2016 ILEETA

Transcription

2016 ILEETA

Conference Edition
The ILEETA
Journal
Volume 6
Edition 1
2016
ILEETA
International Law Enforcement
Educators and Trainers Association
INTERACTIVE TABLE of CONTENTS
(Just Click on the Title or Page Number)
EDITORIAL ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Dynamics of Police Citizen Encounters ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Reality CQC Pistol Tactics................................................................................................................................................................. 7
The Illusion of Seeing ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
ASP Flashlight Training .................................................................................................................................................................... 12
ASP Introduces New Integrated Training Program ............................................................................................................................ 13
Off-Duty and Concealed Carry Tactics .............................................................................................................................................. 14
Ground Fighting: Solving the Problem .............................................................................................................................................. 16
Both Sides of the Door: Are You Prepared for the Hardest Conversation? ....................................................................................... 18
Rifle, Weapon of Democracy ........................................................................................................................................................... 19
Winning the Deadly Tug-of-War for Your Gun .................................................................................................................................. 21
Building a Patrol CQB Program ........................................................................................................................................................ 24
W.I.N—Are you Asking Enough Questions?...................................................................................................................................... 28
The Adaptive FTO ............................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Nurturing Adaptive Learning ........................................................................................................................................................... 32
Simplify: Getting Back to Basics ....................................................................................................................................................... 34
Build Better Courses: Instructional Design 101 ................................................................................................................................ 36
Problem-Based Learning in Law Enforcement In-Service Training .................................................................................................... 37
Replicating Adverse Dynamics: An Update of the Seven Levels of Simulation Training ...................................................................... 38
How We Measure Student Learning and Why It’s Important ............................................................................................................ 42
Re-Energizing our Honorable Profession .......................................................................................................................................... 46
Inspirational Leadership .................................................................................................................................................................. 48
Why Tactical Yoga .......................................................................................................................................................................... 56
Your Priority, Help or Hunt? ............................................................................................................................................................ 58
Surviving and Thriving Behind the Badge ™...................................................................................................................................... 60
The Frustration-Aggression Theory and its Importance to Law Enforcement: Saving Lives and Careers ............................................. 62
Supplemental Training for School Resource Officers ........................................................................................................................ 65
Law Enforcements Role in Fourth Generation Warfare..................................................................................................................... 67
The Need for Tactical Cultural Asset Teams in Law Enforcement ...................................................................................................... 69
Meet and Greet the Authors............................................................................................................................................................ 72
Editorial Staff
ILEETA Membership Application ...................................................................................................................................................... 74
NOTICE:
All photographs provided by individual authors,
ILEETA or used under license agreement from sxc.hu
Managing Editor:
Kerry Avery
Kerry.avery@shaw.ca
Instructor Development:
Thom Dworak
tbdworak@comcast.net
Officer Safety / Use of Force:
Brian Hill
Brian@MentalAmmo.com
Reviews—Books and
Applications:
Natalie Fleming
natalie4002@gmail.com
The ILEETA Journal ©2016 is published (without advertisement) on a quarterly basis, exclusively for the members of
ILEETA. The information and material contained within this publication is the intellectual property of each contributor
and does not necessarily reflect the position of other contributors or staff. All materials are brought to the reader in
good faith, and there is no intent to violate any copyright, trademark, or law pertaining to intellectual property. For
questions or comments, contact the Editor of The ILEETA Journal, Roy Bethge, at rbethge1@me.com. Contact ILEETA
at www.ileeta.org, or by mail, at: ILEETA, P.O. Box 208, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Voice 262-767-1406 Fax 262-767
-1813
back to  contents
ILEETA Journal—Page 2
ILEETA Journal
Editorial
Conference Time!
