The first time I tried to lightly control a handcuffed small female while putting her in the back of the patrol car, I took a nice kick to the thigh that would have really hurt if she hit where I think she was trying to hit. My first hint should have been when she hit her husband with a dog carrier causing a gushing head wound. My second clue was when I saw the S&W pocket automatic on the seat of the car that she was trying to get into. Rookie error. From then on, there were no kid gloves. The size of the subject really has no bearing.

Laying hands on someone is not a gentle procedure, specifically because of this possibility. When an officer lays hands on a person, it is to take complete control, including swiftly taking a person to the ground if needed. You can't choose the surface you get to take someone down on. They choose the situation, time and place.