Self Defense for my group?

[Victorunit]

I'm presenting a vote before the board this month about the training for sheriff volunteers. We are having to get out of our units now late at night to go through dark parks. (I have my HT and know how to use it). I wanted to get input on the best self defense you believe we should have. Keep in mind the majority of our volunteers are at retirement age.

[Victorunit]

Edit-> retirement age and senior citizens.

[retdetsgt]

If it's the least bit dangerous, they shouldn't be there. An injury to someone like that has too much potential to be life altering.

[Old Trooper]

The best self defense for those folks is to run from the immediate danger and get to a phone or a radio! Self preservation is the primary goal, then comes helping others.

[Victorunit]

I agree, but chain of command approved it. We also have quite a few volunteers that are retired LEO's, but they don't seem to be concerned about it compared to those of us who are not.
So all I can do is try to help make it safer by offering suggestions and see how well it goes through the chain of command.

[Kenpokev]

I am one of our department's DT instructors. Our Citizen's Patrol doesn't do DT's, largely for liability reasons. By teaching them DT's, the agency is de facto authorizing the use of the training material. Given the fact that the majority are seniors, the liability for personal injury, not to mention improper use of force, is simply too much.

On the other hand, we employ a fairly large group of reserve deputies. These individuals (several are retired) go through our standard POST annual certification.

If the command staff approved it, your safest bet is to go with an existing POST approved curicculum. It provides liability protection and might actually be pragmatic.

Good Luck.

[Victorunit]

I am one of our department's DT instructors. Our Citizen's Patrol doesn't do DT's, largely for liability reasons. By teaching them DT's, the agency is de facto authorizing the use of the training material. Given the fact that the majority are seniors, the liability for personal injury, not to mention improper use of force, is simply too much.

On the other hand, we employ a fairly large group of reserve deputies. These individuals (several are retired) go through our standard POST annual certification.

If the command staff approved it, your safest bet is to go with an existing POST approved curicculum. It provides liability protection and might actually be pragmatic.

Good Luck.

Excellent idea!
After reading another response of yours in another thread it reminded me
that we may need to also whip out the verbal judo tape for everyone again and the new recruits.

Thank you! Really appreciate your help!