Editorial
Managing Editor:
Kerry Avery
Welcome to the ILEETA Journal 2016 Conference Edition. This is the second
conference edition, created to give you additional information about some
of the presentations. If you have attended the conference before, you know
choosing which courses to attend is a real challenge. Our goal is to provide
a variety of topics applicable to the many facets of law enforcement
training. In addition to the informative sessions, there will be the always
inspirational Emerson Hour, a special screening of the film Officer Involved,
and an opportunity to meet the authors.
The information available is invaluable, but as most past attendees can
attest, the conference is so much more than that. It’s an opportunity to
connect and re-connect with like-minded people, to be inspired, and to
recharge your batteries.
This will be my third ILEETA conference. The first year I only knew two
people I had met at another conference —Roy Bethge and Tim Janowick. By
the third day I couldn’t get 10 feet down the hall without saying hi to
someone I had met. If it’s your first ILEETA conference, take advantage of
the experience—hang out in the common areas, drop by the hospitality
suite, and don’t be afraid to approach someone and start a conversation.
If you have not yet registered for the 2016 ILEETA Conference, please click
here to register now.
Section editors, Brian Hill, Thom Dworak, Natalie Fleming, and I will be
around all week. We would love the chance to meet you and say hello.
Kerry
Use of Force
Editor:
Brian Hill
Officer Safety
Dynamics of Police Citizen Encounters
by Phil Carlson
P
olice
search for the latest and greatest technologies and "flavor
interactions with
of the month" training.. The most challenging aspects of
citizens are in
police interactions are examined and officers and trainers
the national spotlight
are provided with practical tools to improve performance.
now more than ever.
What previously wouldn't
have made the local
paper, now makes
national news, and the presence of video during these
interactions has become the norm, not the exception.
With all this scrutiny of the law enforcement profession,
there is a move to re-establish trust between the police
and the communities they serve, and to change or "fix" the
way officers do their jobs. However, it is our belief that
officers are already doing a good job in an incredibly
challenging profession, and don't need to be "fixed", but
can learn to operate at a higher level.
Situational awareness and threat assessment are core
Officers need the tools to effectively engage citizens in a
principles in every citizen encounter. We sometimes take
professional manner, without compromising their own
these things for granted and begin to lose our edge and
safety in the process. As agencies make changes based
focus. In this course, we explore the concept of
on the current culture regarding law enforcement, it must
observation of human behavior from an evidence based
be done without officers feeling like we are stripping
perspective, which provides officers with the knowledge to
something away from them, but are in fact empowering
recognize pre-incident contextual cues which indicate that
them even more to do their jobs effectively, keeping them
a citizen may not comply with a lawful command or worse,
safer and protecting their careers at the same time. We
may attack the officer. Although most officers believe they
can't let the pendulum swing too far one way or the other.
understand "pre-assault" indicators, the fact that there are
over 50,000 reported assaults on police officers each year
shows that perhaps we are not as good as we think we are
"Dynamics of Police / Citizen Encounters" is based upon
at recognizing and mitigating these circumstances. In this
the concept of transforming good officers into great ones
course, we focus on helping officers to identify norms and
by providing evidence based curriculum and incorporating
deviations from those norms that can predict future
the power of unconditional respect. Officers are provided
behaviors.
with a new cache of principles designed to enhance their
safety while simultaneously improving the quality of
contacts with citizens, as well as a return to basic core
In addition, the current climate of our society in terms of
principles of solid police work which often get lost in the
police interactions with citizens has created a new set of
Police Citizen Encounters, con’t.
issues which many officers are not prepared to deal with,
being - a law enforcement officer who has to go deal with
such as dealing with enforcement of free speech issues
the domestic, the armed robbery, the bar fight; it's an
and getting baited into confrontations through refusal to
officer who has to go hands on, arrest, handcuff, search,
obey an officer's lawful order and ensuring it is videotaped.
transport and sometimes fight with the suspect. And until
This has caused confusion and hesitation on the part of
a technology is invented that can do all those things, we've
many officers who are just trying to do their jobs but are
got to get better at the basics. Because isn't that what
also worried about being the next YouTube sensation.
advanced training really is - mastering the basics?
