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ARREST & CONTROL IN EDMONTON, AB
PPCT Threat Pattern Recognition
Handcuffing & Baton
Evidence-based, legally defensible subject-control training for in-house security staff, contract security personnel, and peace officers. Delivered by our experienced team of instructors led by David Suffern, CPP — over 30 years of operational and teaching experience.
Individuals: Register yourself for the training you need here.
Corporate & Agency groups: Delivered on request, on-site or hosted.
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"TalonPoint is top notch. If you are worried about going to class, just know Dave and his instructors are very personable. They always make you feel welcome and have the time to check on students whenever they are teaching. I will always recommend Talonpoint if you're looking at anything self defense."
- Julian C.
What is PPCT?
PPCT (Pressure Point Control Tactics) is a proven defensive tactics system that integrates survival-stress science, gross-motor skills, and a clear resistance/control continuum—built to perform under pressure and stand up to legal scrutiny.
You’ll gain:
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Clear understanding of use-of-force principles and documentation
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Tactical positioning and reactionary-gap management
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Control tactics: nerve points, joint controls, and takedown mechanics
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Safe, consistent, policy-aligned handcuffing applications
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Stress-performance strategies to execute under pressure
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Instructor-led scenario practice and skills validation
Our classes follow the full PPCT standards, include all required practical assessments, and provide official certification upon successful completion.
ELIGIBILITY
Who this Training is For
This course is designed for:
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Internal security staff and contract security personnel currently holding a valid Alberta security-services licence (including supervisors and team leads).
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Peace officers, special constables, and protective-services personnel who hold an active Alberta-issued appointment.
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Protection staff working within AGLC-governed organizations — for example, security personnel at casinos, bars, and other licensed premises.
Note: This course is only available to valid licensed/appointed individuals as listed above.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PPCT Defensive Tactics, Handcuffing & Baton Training
Handcuffing
CERTIFICATION
Foundational arrest-and-control program. Duration: 2 days (Saturday–Sunday) This two-day PPCT course provides a comprehensive, legally defensible foundation in defensive tactics, subject control, and safe handcuffing applications. Designed for personnel working in licensed security or protective-services roles, the training builds confident decision-making and reliable performance under pressure. Participants learn threat pattern recognition, tactical positioning, stabilization mechanics, and how to apply handcuffing techniques from multiple positions in a way that aligns with Alberta legislation and organizational policy. What this course includes: • Resistance–control continuum & proportional response • Tactical stance, movement, and reactionary-gap management • Joint controls, takedowns, and stabilization • Handcuffing from standing, kneeling, and prone positions • Subject management and team-based control • Stress-performance principles and scenario-based practice • Use-of-force considerations and documentation Outcome: PPCT Defensive Tactics & Handcuffing Certification (valid for 1 year) Proof of eligibility/licensing is required.
RECERTIFICATION
Maintain annual compliance. Duration: 1 day (Sunday) This one-day recertification reinforces core arrest-and-control skills and ensures participants remain aligned with current legal, policy, and safety standards. The session focuses on refining technique, improving decision-making, and strengthening performance under stress. Participants review and practice key PPCT principles, update their understanding of use-of-force thresholds, and work through scenario-driven refreshers to validate competency. What this course includes: • Review of threat pattern recognition and tactical positioning • Refresh of control and stabilization techniques • Handcuffing applications from multiple positions • Officer-safety considerations and efficient movement • Updated guidance on use of force and documentation • Practical scenarios and targeted skill refinement Outcome: PPCT Recertification (valid for 1 year). Participants must hold a valid PPCT Handcuffing Certification to attend.
Baton & Handcuffing
CERTIFICATION
Restricted firearms include handguns and some semi-automatic rifles or firearms that fall under narrower regulatory definitions. To legally acquire or use them, you must complete both the CFSC and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC). Note: The CFSC is a prerequisite for taking CRFSC.
RECERTIFICATION
Foundational arrest-and-control program. Duration: 2 days (Saturday–Sunday) This two-day PPCT course provides a comprehensive, legally defensible foundation in defensive tactics, subject control, and safe handcuffing applications. Designed for personnel working in licensed security or protective-services roles, the training builds confident decision-making and reliable performance under pressure. Participants learn threat pattern recognition, tactical positioning, stabilization mechanics, and how to apply handcuffing techniques from multiple positions in a way that aligns with Alberta legislation and organizational policy. What this course includes: • Resistance–control continuum & proportional response • Tactical stance, movement, and reactionary-gap management • Joint controls, takedowns, and stabilization • Handcuffing from standing, kneeling, and prone positions • Subject management and team-based control • Stress-performance principles and scenario-based practice • Use-of-force considerations and documentation Outcome: PPCT Defensive Tactics & Handcuffing Certification (valid for 1 year) Proof of eligibility/licensing is required.
