Are the US police allowed to use knives on suspects?

Hi all,

I ask this question because whilst looking into getting a Ka-Bar BK2 Campanion, i came across this video below. At about 2:20 in the video you can hear the demonstrator saying how if someone tried to grab his firearm, he could trap their hand and with the off-hand, grab the TDI knife and do what you have to do.



I found this very interesting as being an ex military policeman who carried a handgun and occasionaly a baton. The thought of us also having a knife on us to "do what we have to do" with a suspect, suprises me somewhat.

I just wondered what the rules were for police using knives? Are there designated target areas?

I figured that the police would have at least some training if they are allowed to use a knife on a suspect, it's just something i've never heard of before.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

CX.

I don't know the specific legalities, but I do have several friends who are cops and they all carry knives on duty.

Without considering weaponization there are many reasons to have a knife - for example to cut seatbelts free after auto accidents.

I would think that if it comes to a situation where the officers life were threatened then anything would go, including the use of a knife.

In a self defense response, sure... Why not? As a matter of life or death, I would hope that they care not whether they were breaking the law, I know I wouldn't. My life is more important than the government's law.

I'm not saying that it wouldn't be or isn't abused, only that I don't see anything wrong with a police officer defending his own life or the safety of his family with a knife.

--airspoon

reply to post by CX


Hey Cx

I worked with Cops for a while and they all carried knives. Generally pocket utility style knives, however several including my brother carried the exact on in the video.

From a utility perspective they are as was mentioned used for victim extraction and the like, however from what I was told a police officer like nonuniform citizens can use what ever is at their disposal for defending themselves if the situation arises.

What I mean by that is, if they were to somehow become disarmed or unable to get to their weapon.

A police officer who may be alone and approaching a suspect may have the suspect reach for the officers side arm. The Officer is supposes to stand with that side of the body away from the suspects and keep their hand on their weapon like wise they are supposed to keep back about 6 feet. If unable to pull out their weapon in such a radical situation as a suspect aggressively charging and grasping the holster perhaps that would be grounds for knife combat.

Though most cops carry tazers I don't see the logic unless the tazer were already expended or the officer were surprised.

they have so many other ways to deal with threats- besides-
who wants blood anymore- that alone could be fatal.
they seem to like those expandable batons.
tasers are pricey. hell, i'm in phx. they just shoot you.-alot.

there is also the added probability that while jumping a fence into a backyard you get attacked by a dog and are unable to grab your side arm.
Knife ONE. Dog ZERO....sort of..

Crack houses love the pit bulls and train them to attack for various security reasons. Cops are often on the receiving side of that nasty game.

Cops don't play games with dogs that's why so many dogs are reportedly shot by cops.

Good question. I've never heard of police using a knife to subdue a suspect.

Never bring a knife to a gun fight?

Originally posted by snowen20
there is also the added probability that while jumping a fence into a backyard you get attacked by a dog and are unable to grab your side arm.
Knife ONE. Dog ZERO....sort of..

Crack houses love the pit bulls and train them to attack for various security reasons. Cops are often on the receiving side of that nasty game.

Cops don't play games with dogs that's why so many dogs are reportedly shot by cops.

I know of police entry teams who use a three-pronged response if they know a property owner has a particularly nasty dog.

The first cop through the door will spray the mutt. If that doesn't work the second cop already has his baton drawn and clubs Fido in the face/head. Number 3 has pistol drawn and plugs mutly if 1 & 2 don't work. The full drill from spray to bullets takes about 5 seconds with practice. Fortuantely it rarely gets past cop 1 as most hounds tend to run away after a dose of CS in the face.

I've never heard of police using knives in this instance though.