As a result of all this, many agencies are focused on
In order to do this, officers need to have a clear
concepts of community policing, establishing community
understanding of the legal aspects which govern how they
trust, de-escalation and eliminating the "warrior" mindset.
interact with citizens, as well as an understanding of how
However, the fact is there are still violent criminals who
to accomplish their mission on each and every call while
have no intention of cooperating with lawful authority and
operating with excellence and treating everyone with
have no problem violently attacking the police. Officers
unconditional respect. This must be combined with the
must be able to walk that line between being "Guardians
constant realization that they can never let their guard
of the Community" and still be able to instantly recognize
down and they must become experts at articulating facts
when their lives are in danger and employ techniques to
and circumstances of every encounter which led them to
protect themselves and the public when appropriate,
take the actions they did.
without hesitation. Officers and trainers must understand
that the nobility of our profession certainly demands that
we are "Guardians of the Public", but sometimes we are
Instead of trying to "fix" officers, Dynamics of Police /
forced to be a warrior while we perform the task of
Citizen Encounters is designed to help officers and
guardian.
trainers operate at higher levels of performance while
increasing their safety and effectiveness and protecting
their careers. ILEETA
As agencies focus on policy changes, alternate trainings
and increased technology in an attempt to deal with all the
issues law enforcement is facing, we can't do that at the
expense of forgetting the basics - time honored principles
of great and effective policing. Because no matter how
fancy the technology gets, at some point it is a human
About the Author
Phil Carlson is the co-owner and lead instructor for Command Presence
Training Associates. He has over 30 years experience in law
enforcement at the state & local level and at the federal level with the
Department of Homeland Security, as a Lead Senior Instructor at the
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).
Reality CQC Pistol Tactics
By Christopher Periatt
Reality - The world or the state of things as they actually
I developed the
exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them.
Reality Pistol Course
for
this very reason. We
start with empty
Close Quarter Combatives - Combat occurring in close
hand tactics against
quarters, such as indoors, streets and ally-ways where
threats from edge
surroundings severely limit maneuverability and visibility to
and impact weapons.
the point where standard methods, equipment and tactics
Draws from the
are no longer suitable.
pocket and waistline,
where most suspects carry their weapons. Accessing and
So if we can agree that these definitions are true, why do I
continually see theory constantly being interjected into our
combatives training? I still see instructors out there
teaching students to head shield a strike and draw their
pistol to shoot the suspect. The problem is drawing a
pistol against a person punching you and shooting them is
a one way trip to prison. Okay, so let’s add the knife in the
drawing of the pistol comes later after you have dealt
properly with the immediate threat at hand. Everyone likes
to kill primers, but the sad fact is reality is a bloody, cold,
nasty, and painful event that we have to deal with first.
We can never interject theory into any of our combatives
training, unfortunately I see daily with many of the so
called “experts” training in the field today.
suspect’s hand. So you are head shielding against an
edged weapon in order to do what? Allow enough time to
Training to always go for the “gun” in close quarter combat
access your pistol? Here again spells trouble, you will be
can prove deadly when confronted by a determined
getting stabbed multiple times before you can access and
suspect who is trying to seriously injury or kill you. Attacks
withdrawal your handgun.
in the close quarter range, less than 10 feet, as highly
probably given the nature of law enforcement work.
Training officers to step back, or speed rock and go for
their gun, when they are already behind the reaction curve
is ludicrous. Officers need to be taught to aggressively
drive forward with their weight and attack the suspect.
Wrapping up the weapon bearing limb and continually
attacking the ultra-sensitive areas of the bodily continually
until the suspect has complied, or the officer has created
enough space to access a tool from their bat belt.
Police Citizen Encounters, con’t.
