A police jujutsu participant watches as a man is put in a headlock during a training session. The Mesa Police Department uses its police jujitsu training as a non-lethal way to defuse a potentially dangerous situation.
A Mesa police officer responded to an assault call where a boy allegedly hit a group home employee for taking his electronic cigarette away on March 31.
At one point, the boy stood up from a sitting position, raised his voice and resisted two officers who told him he was under arrest.
Right after, officers grabbed the boy’s arm and hand as the boy tried to push past officers from inside a bedroom at the group home, according to a police report.
At that point, the male officer — who weighed about 30 pounds less than the suspect — was able to deliver multiple strikes to the suspect’s peroneal nerve — which runs from the hip down the back of the leg. Shortly after, he and a female officer were able to take the suspect into custody.
The March 31 incident is an example of where the Mesa Police Department used its police jujitsu training as a non-lethal way to defuse a potentially dangerous situation.
The officer — Keegan Miskin — realized “(other) juveniles (who have a criminal history) may desire to thwart the efforts of officers” to make an arrest, according to the report.
“I recognized the knee strikes to the common peroneal have a low potential for injury and also recognized their effectiveness,” Miskin wrote in his report.
The incident is an example of how the Mesa Police Department has seen the benefits of having its officers trained from non-lethal police jujitsu.
Sgt. Kyle Thomas said department officials believe its an effective way to practice their trade.
“(Jujitsu has) significantly reduced injuries to suspects and officers, when officers do have to use force to apprehend a suspect,” Thomas said.
Since 2021, the Mesa Police program has taught the martial art to its officers as an in-service advanced training class.
“Law enforcement makes decisions under changing environments,” said Luis Gutierrez, a defensive tactics coordinator on the program.
For instance, if officers arrive at a fight — it could be at a dangerous stage, Gutierrez said.
“When (officers) intercede in something, it could be from mild to horrific,” he said.
Officials have seen positive results.
There has been about a 60% reduction in injuries to officers and suspects, according to Brandi Myers, a spokesperson for the Mesa Police Department.
“Officers are using lower levels of force including an 80% reduction in strikes to suspects,” Myers said.
Other departments have tapped into the training. The Phoenix Department has trained some of its law enforcement staff through the Mesa program.
“...The adoption of this program is a significant step forward in our commitment to a safer and more effective approach to policing in our community,” Phoenix Police said in a statement. “This program has been integrated into our basic training academy defensive tactics program for recruits.”
Thomas said the program helps officers use “the correct amount” of force. The jujitsu teaches leadership and gives officers a tool they wouldn’t otherwise have.
In addition, it gives the community confidence officers are making an effort to use non-lethal means when dealing with the public, Thomas said.
“The community expects better of us,” Thomas said.
Brent Ruffner joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2021 where he writes about developments at TSMC and Maricopa County issues, including election topics.
He's written about stories that range from accusations that a Mesa monkey breeding facility is unsafe to what to do if you encounter a rattlesnake in the desert.
Community: He is a supporter of the American Cancer Society.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University, May 2007.
Random Fact: He met former San Francisco Giants outfielder Willie Mays at a Phoenix Firebird game after winning a contest for an autographed baseball.
Hobbies: Hiking in the woods and collecting sports memorabilia.
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