PPCT Threat Pattern Recognition Use of Force
Handcuffing, baton and arrest and control tactics for protection professionals
The Defensive Tactics Threat Pattern Recognition (also known as Pressure Point Control Tactics, or PPCT) course from Human Factor Science teaches the physical mechanics of the use of force and arrest and control. It is required by most employers before staff are permitted to handle handcuffs, and it is required by the Alberta government before staff are permitted to carry a baton. This international program is the industry standard on this content and has been developed with decades of research in the law enforcement field.
Security Guard Handcuffing Training
This course has been designed to provide you with a solid foundation of understanding the dynamics of protection while working as a peace officer or a security guard. It focuses on your ability to identify threat indicators leading up to an incident, proper positioning for safety, match appropriate uses of force to situations, and understand the legal responsibility you have in these situations.
For basic information about what equipment is provided on the job, and purchasing handcuffs and batons, please see the article: Duty Gear for Security Jobs. To learn how to have the Baton qualification added to your Security Services licence, or recertify your Baton qualification on your licence read our article: How to Add Baton to your Security Licence.
Register to Certify or Recertify in Edmonton
Looking for Training in Calgary?
If you would like to attend this training in Calgary, sign up below to get notified when we set up a class. The more interest we get, the more likely that we will look at putting on a class there!
Defensive Tactics: Handcuffing
CERTIFICATION
Duration: 16 hour course over two days, Saturday and Sunday
Tuition: $260.00
Certification: Issued by HFRG, valid for 1 year. Recertification is required annually.
The course covers portions of the PPCT Defensive Tactics Course Program including:
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Use of Force Human Factors
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Control Principles
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Tactical Handcuffing
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Escort Position and Joint Lock Control
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Pressure Point Control Tactics
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Defensive Counterstrikes
Upon completion of this program, the student should be competent in all physical training techniques and have a working knowledge of use of force, the impacts of stress on the body and mind-set required to be successful working in protective services. The certificate issued for successfully attending this course is valid for a one year period from the last day of the course.
Requirements: A current Peace Officer Appointment, Military, Security License OR employed with AGLC qualified (ie. Casino/Bar) required and must be shown to the instructor at the beginning of class.
RE-CERTIFICATION
Duration: 8 hour course over 1 day, Sunday
Tuition: $160.00
Certification: Issued by HFRG, valid for 1 year. Recertification of this course is required annually, and proof of training in the previous 12 months will be required.
The day includes a lecture and physical review uses of force. You will be expected to review your manual prior to the course to prepare for the written exam.
Requirements: You will need to supply the instructor with proof of your current PPCT Certification from Tip of Spear at the beginning of class. Exceptions on previous trainers will be considered on a case by case basis. Please email us to ask about your previous training and provider to see if it qualifies.
Defensive Tactics: Handcuffing + Baton
CERTIFICATION
To have approval to use a baton, it is a requirement from Alberta Justice and Solicitor General to take the full 40 hour approved training program, and have the additional qualification on your Security Services license. To use a baton for your specific job, you MUST have approval from your current employer. For full instructions on how to apply and recertify for the baton qualification on your licence, read the article How to add Baton to you Security Licence.
Duration: 40 hour course over 5 days, Saturday to Wednesday
Tuition: $475.00
Certification: Issued by HFRG, valid for 1 year. Recertification is required annually. Recertification for licensing with the government is 3 years.
This course covers:
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Use of Force Human Factors
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Control Principles
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Tactical Handcuffing
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Escort Position and Joint Lock Control
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Pressure Point Control Tactics
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Defensive Counters trikes
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Shoulder Pin Restraint System
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Impact Weapon / Collapsible Baton System
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Weapon Retention and Disarming
Upon completion of this program, the student should be competent in all physical training techniques and have a working knowledge of use of force, the impacts of stress on the body and mind-set required to be successful working in protective services. The certificate issued for successfully attending this course is valid for a one year period from the last day of the course.
Requirements: A current Peace Officer Appointment, Military, Security License OR employed with AGLC qualified (ie. Casino/Bar) required and must be shown to the instructor at the beginning of class.
RE-CERTIFICATION
Duration: 24 hour course over 3 days, Monday to Wednesday
Tuition: $270.00
Certification: Issued by HFRG, valid for 1 year. Recertification of this course is required annually, and proof of training in the previous 12 months will be required. Recertification for licensing with the government is 3 years.*
*If you have let your training lapse in the past 3 years, you will need to take the full certification training again. For more information, read How to Add Baton to your Security Licence.
This recertification allows students the opportunity to review their PPCT Course Studies. Arrest and control skills are like any other perishable skill. They must be kept in the short term memory to be effective. We work through the program reviewing and polishing skills to ensure that you are confident again on their application. Many agencies do not offer the opportunity to refresh yourself on these skills. Tip of Spear recognizes this and wants you to have the ability to stay current with your certification.
Requirements: You will need to supply the instructor with proof of your current PPCT Certification from Tip of Spear at the beginning of class. Exceptions on previous trainers will be considered on a case by case basis. Please email us to ask about your previous training and provider to see if it qualifies.
A current Peace Officer Appointment, Military, Security License OR employed with AGLC qualified (ie. Casino/Bar) required and must be shown to the instructor at the beginning of class.
What our students say
About Human Factor Science
Human Factor Science has been conducting cutting edge research and developing critical training for over 40 years, including high risk and precision human factors, using pressure points in defensive tactics, the correlation of threat pattern research to firearms and defensive tactics, and how survival stress impacts performance. This training has been delivered to hundreds of municipal, state and federal law enforcement agencies, intelligence and government special operations agencies, and many of the concepts are now widely incorporated in performance-based training many different military sectors. They are an international authority on these subjects and continue to develop research and training.
Why We Teach THIS Program
There are several use of force programs out there, so why have we chosen to teach this specific program for more than 20 years? Defensive Tactics is:
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Accredited by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General.
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A standardized, international program scientifically researched, developed and proven in the field for almost 40 years. Hundreds of instructors and experts teach this to hundreds of law enforcement and private agencies all over North America and keep the content updated and relevant. Other programs do not have this longevity, scientific approach nor proven in the field.
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Emphasizes the legal limits and ramifications of using physical force in your security or peace officer role and is backed and proven if the individual or company ever was charged or sued over excessive use of force.
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Legally sound to be able to justify use of force in court.
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A medically safer method of approaching subjects, one which limits injury to the subjects.
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A practical and tactically safer method of approaching subjects which is better designed for a greater variety of roles with different levels of authority. Other programs teach a more direct, aggressive approach which may put the staff member at risk.
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More accessible for all genders and body types and is preferred by new guards as it is easier to learn.
We stand firm on our prices as we know the quality we put into our programs and the capabilities and confidence of our students who complete them. When evaluating programs for your organization, please ask questions and consider the content beyond just the price.
What to Expect & How to Prepare
Course Day-of Requirements:
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Clean, INDOOR running shoes, water bottle, snacks
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Physical training clothing. (No steel-toed boots.)
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Personal hygiene expectations
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Optional: pen, notepad, duty belt (handcuffs, flashlight, non-cut gloves, handcuff key)
Suggested Preparation:
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Being fit is beneficial. Working on your flexibility and strength is always advantageous.
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The course is designed to promote a healthy, active lifestyle.
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You are attending to learn technique, under physical and stressful situations so that you are able to perform in reality.
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There are high repetitions to ensure the technique is ingrained.