Remembering the 3 rules of combatives is the key to a
covering the suspect.
successful outcome in a close quarter fight:
1) Distract the cognitive thought process
2) Inflict continual pain
The issue comes down to very simple principles of fighting
that many in the “gun” world simply do not understand. In
3) Disrupt balance
a close quarter engagement time is not on your side. The
average officer will take up to ½ a second to draw, ¼
All tactics taught and used by officers must also follow the
4 E’s. They must be:
second to recognize the threat, and a ¼ second to react to
it. So if we are already behind the reactionary curve, why
are we still trying to cover up and draw against a deadly
1) Easy to learn
force threat? Remember attack, attack, attack. Apply the
2) Easy to retain
3 principles and continue to inflict pain, by whatever
3) Easy to recall, under stress
means you can. Size, shape, ability, and experience will
4) Effective
come into play as much as mindset. Officers must have
the mindset that they will win this fight, period. No quitting,
Officers in a fight must successfully distract the suspects
cognitive thought process, or their OODA loop. We do this
by continually inflicting continuous pain. We inflict pain on
the suspect until some point in time when we can
no whining, in this arena. Yes you may get injured, maybe
severely, but you will prevail and accepting this fact will go
a long way in creating the necessary mindset to do just
that.
successfully disrupt their balance by any way possible:
Stay safe, train hard, and train to win. ILEETA
1) Throw
2) Takedown
About the Author
3) Lethally
Chris is a 22 year veteran law enforcement officer that is currently
working K9 and has worked SWAT, fugitive recovery, tactical patrol,
traffic and training. Chris also, for the last12 years, has worked as an
academy and advanced law enforcement instructor at the Macomb
Police Academy. He is the owner of Critical Training Group LLC and is
also a USMC veteran, 1987-1994. Chris also serves as the President of
the Michigan Tactical Officers Association, where he has served for
over a decade. Chris can be contacted @ copsniepr69@msn.com.
If possible and space can be created the officer can
possibly move to cover and begin the tactical breathing
process and think about what they need to do next while
The Illusion of Seeing
by Derrick Bartlett
Y
ou and your
illuminates the cordless phone. The world around you
partner have
stops.
been
dispatched to another
domestic. A husband
Did you shoot this man because he pointed a phone at
you?
and wife have been
Why did you shoot him? I’m sure your initial answer would
going at it all evening,
be, “because I thought he had a gun.” But you didn’t shoot
and one of the
him because you thought he might have a gun. You shot
neighbors finally called it in. While in route, Dispatch
him because you thought you saw a gun, and you reacted
updates the call, advising the wife has now called,
to that information accordingly. But the reality is you were
claiming her husband has threatened to kill her. He can
betrayed by your training, experience and hardwiring. And
be heard in the background yelling obscenities. You
you are not the first officer to fall prey to this visual
anticipate the worst now, and pick up the pace.
dynamic. Nor, unfortunately, will you be the last.
You arrive on the scene, and as you start toward the front
The culprit in this and situations like it is called Perceptual
door, a female comes out. You can’t quite make out what
Blindness, and it affects everyone to varying degrees. In
she’s yelling, but she is very animated and is pointing back
your line of work, the affects literally can mean the
at the door. The sound of the screen door draws your
difference between life and death.
attention in the direction of an agitated male descending
the stairs and heading your way. He, too, is yelling and
waving his arms. But in his right hand, you see a dark
object. Almost simultaneously, you have his full attention,
and he has yours. You watch as his hand swings up, and
points at your face. You instinctively move left to the cover
of a tree and draw your sidearm. You yell to him, “Drop
your weapon, now!” He pauses briefly, but doesn’t drop
the object. You press the trigger, once, twice, three times,
and you see the male stagger and then fall sideways.
