What is the purpose of escort holds?

• A. To subdue an actively resisting subject
• B. To safely initiate physical contact
• C. To prevent all movement
• D. To replace the need for compliance holds

Answer: (B)

Escort holds are about establishing a controlled, safe point of contact to begin guiding a person during an escort. The goal is to initiate movement without escalating force, giving both the officer and the subject a safer way to move from one location to another. This approach emphasizes safety, control, and gradual cooperation rather than domination or immobilization.

Because their purpose is to safely initiate contact and start the escort, they aren’t about subduing resistance with force, they don’t aim to prevent all movement, and they aren’t intended to replace more secure compliance holds when resistance is present.