WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — 15 law enforcement officers fill the 570 Jiu-Jitsu studio inside the Pajama Factory in Williamsport. They're taking part in a law enforcement program through Gracie NEPA on how to de-escalate attacks and control resisting suspects.
"A combative subject can be a very difficult thing for a police officer to handle when they don't have the proper training; things happen, and now we have problems, so we're looking to avoid those things by giving them the proper training to handle their difficult jobs," said Jeff Reese head instructor at Gracie NEPA Law Enforcement Program.
Jeff Reese is the head instructor at the Gracie Law Enforcement program. He hopes the class will teach police officers how to help and protect others while also protecting themselves.
"I want to see my community safe from bad policing, so by doing my small part and teaching police officers how to de-escalate violence, it helps my community, and it's the community I love," said Reese.
"Reduces injury and, you know, catastrophic outcomes, and it, you know, potentially saves from lawsuits. I think all officers should benefit from this training," said Scott Diggs, Owner of Gracie NEPA 570 Jiu-Jitsu.
Officers from the State Police, Lycoming County Sheriff's Department, Berwick Police Department, Watsontown Police Department, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement attended the class.
"I've been training almost a decade, and I just see what training and having the confidence that comes from training can do for law enforcement, so I just think it's important, and our area hasn't seen something like this yet," said Taylor Rupert State Trooper Criminal Investigation Unit.
Instructors at Gracie NEPA would like to hold more self-defense classes for law enforcement across Pennsylvania.