Suddenly, the world goes quiet. For the first time, you can
clearly hear what the woman is saying. “He’s calling the
police on me. He say’s I pulled a knife on him. I don’t
have no knife.” You’re aware your backup has arrived
when he brushes past you and closes in on the man on
the ground. You leave cover and follow him. The man is
still clutching the object, and your partner’s flashlight
Police officers, like many in the general public, share
several misconceptions about seeing. They believe they
see everything going on around them. If something out of
the ordinary occurs, they are sure they will notice. They
trust that everything they see is an accurate
representation. And they believe everything they see is
recorded somewhere in their brain, and can be recalled at
will. All are wrong.
There is a difference between vision and seeing. Vision is
a passive sense. Light is reflected off objects around us
and picked up by the rods and cones inside the eyes.
There, the light is transformed into electrical impulses
which are transmitted along the optic nerve to the visual
cortex of the brain. This is an ongoing, unconscious
process.
Illusion of Seeing, con’t.
In the brain, those impulses are processed by the brain,
especially during expedited runs like pursuits, you depend
and through a comparison and recall process, refined into
on your sight. Every day, hundreds of traffic crashes occur
the images that construct the world around us. This is
in which the parties say, “I didn’t see the light,” or “I didn’t
seeing. And because seeing takes place in the brain, this
see the other car.” Ever wonder how someone could miss
is where the phenomenon of Perceptual Blindness begins.
a 2-ton car coming right at them?
Perceptual Blindness has been studied extensively in the
In lethal confrontations, your ability to see, and accurately
scientific community for decades. Only now is it finding
process visual input in high-speed will define that thin line
practical application in fields like police work. For a
between life and death, between a justified shooting and a
profession in which observation skill plays such a critical
tragic event.
role, understanding this is extremely important.
Perceptual Blindness affects everyone to varying degrees
and because of conditioning and neurological hardwiring;
Tactics for building searches and room clearing need to be
you are contributing to the problem. It is a breakdown in
reevaluated. Are we teaching officers to execute gross
the complex visual recognition cycle, which includes both
eye movements when they do things like quick peeks and
sensory and cognitive processing.
rapid visual sweeps of a room? If so, we are programming
them for failure. By teaching them to focus on certain
things, we are inadvertently reinforcing the tendency to
This is what caused the officer in our opening scenario to
overlook other equally important things.
shoot a man armed with a telephone. Between the radio
traffic, his experience, and the actions of the wife and
husband when he arrived, the officer intellectually came to
Courts, investigators, the general public and the media
the expectation that the husband would be armed. He
need to be taught the dynamics of vision, and how stress
saw an object in the husband’s hand, but allowed his mind
can affect perception, reactions and recall. Officers have
to fill in the missing details and made the assumption the
often been doubted when giving accounts of shootings.
object was a gun. The officer’s reaction from that point on
Clarity and accuracy of perception are impaired in most
would be understandable. Officers over the years have
people under the best of circumstances. Being in a deadly
shot suspects holding phones, lighters and wallets, firmly
force encounter can seriously compromise the visual
believing they saw a gun.
abilities of even trained officers.
In deadly force situations, officers are required to
So what does this mean to you on the job? Basically,
Perceptual Blindness affects every aspect of your
professional and personal life. You gain about 80% of
your sensory input through your eyes. Therefore, you rely
very heavily on fast and accurate visual information. So,
accurately process visual information at high speed.
Failure to do so can lead to a bad decision, or a delay
which may cost an officer his life. Unfortunately, there are
very few mechanisms in place which train officers to see in
high speed.
driving your car safely, during routine operations and
Illusion of Seeing, con’t.
Police officers have often referred to themselves as
“trained observers,” but in reality, what kind of training
have most of them had? Traditional training in law
enforcement has focused on the fundamental skills, like
driving, report writing and use of force, but it has neglected
to address perhaps the most important foundation skills.
Vision and observation are tied to every aspect of police
work. While we take it for granted that we are naturally
good observers, this is not true. To make police officers
safer and more effective in all areas of their professional
expertise, they must receive specialized training in how to
see.
