"I have had the privilege of testifying as an expert in over 100 cases involving restraint-related deaths.
After thoroughly reviewing the SafeWrap restraint system, I found no evidence of adverse effects on either
the respiratory or vascular systems during its use. Not only does the system significantly reduce issues surrounding
the negative public perception of prone restraint, but it also allows restrainers continuous visibility of the subject’s
face—critical for both medical monitoring and effective de-escalation. Given these benefits, I strongly recommend
SafeWrap adoption at any organization where physical restraint is required."
- Gary Vilke, M.D.
It’s vital that law enforcement agencies do their due diligence and thoroughly vet those whom they trust to train their personnel. This is especially true when it comes to defensive tactics and use-of-force training.
We understand maintaining the trust, that communities place in their police agencies, is of utmost importance. Loss of this trust can negatively impact both the agency and community, resulting in a loss of safety for its officers and citizens. Central to this trust, citizens rightfully demand that their agencies’ training ensures that their officers use-of-force is legal and prioritizes safety for both citizens and officers.
Over the years, GST has endeavored to help agencies maintain and augment this sacred trust. Therefore, to ensure that the GST system exceeds best practices as they relate to legal standards, liability, and safety pertaining to law enforcement, we have had the course reviewed by medical professionals and attorneys who attended the actual course.
Peer-Reviewed Study: Crossover Arm Control (CAC)
Because the Crossover Arm Control (CAC), the upper body control component of SafeWrap, can resemble a vascular neck restraint to the untrained eye, a peer-reviewed study was conducted to determine whether the technique impairs breathing or restricts blood flow to the brain.
Researchers evaluated physiological responses during resisted CAC application while monitoring breathing, oxygen saturation, vital signs, and carotid artery blood flow. Findings demonstrated no evidence of carotid artery occlusion, impaired oxygenation, or respiratory compromise when CAC was properly applied. Participants’ physiological responses were consistent with normal physical exertion rather than a choke or vascular neck restraint.
“Throughout CAC application, oxygen saturation and tissue perfusion were maintained. The technique does not impede blood flow nor cause carotid artery constriction.”
Study Citation
Scuderi, G.J., Fernandez, C.R., Scuderi, G.S., McCurdy, M.A., Tarawneh, O.H., & Vaccaro, A.R. (2026). Crossover arm control: A safe restraining technique in resisting subjects? The Police Journal: Theory, Practice and Principles.
DOI: 10.1177/0032258X261444917
Click here to access the full study