Criminal Justice Corrections (Defensive Tactics)

Course Description

CJK0420 — Criminal Justice Corrections (Defensive Tactics) is a Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) clock-hour course within Florida's Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Training Program. The course addresses the defensive tactics training required of correctional officers: empty-hand control techniques, escort techniques, restraint application, ground control, weapon retention, and defense against assault — all within the legal framework of correctional use-of-force standards.

This course is offered at FDLE-approved Criminal Justice Training Centers across Florida. As with other CJK-prefix courses, it is a component of the full Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Training Program (approximately 420 hours); individual course completion alone does not qualify a graduate for Correctional Officer certification. The curriculum is governed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC).

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of CJK0420, students will demonstrate competency in CJSTC-mandated defensive tactics areas:

• Apply empty-hand control techniques: subject control through joint manipulation; pressure point control tactics (PPCT or comparable system); takedowns; ground control.
• Apply escort techniques: standard escort hold; transport techniques for compliant and resistant subjects; multi-officer escorts; coordination during transport.
• Apply restraint application: handcuff application (front, behind, prone, kneeling); double-locking; flex cuffs; leg irons; transport restraints; restraint chair (per facility policy).
• Apply ground defense and control: protection while on ground; ground escapes; ground control of subject; positional asphyxia awareness.
• Apply weapon retention: maintaining control of officer equipment during contact; OC pepper spray retention; baton retention.
• Apply defense against assault: defense against punches, kicks, weapons; counterstrikes within force-continuum; disengagement and tactical retreat.
• Apply use-of-force documentation: report writing immediately following any use of force; witness identification; medical evaluation requirements; supervisor notification chain.
• Apply safety considerations: officer safety during physical control; subject safety; positional asphyxia recognition; medical-distress recognition during/after restraint.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Force Continuum: CJSTC-defined force levels; correctional use-of-force law; objective reasonableness standard (per Graham v. Connor).
• Empty-Hand Techniques: Stance and movement; control holds; takedowns; ground control; pressure point applications.
• Escort Techniques: Standard escort; resistant subject escort; multi-officer coordination; movement through facility.
• Restraints: Handcuff application and removal; double-locking; flex cuffs; leg irons; belly chains; transport restraints; restraint chair (specialized facility policy required).
• Ground Defense: Falling techniques; ground escapes; ground control; positional asphyxia awareness; medical monitoring of restrained subjects.
• Weapon Retention: Holster retention; OC retention; baton retention; recovery of lost equipment.
• Defense Against Assault: Strikes (punches, kicks); weapon defense (improvised weapons in correctional settings); counterstrikes; disengagement.
• Use-of-Force Documentation: Incident reports; force-continuum documentation; medical records; chain of supervisory review.

Resources & Tools

• FDLE/CJSTC Defensive Tactics Curriculum (current version)
• Florida Statutes Sections 776, 944.35 (use of force)
• CJSTC-approved defensive tactics system (varies; PPCT, Krav Maga-derived, or other approved system)
• Practice mats, training aids, simulated weapons, training restraints
• Department/agency policy and procedure manuals

Career Pathways

Successful completion of CJK0420, as part of the full Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Training Program, supports certification as a Florida Correctional Officer with employment opportunities at Florida Department of Corrections, county jails (Sheriff's offices), juvenile detention facilities, and private correctional contractors throughout Florida.

Special Information

FDLE/CJSTC Certification Required

This course is one component of the full Florida Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Training Program. Successful completion of the full program, passage of the State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE), background investigation, and CJSTC certification per Section 943.13, Florida Statutes, are required for employment as a Florida Correctional Officer.

Wellness and Support Resources

Correctional officer work involves substantial physical and psychological demands. Florida Department of Corrections and most county sheriff's offices provide employee assistance programs (EAP), peer support teams, and mental health resources for officers. The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation provides additional national resources. Career-long attention to wellness is strongly encouraged.

Physical Requirements

Defensive tactics training involves physical contact and exertion. Per CJSTC requirements, students must pass the Physical Abilities Test (PAT). Pre-existing medical conditions or injuries should be discussed with the training center prior to enrollment.

Recurrent Training

Defensive tactics is part of CJSTC's mandated continuing education for certified officers (40 hours every 4 years), with periodic recertification of defensive tactics skills.

Program Structure (PSAV / Clock-Hour)

CJK0420 clock-hour allocation typically ranges from 40 to 80 clock hours within the broader Basic Recruit Training Program.