There are a few trainers who are developing innovative
programs to address this issue. Unfortunately, most
officers and agencies are unaware of how widespread the
problem is, and even fewer are aware of the training
programs. Considering the potential impact Perceptual
Blindness has on law enforcement officers every day, this
has to change quickly. Careers, reputations and lives are
all hanging in the balance. ILEETA
About the Author
Derrick Bartlett spent over 28 years in law enforcement, with
assignments to patrol, narcotics, street crimes, community policing and
special operations. He served with SWAT for 24 years, primarily as a
sniper. He is the director of Snipercraft, a leading training organization
for police and military snipers. He is the President of the American
Sniper Association, and the author of several books on tactical issues.
He is the developer of the Tactical Vision Program, an observation
course for police officers.
ASP Flashlight Training
By Dr. Matthew Stiehm
I
ntroduction
I recently attended the updated course ASP which was
Critical Review
held at the Scott County Regional Training Center in
If there is an honest
Jordan, Mn. The program was robust, physically draining,
review, the flashlight
and extremely thorough. It was an updated version of the
burns through
handcuffing and baton program from ASP. The ASP
batteries. Thus I
programs used to be two standalone programs, which
would suggest
were combined into this one program. I expect nothing
getting the USB –
less from Dr. Parson, his company and training division. I
rechargeable
was pleasantly surprised with the new flashlight
flashlight. I have also notice that there is not much of an
component. The flashlight linked to this training is the
alarm, or indication that the flashlight is about to be out of
Triad.
power. However these problems pale in comparison to
the overriding benefits of the flashlight. The flashlight is a
Triad Flashlight
great addition to their catalog. As a matter of course I
The Triad flashlight is a very small, and compact powerful
utilize the flashlight on a daily basis for my full time job. I
flashlight. Which has a push button switch to the rear of
am glad that I attend the training, and would suggest that
light. The most interesting part of this flashlight is the
you attend the program if you can.
holster that is paired with the flashlight. The holster is
constructed of molded plastic, and has the ability to rotate
Conclusion
360 degrees. Which allows it to be a third hand, or hands
Do not miss out on the ILEETA ASP Flashlight Program
free flashlight. ASP even has discussed the optimum
on Thursday in Grand D, for eight full hours. This
place for the flashlight holster to be placed on a police
program is highly worth it. But with the amount of great
utility belt. The location is on the non- weapon hand side.
ILEETA classes, how do you pick, hopefully this review will
allow for an insight into this program. ILEETA
Practical Lessons
About the Author
The practical lessons of the new ASP flashlight training
provide for a concrete working blocks of things that law
enforcement professionals were not doing. There has
been an attempt by trainers to find a more optimum to
utilization of the flashlight. The specific program
discussed using the flashlight as a distraction device, the
bright very powerful light allows for officers to hide behind
Dr. Matt Stiehm was born and raised in Minnesota. He received an
Educational Doctorate from Argosy University, where the focus of his
research was campus safety and security. He has a Masters Degree of
Criminal Justice from Central Missouri State University, with his final
paper which focused on the investigation of child abuse and finally a
Bachelors of Science from Wayne State College, Nebraska. He has
served as a police officer in three states (CA, MN and NE). He currently
is a member of ILEETA, and an Associate Member of the IACP.
a wall of light. Thus providing a tactical advantage to the
officer.
ASP Introduces New Integrated
Training Program
With
critical input from certified trainers at
There are no complex holds or fine motor skills – just
major law enforcement agencies around
simple, strong, basic techniques and tactics. The
the world, Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP), one
Integrated Training Program is competency based
of the leading manufacturers of law enforcement products,
instruction; every trainee must prove he or she can
has developed a first of its kind training course that
perform under pressure in order to earn the coveted ASP
integrates batons, restraints and flashlights.
Instructor Certification.
ASP’s new Integrated Training Program is a three day
ASP Instructor Certification course that builds on the
company’s well known, world renowned baton and
handcuff training by adding lights to the curriculum.
