Spring 2023 - 18

"
WHENEVER AN OFFICER CAN SAFELY TAKE
A SUSPECT INTO CUSTODY WITHOUT
THE INTRODUCTION OF WEAPONS, THERE
IS A SUBSTANTIAL DECREASE IN THE
POSSIBILITY OF INJURIES OCCURRING.
deal of commitment along with mental and
physical toughness. It's not for everyone and I
knew before this program began that not every
officer would want to participate or that every
officer who did participate would stick with it
forever. There are currently six officers (20% of
the department) involved in the program. Most
of the participants are younger and have a few
years or less on the job. For many of them, their
first interaction with BJJ was during the academy
where approximately 60-70% of the techniques
that are taught are based in BJJ.
TT&C: Do you have any plans for expansion
in the future?
Palagi: Our Chief is big on training. I think that's
the reason why we were able to get this program
approved. At this point, he has not denied access
to any officer interested in participating. I hope
that new officers who have just completed the
academy will continue to get involved with the
BJJ program. As we continue to hire, I'm sure the
program will grow.
18 | Tactical Training & Conditioning | Spring 2023
"
Lt. Bryan Palagi said the BJJ program is
simply an extension of the training officers
receive in the police academy. Photo
Credit: Wesley Sykes/Great American
Media Services
TT&C: What advice do you have for those
considering starting a similar program for their
department?
Palagi: One of the points I harped on when
pitching this program is practicing BJJ regularly
is a continuation of the training that our officers
are receiving at the academy level. If your police
department has a martial arts gym that would
be a good fit for law enforcement training, reach
out and see if the owner would be willing to
partner with their local police. If you're unsure
if that particular art would be a good fit for
law enforcement, speak with your use of force
instructor or the instructors for your academy to
find out. Do your research.
Word spreads fast. After we were featured
on Police1, I had officers reaching out from New
Hampshire, Massachusetts, and so forth asking
about the program. If an officer is interested in
bringing a similar program to their department,
reach out to an agency that already has one and
ask for some pointers, documents, and so forth. n
Spring 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spring 2023
