Law enforcement officers from the Wabasha police department, Wabasha Sheriff Department, Wabasha Jail, Lake City, recently gathered in the wrestling room at Wabasha-Kellogg High School to complete their annual “Use of Force Training”, with Officer Hoss Roemer.
Roemer took a break from the training to share more about the training with City Administrator Gregerson.
“ Use of Force focuses on several different aspects,” he said. “ The classroom training covers legal standards the importance of de-escalation techniques and communication. When jumping in to the hands-on portion, here at the school, they run through scenarios focusing on handcuffing, escorting technique, and numerous positions dealing with combative or non-compliant subjects.”
The main goal is using as little force as necessary to gain and maintain control of the situation.
Officer Roemer and Deputy Bryan Ormsby presenting weapon retention technique
Roemer has been instructing Use of Force training for officers and deputies within the county for the last eight years. Roemer said throughout his career he and other officers have been involved in hands-on interactions with combative subjects, sometimes alone and other times with help from others.
Officer Roemer and Deputy Ormsby demonstrate weapon retention.
Office Roemer, Deputy Ormsby, Deputy Body demonstrate techniques on how to arrest an individual who is resisting.
“ When matters become escalated, keeping composure, using good techniques and maintaining control until backup arrives can make high stress and risky situations easier to manage and safer for all,” explained Roemer.
Roemer decided to get involved in Use of Force training as it shares similarities with wrestling which he grew up doing and then found he really enjoyed teaching skills and standards that could save a life or prevent an injury.
“ Use of force is a highly important training and Officer Roemer has been doing an incredible job,” said Joe Stark, Wabasha Police Chief, “He runs a class that involves both Wabasha Officers and Officers from surrounding jurisdictions. By having us all work together in his training he has created the best scenario for Officers to have safe and effective outcomes.”
