Where should an officer be positioned when adopting the escort position?

In the escort position, the officer should be positioned behind the subject at a 45° angle for several key reasons related to safety and control. This positioning allows the officer to maintain a safe distance while still being close enough to manage the subject if necessary. When positioned at this angle, the officer has a better field of vision, allowing them to scan for potential threats or hazards in the environment and to keep an eye on the subject's behavior.

Furthermore, this angle helps to create a physical barrier between the officer and the subject, which can serve to reduce the likelihood of the subject feeling threatened or cornered. It also allows the officer to easily respond to any sudden movements, maintaining effective control without restricting the subject's movement too excessively. This tactical advantage is important for ensuring the safety of both the officer and the subject during the escort process.

In contrast, being directly in front of the subject can create an adversarial scenario, increasing the likelihood of conflict, while standing beside the subject might limit the officer's ability to maintain control. Positioning directly behind the subject could also lead to blind spots and hinder the officer's awareness of their surroundings. Therefore, the correct escort position is behind the subject at a 45° angle.