What distinguishes defensive tactics from offensive tactics in law enforcement?

Defensive tactics are primarily focused on protecting oneself and controlling a situation without escalating the level of force used. They are techniques intended to mitigate potential harm to the officer or others, emphasizing the preservation of life and de-escalation. This involves recognizing and responding to threats in a way that emphasizes safety, control, and restraint.

While subduing a subject is indeed a component of defensive tactics, it is not the defining characteristic; it's more about ensuring that the officer remains safe while dealing with potentially dangerous situations. In contrast, offensive tactics typically prioritize taking assertive action against a threat, which may involve more aggressive maneuvers and decision-making typically under higher levels of confrontation. Thus, the core of defensive tactics lies in their protective nature, which is why the statement about them being primarily about protecting oneself resonates strongly with the essence of these methods.