PSO – Police Lock Support

The PSO (Police Lock Support) training by ETCB is designed for law enforcement professionals who need to open doors safely, quickly, and with minimal damage.
Building on the innovative knowledge and methods from the Door Opening Techniques for Officers course, also developed by ETCB, this program helps police units save millions by reducing property damage and minimizing the need for battering rams or locksmith assistance.

This program is led by instructors with more than 20 years of practical experience in specialized door-opening operations.
A Rotterdam police officer who introduced this concept within the Dutch police and completed his training at ETCB won the Good Idea Award in 2015.
His initiative became the foundation of the national PSO project — clear proof of innovation and efficiency in law enforcement.

By training skilled professionals, the use of traditional battering rams can be drastically reduced.
This not only leads to major cost savings but also prevents unnecessary damage and increases efficiency during entry operations.

Over the years, ETCB’s instructors have made significant improvements to the standard PSO concept.
These include the use of smarter and more advanced techniques, enabling faster, cleaner entries.
Participants also learn to identify and resolve complications, allowing them to make informed tactical decisions in any situation.

What participants learn

The PSO course is highly practical and teaches officers how to manage any door-opening operation safely and effectively, even under high-security conditions.
Both destructive and non-destructive methods are covered.

During the training, participants are encouraged to present real-life cases and ask questions, ensuring that no one finishes the day with unanswered topics.

🔑 Lock type techniques

Cylinder locks (SKG* cylinders and anti-core pull systems)**
Learn both basic and advanced methods for opening cylinder locks, including high-security types.
Special focus is given to SKG*** cylinders and anti-core pull hardware.
Emphasis is placed on controlled and low-damage operation.

Surface-mounted and auxiliary locks – methods for fast and efficient opening.
Lever locks – common in basements, storage areas, and older buildings.
Pin locks – including various versions such as older entrance or cellar doors.
Multipoint locks – practical methods for opening without unnecessary damage.

🔑 Advanced techniques

Mail slot fishing – from basic to advanced, including doors with knob cylinders or keys left inside.
Flipper techniques – non-destructive opening of self-locked doors, including modern mechanisms.
Anti-core pull systems – methods for opening doors not locked on the deadbolt when other techniques are not possible.
Bulgarian method – controlled breaking of extended cylinders.
Tilt-and-turn windows – opening while preserving the locking mechanism.
Reverse peephole method – safely and discreetly viewing the room interior.
Mail slot technique with key inside – advanced methods for doors with an interior key.
Other techniques – additional solutions and improvisations for complex or unusual situations.

Unique approach

• Realistic setups and professional tools

• Instructors with over 20 years of operational experience

• Personal guidance and aftercare

• Focus on current real-world police situations

After the course, participants receive a dedicated support line, exclusive to police officers, providing direct access to ETCB instructors for on-duty assistance — a service unique within the Benelux.

Practical information

• Location: Krimpen aan den IJssel, the Netherlands

• Duration: 1 full day (09:00 – 16:00), including lunch

• Group size: maximum of 6 participants per day

• Individual registration: we recommend the Combi Deal, allowing participants to join an existing group without forming their own.

• International: suitable for foreign police agencies, with real-time translation in multiple languages

• On-location option: training can also be provided in Germany and Belgium, subject to availability and group size.

🌐 International participation & innovation

ETCB continuously innovates to remain a leader in the field.
We invest in new techniques, methods, and teaching approaches to keep our courses as practical, effective, and accessible as possible.

Through our real-time translation support, international participants can follow the training in their own language.
Using a wireless translation earpiece, they receive live interpretation from the instructor and can ask questions freely — even if Dutch is not the spoken language.

This ensures a professional and future-ready learning experience for modern law enforcement professionals.

The ETCB PSO training is recognized as the benchmark for professional lock support within European police services.