The new program now provides a unified, holistic system
of instruction for police officers on how to transition
between these three critical pieces of equipment.
“ASP training is for the real police,” said Parsons. “It
works on the street; it's court defensible. It's our primary
goal - Protecting Those Who Protect.”
For more information on ASP’s new Integrated Training
Program and a 2016 schedule of dates and locations,
please visit asp-usa.com and click the training tab.
ILEETA
ASP provides this course free to law enforcement
About ASP / “Protecting Those Who Protect”
professionals. Each year ASP donates almost $2 million
ASP is one of the industry's foremost suppliers of Batons, Restraints,
LED Lighting, OC and Training products. The company has stood for
innovative designs, flawless function and an unmatched standard of
service since Kevin Parsons, PhD, founded the company in 1976. ASP
holds more than 150 product patents and provides almost $2 million in
free training each year to law enforcement professionals. ASP is ISO
9001:2008 and 14001:2004 Certified, ANSI FL1 compliant and a
founding member of the Portable Lights American Trade Organization
(PLATO). All products are designed in the United States.
in free training to the profession. It’s ASP’s longstanding
corporate commitment to the men and women of law
enforcement.
“A number of programs teach the use of flashlights with
firearms,” ASP Founder and President Kevin Parsons,
PhD, said. “ASP presents something very different. The
techniques are for the other 98% of the time police officers
use flashlights.”
Based on the confrontational continuum, ASP’s highly
intense Integrated Training Program includes multi-use
drills, general tactics and expert support in case of
litigation.
Off-Duty & Concealed Carry Tactics
by Todd Fletcher
F
or most police
design, function, and durability for law enforcement use.
officers, firearm
Some of these may be better than others depending on
training consists
the context and the environment where they are used. Off-
of going to the range
Duty & Concealed Carry Tactics will examine many
wearing traditional duty
different holster designs and present them for evaluation.
gear, qualifying with
Inside the waistband (IWB), outside the waistband (OWB),
their traditional duty
ankle holsters, pocket holsters, appendix carry, cross
weapon, and maybe
draw, bags, purses, and many other holster types will be
running some other types of drills. Regardless of work
discussed. We will also discuss the relative advantages
assignment, it’s nearly universal that everyone shows up
and limitations of each design. Options for men and
at the range using their full-size duty gun and traditional
women will also be presented.
duty belt and holster. This is fine for most officers
assigned to uniformed patrol duties, but officers in
plainclothes assignments, such as administrative or
investigative positions, are missing significant training
opportunities. In addition, many departments authorize
and encourage officers to carry off-duty. However, few
departments provide training on the use of smaller, more
compact handguns and the equipment commonly used by
off-duty and plain clothes officers.
Designed specifically for the needs of law enforcement
firearm trainers, Off-Duty & Concealed Carry Tactics
covers equipment selection, the fundamentals of
marksmanship, one hand shooting, and live-fire scenario-
In addition to holsters, we will present different handgun
based exercises. Each block of instruction is specifically
choices. It’s incumbent on all law enforcement firearm
designed to simulate the operational environment officers
instructors to be well versed in the wide assortment of
could expect to encounter while off-duty or working in plain
handguns suitable for off-duty and concealed carry. The
clothes assignments. After a review of the fundamentals,
limitations and advantages of revolvers, semiautomatic
shooters will engage in solo and team drills solving
pistols, full-size, compact, and subcompact models will be
commonly encountered problems by delivering shots with
discussed.
combative speed and accuracy from concealment. This
class will challenge shooters of all skill levels.
Off-Duty & Concealed Carry Tactics will also address the
Equipment
plethora of concealed carry garments available. The
There are numerous holsters available for off-duty and
fashion choices available include a wide variety of vests
concealed carry use. Many of these are suitable in
and shirts specifically designed to allow quick and covert
access to handguns, pants with built-in holsters, and
Concealed Carry, con’t.
undergarments designed for concealed carry. Clothing,
holsters, and handguns from a variety of manufacturers
will be examined including many options that will be
available during the ILEETA Expo.
