of performance stress during encounters for early career officers.
Where can people find you and your work?
- Book -- Stop Resisting: The Law Enforcement Officer’s Guide to Proven Control Tactics, Less Lawsuits, and Building Community Trust Through Martial Arts
- Jeremybutlerphd.com
Defund the police? Abolish the police? Do these ideas make sense?
What are the best martial arts for cops?
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Judo
o USA Judo program: officer training kids in community
- Wrestling
- Supplemented by strike defense, weapon control tactics
Two-pronged approach for early career officers:
1. Take it upon yourself to train
2. Agencies should recognize the community relations benefits
Avoiding Lawsuits:
- How do we get agencies on board with new control tactics training?
o Focusing on officer wellness
o Focus on overall experience of struggle against another human being
o Use other agencies as templates
What kept you from joining a gang as a kid?
- Martial arts
- Provided good male role models
- Mom wouldn’t stand for it. Go mom!