Small of the Back Carry

As I travel around one thing that I see all too often is uniformed Police Officers and private security officers carrying equipment, namely handcuffs, on their duty belts right in the small of their back. I try to do everything that I can to discourage this practice. Now I know that there is a lot of stuff that needs to be carted around on your Sam Brown, more it seems than when I was working in patrol division. However you, as the Police Officer or private security officer, need to be aware of what else in located in the small of your back….your tail-bone.

When a person falls backwards and lands on their tail-bone they experience a measurable amount of pain. We all have done it, fall back and BAM! right on the tail-bone, it hurts. Now imagine falling or worse yet being knocked down with some force and landing on your tail-bone, except this time there is a solid object back there to compound the impact on that sensitive area. This enhanced impact can cause great pain and even impede your mobility. If you are the subject of an attack at the time then you are going to have some real problems.

The simplest solution is just moving your equipment to the side and then making sure that it stays in place through the use of belt keepers. Another real good idea is to give some thought to learning “how” to fall. Yes, there is a way to fall backwards in a controlled manner without finding yourself going ass-over-tea kettle. Simply sit down, bend your knees, tuck your chin into your chest, and sit down. When you go to the ground in this manner it allows you to roll onto your back and get your feet up to defend from an attack (if you are dealing with one). This also allows you to plant your feet, produce your firearm and fire on a threat by using your knees as a make-shift sight picture.

When a person falls backwards and lands on their tail-bone they experience a measurable amount of pain. We all have done it, fall back and BAM! right on the tail-bone, it hurts. Now imagine falling or worse yet being knocked down with some force and landing on your tail-bone, except this time there is a solid object back there to compound the impact on that sensitive area. This enhanced impact can cause great pain and even impede your mobility. If you are the subject of an attack at the time then you are going to have some real problems. ground, you just need to practice and stage your gear to provide you with the best tactical advantage should you need it. Be smart, be alert, and stay safe.