NCJ Number
172034
Journal
Law Enforcement Trainer Volume: 12 Issue: 6 Dated: (November/December 1997) Pages: 14-15,17-19
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes how to use the principles of VAT (vanishing, adapting, and tracing) in police self-defense tactics and strategy.
Abstract
Officers need a survival mindset, crisis rehearsal, positive self-talk, a P.L.A.N. (Pre-encounter Learning And kNowledge), visualization, and mental and physical preparedness to survive a violent encounter. VAT allows the officer the ability to gain and maintain control of the aggressor by using the proper escalation and de-escalation of force. VAT principles are drawn from Shorinji-ryu, an Okinawan martial art developed by the Shimabuka clan. "Vanishing" means to get out of the line of sight and off the line of attack of an aggressor. "Adapting" means to change techniques that do not work into techniques that do work. To "Trace" means to aggressively and continuously work to control the attacker until all resistance stops, or until the attacker is stopped and under control by focusing on controlling his central mass. These principles are not necessarily specific techniques or applications, but rather a way to use selected techniques that an officer already knows. There are specific techniques and applications that are well-suited to these principles, and a few of them are illustrated in this article. They include confrontation with an individual standing on an elevated doorstep outside his house, armed with a baseball bat; a vehicle stop of an individual who is armed; and confrontation with an individual armed with a knife inside a house. Photographic illustrations are accompanied by written descriptions of the various self-defense steps.