What are takedowns in defensive tactics primarily used for?

Takedowns in defensive tactics are primarily used to bring a resisting subject to the ground. This maneuver is a critical part of controlling a subject who may pose a threat or is physically resisting law enforcement officers or security personnel. The effectiveness of a takedown lies in its ability to safely and efficiently transition a subject from a standing position to the ground, where they can be more easily restrained and controlled.

By using a takedown, officers can reduce the risk of injury to both themselves and the subject, as it allows for greater leverage and control. The ground position is often more secure for an officer to manage a subject's movements and implement necessary restraints without escalating the situation further.

The other options describe related concepts but do not focus on the primary purpose of a takedown. While elevating a subject, restraining with minimal force, and forcing submission can describe aspects of control tactics, the essence of takedowns is specifically about safely bringing an actively resisting person to the ground.