School safety, security, and violence prevention resource

In Part One I addressed the deleterious affects SNS activation (under combat stress conditions) can have on a student’s ability to see, hear, sense and process consequences. In Part Two I introduced some key DSM Separation Principles as well as the Torso Rotation Separation Technique. In this posting I am going to talk about two separation techniques that are specifically designed for security staff and teachers who may be required to separate and protect students who are larger and stronger than the intervening staff. These techniques are exhaustively researched and time-proven to be easy, quick and safe. Importantly, they work in the classroom, playground or street (Tactically Acceptable), they can be performed with a minimal chance of injury to student and teacher (Medically Acceptable), and are highly defensible in the courtroom (Legally Acceptable).

THE INFRA ORBITAL BALANCE DISPLACEMENT SEPARATION TECHNIQUE operates on the Distraction and Balance Displacement Principles of Control. Meaning it works because it weakens resistance by changing the student’s thought process from his “target (another student or teacher)” to his discomfort and immediate loss of balance. Simply by placing a hand on the student’s temple, pulling his head back against the intervener’s shoulder or upper torso and placing the blade of the other hand under the nose and applying steady pressure back (against the counterpressure created by the upper torso) and up toward the center of the skull while taking a step or two back a teacher can disorient the student so he will immediately cease fighting and give in to the overwhelming feeling that he is going to fall backwards (which he will not because the teacher is stablizing him).

THE REAR SHOULDER PULL is an effective separation technique designed to work against a larger, stronger and more violent student. Simply place both hands on the student’s shoulders and pull down and back hard while taking a step or two backwards. The RSP works on the Balance Displacement Principle of Controlling Resistance. As always, good verbal directions are essential. In some cases the RSP may not work. I advocate the intervener execute a Bump with his or her knee against the student’s outer thigh (the Common Peroneal Nerve Motor Point), about 4 to 6 inches above the knee along the seam of his trouser. This “bump (about 20% of the power of a conventional knee strike)” will cause the struck leg to weaken and buckle (Flex Reflex Response) and the unaffected leg to also weaken and buckle (Sympathetic Reflex Response). Once the legs buckle, the teacher can re-execute the Knee Bump and easily separate the once violent student.

One caveat: The Torso Rotation, Infra Orbital and the Rear Shoulder Pull Separation Techniques are simple, easy and safe. However, I recommend that a teacher, security professional, or even a first-responding police officer acquire training from a PPCT DSM instructor. DSM training in any one of or all of the following areas can be secured at a reasonable rate by contacting me at harrywigder@rcn.com. I will be happy to put any interested educational professional in touch with a PPCT DSM Instructor (Trainer) close to your area.

• PPCT DSM Separation Techniques.
• PPCT DSM Child Escort Controls.
• PPCT DSM Physical Aggression Management.
• PPCT DSM Handgun and Long Gun Disarming Techniques.
• Action Fighting Arts Counter Terrorism in the Classroom.
• Action Fighting Arts First-Responder Hostage Crisis Management Techniques.
• Action Fighting Arts VISE (Verbal Intervention Strategies in the Education setting) Techniques.

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Posted on November 7th, 2007 by Harry A Widger
Filed under: Administrators, Fighting, High School, K-6, People Involved, School Grade Level, School Safety Issues, Students, Violence