Training Goals & Standards
Our defensive-tactics programs are built to ensure every participant leaves safer, more confident, and fully aligned with industry and organizational expectations. Here's how we do it: Legally Defensible Application – All techniques and decisions align with proportional response, Alberta legislation, and professional use-of-force standards. Operational Integration – Skills are mapped to policies, post orders, incident workflows, and reporting requirements so participants can apply them immediately. Safety-First Design – Training emphasizes injury prevention, controlled practice, and built-in medical considerations to protect both staff and subjects. Clear Decision Frameworks – Participants learn and apply the resistance/control continuum to match force to threat confidently and consistently. Performance Under Stress – Gross-motor, high-yield tactics designed to function reliably in high-pressure encounters. Skill Retention & Competence – Scenario practice, progressive drills, and deliberate repetitions build long-term confidence and capability. Documentation & Compliance – Training records, attendance, and validation are provided to support organizational health, safety, and audit requirements. Organizational Context Alignment – Language, examples, and applications are tailored to the environments participants operate in.
Meet Your Instructor
Dave Suffern, CPP
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING & CONSULTING
With over 30 years across peace-officer, security management, and education spaces, Dave delivers clear, confident instruction backed by operational reality. His training style is calm under pressure, uncompromising on safety, and laser-focused on what works in the field. Dave has been teaching PPCT for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience across numerous industries.
WHY CHOOSE US
The TalonPoint Difference
Our team of instructors brings deep operational knowledge, clear communication, and decades of real-world experience to every course. Whether you are protecting your own facilities or operating on behalf of a client, we ensure your skills align with the highest professional standards, clear policy frameworks, and legal defensibility.
Why we're different than other trainers:
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Decades of frontline experience across multiple roles, agencies, and industries
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Extensive instructor backgrounds in PPCT and other tactical and defensive systems
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Legally defensible training aligned with Alberta and Canadian standards
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Professional, supportive, ego-free instruction that's relatable & meets people where they’re at
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Tailored delivery based on your organizational context, policies, and operational realities
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A culture of safety in every class — we train hard, not recklessly to the point of injury
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A deep understanding of violence and how to keep people safer in real-world situations
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Genuine care for every participant, encouraging growth both on the job and in life
"Took PPCT and TalkSafe with Dave Suffern. Excellent instructor who uses his years of experience to teach the lessons. Highly recommend."
- Dexter M.
Register for an Upcoming Training Date
If you’re ready to complete your PPCT certification or recertification, you can reserve your spot in one of our upcoming training sessions below. These dates are open to eligible participants who want to train individually or in small groups.
UP YOUR GAME
Tactical Guard Training
Get the two most crucial skills every security professional needs — verbal and physical — in one discounted training package. This bundle combines the 1-day TalkSafe (professional communication & de-escalation) with PPCT Defensive Tactics handcuffing, giving you the complete foundation to stay safe, keep others safe, and handle real-world situations with confidence. You’ll learn how to: • Use TalkSafe to defuse tension early and communicate clearly under pressure • Apply PPCT techniques safely, legally, and effectively • Stay calm, composed, and in control during high-risk encounters • Protect yourself, clients, and the public through smart, professional decision-making • Stand out as a capable, well-rounded, tactical security professional Ideal for: Guards, loss-prevention officers, protective services staff, and anyone who wants stronger, safer skills beyond basic licensing — at a reduced cost.
15% off
Private Group Training for Organizations
TalonPoint Defence offers tailored PPCT training for organizations that need to train several staff members at once. We adapt delivery to your schedule, policies, and operational requirements, ensuring your team builds reliable, Alberta-aligned, and legally defensible arrest-and-control skills.
Private group training includes:
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Customized delivery aligned to your environment and expectations
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Flexible scheduling and on-site or hosted training options
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Standardized skill development across all participants
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Official PPCT certification or recertification
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Full documentation and training records for compliance