MPs refresh detainee handling skills

Photo By Cpl. Kenneth Jasik | Military policemen with MP Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, practice mechanical advantage control holds aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard during Exercise Dawn Blitz, Oct. 3. The techniques focus on joint manipulations to make a potentially hazardous person compliant with the MP’s commands.  

ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

10.03.2011

Story by Cpl. Kenneth Jasik 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD – Military policemen are responsible for properly handling suspects and de-escalating a potentially harmful situation.

Among the many tools and techniques at their disposal, Marines with Military Police Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, refreshed their mechanical advantage control holds to keep positive control over a situation before it gets out of hand.

“It teaches us to subdue an opponent if they are starting to get riled up, before anything bad happens,” said Pfc. Markanthony I. Patkovic, an MP with MP Company.

The techniques focus on joint manipulations to make a potentially hazardous person compliant with the MP’s commands.

“It’s used to get a hold of a person and not hurt them too much,” said Patkovic, 20, from Los Alamitos, Calif. “In the end of it all, it’s a way for us to get someone in handcuffs so they can’t hurt themselves or others.”

The Marines fine-tuned their skills, pointing out pressure points and proper movements, perfecting their techniques.

“MACH is good because you’re able to use it in any situation,” said Cpl. Alexander D. Logan, the instructor with 1st Marine Logistics Group. “It’s part of our force continuum, so you use it before resorting to batons, Tasers or pepper spray.”

Many of the MPs have worked in a Provost Marshall’s Office, enforcing the rules and regulations of military commanders, either in the United States or while in a deployed environment.

“While we are in a field unit, a lot of these guys have served with PMO, a lot of people have done PMO on deployment,” said Logan, 24, from Santa Barbra, Calif.

The MPs learn MACH during MP school, but the techniques can be easily forgotten if not refreshed from time-to-time, according to Logan.

“It’s good training,” said Patkovic. “It gives everyone knowledge on how to help the community out. If someone is about to start hurting someone we can take out the problem right then and there.”

• Date Taken: 10.03.2011
• Date Posted: 10.04.2011 12:43
• Story ID: 77994
• Location: ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD, USAFRICOM, AT SEA