NCJ Number
172695
Journal
Law Enforcement Trainer Volume: 12 Issue: 5 Dated: September-October 1997 Pages: 14-19
Date Published
1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The system called Vanish, Adapt, and Trace (VAT) offers a simple and effective method that police can use to handle use-of-force encounters, help counter the martial threat, and strategically place a police officer out of the effective strike zone of an attacker or a potential attacker.
Abstract
VAT is based on the principles of Shorinji-ryu, an Okinawan martial art developed by the Shimabuka clan. VAT is a set of principles and not necessarily specific techniques. Vanishing occurs when the police officers move themselves or the attacker to avoid the attack. Adapting refers to using the actions of the attacker to gain and maintain control of the attacker. Tracing involves aggressively and continuously working to control the attacker until all resistance stops or until the attacker is under control. Police officers should avoid giving up; disengaging is a means of staying alive and eventually bringing the situation under control. Vanishing, adapting, and tracing can and should be used at every level of force to ensure the safety of the police officer and control of the attacker. Case examples and photographs