A Reasonable Force Option: Turning a Resistant Suspect onto his Stomach

Have you ever confronted a large suspect laying flat on his back and refusing to turn onto his stomach where you could safely handcuff him? Of course you have, so have I. It can be quite difficult to flip the suspect over without a prolonged fight or without some help. Fortunately, there is a very simple technique that will allow you to use leverage to your advantage and make this task significantly easier. I like to call it the “arm bar flip over”, but you can call it whatever you like.

With the suspect laying flat on his back, grab his right wrist with your right hand and lift his arm. Stand next to his shoulders and turn your body where you are facing in the direction of his feet. Place your left foot against his body, just below his rib cage and bring the back of his right arm against your left shin. Make sure his thumb is pointing away from your shin and that your shin is just above his right elbow, while his arm is straight. Now step back with your right foot and pull his wrist back towards your right foot. Your left shin applies pressure just above his elbow and acts as a fulcrum, while his arm becomes a lever. Even if the suspect is unconscious, this technique will roll him right over.

Understanding the basic theory should allow you to figure this technique out on your own. Take the time to experiment with a partner and let me know if you have any problems. It is important to note that my opponent is not fighting in the video clip below. This allows me to take my time and talk you through the technique. In reality, it is important to begin the technique quickly so you are not kicked or hit. Keep your head up and away from your opponent’s reach to make yourself less vulnerable. You have the option of quickly disengaging and moving away if you need to create distance.

This technique is not designed to injure the suspect, merely to harness the leverage of an armbar to turn him over. If you jerk the arm hard against your shin without allowing the suspect the time to turn over, you may inadvertantly injure their arm. Like any technique, it is up to the individual officer to act reasonably and be able to justify his actions. That being said, this is a very reliable technique and with a little practice you should be able to easily flip over even the biggest guy.

How to turn a suspect over from Spartan Cops on Vimeo.

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