Marksmanship & Tactics
The vast majority of class time will be spent on the live-fire
range using clothing, holsters, and handguns designed for
concealed carry. On the range, this live-fire instructor
About the Author
Todd Fletcher has 21 years of law enforcement experience and
presents firearms training at the basic, advanced, and instructor
development levels. He has presented instructor development training
at multiple regional, national, and international conferences including
the ILEETA Conference. As the owner and lead instructor of Combative
Firearms Training, LLC., Todd provides firearms training, instructor
development classes, and force response training and consultation to
law enforcement instructors and agencies. He has testified as an
expert witness in cases involving police training, use of force, and force
response policies. He can be contacted at
todd@combativefirearms.com.
class will review the fundamentals of marksmanship and
provide coaching techniques to teach the application of
marksmanship using off-duty and concealed carry
handguns and holsters. We will start with methods to
instruct the Principles of the Concealed Draw, how to
obtain a stable shooting platform, the importance of trigger
control, and General Principles of Coaching.
Drills and scenarios officers could reasonably encounter
while carrying concealed will be utilized to increase
familiarity and improve the combative application of
marksmanship. Drawing, applying marksmanship under
reduced time constraints, reloading, target transitions,
communicating, and positional shooting will all be
addressed during this class. We will also discuss specific
tactics that off-duty and plain clothes officers need to know
in order to successfully defend themselves and others.
This will include several live-fire drills designed to prevent
the tragedy of “blue-on-blue” shootings.
At the conclusion of this course, instructors will have more
knowledge and skills to share with officers assigned to
plainclothes positions. They will have the ability to apply
this information to training all their shooters for safe and
effective off-duty concealed carry. ILEETA
Ground Fighting: Solving the
Problem
By Sensei Tom Gillis
Ever
since I was a kid on the elementary
superior body
playground I learned that most fights
mechanics and
end on the ground. I also learned very early on that no
range of motion
matter how much you try you can't out muscle a bigger
because the ground
stronger opponent who is sitting on top of you smashing
doesn't restrict their
you in the face. When Royce Gracie dominated the first
movement. Lastly
several UFC events he demonstrated that superior
the person on top
technique can overcome size and strength in a ground
can access their
fight.
weapons and/or the
weapons of the person on the bottom.
Ground Fight as a Military Exercise
A stand up fight can go the way of an attrition match.
Whoever's bigger and stronger and can generate more
force per strike has the best chance of winning that fight.
For all these reasons I would encourage you to think of a
ground fight as more of a battle of strategy and positions
rather than one of attrition.
This is mainly due to the fact that there aren't many
positions in a stand up fight. Really there are the Inside
Position (where nearly every fight will occur), the Outside
Position, and Behind. In a ground fight however there are
literally dozens of positions. Understanding these
positions as they relate to each other is what allows one
opponent to triumph over the other.
Understanding how to move
So now that we understand that being able to move from a
losing position to a dominant position is the focus for
ground fight training next we have to explore HOW to do
that. While there are specific techniques designed to
address this I have boiled these techniques down to 3
body mechanics that beginners must learn and
In this manner a ground fight between two skilled
understand. It's your ability to move your body that saves
opponents is much like two seasoned Generals positioning
you in a fight, not a memorization of a collection of
their troops to ensure they are in a position of maximum
techniques.
tactical advantage. This is how I view ground fighting and
how I teach ground fighting.
Body Mechanic #1. Bridging
Some instructors are of the opinion that ferocity and
pugilism is what's important to win in one of these
altercations. The problem with this view is multi faceted.
First off the person on the bottom position has to fight
against gravity and friction every time they move. They
also have to move their body weight and that of their
opponent. Thirdly the person on the top position has
Anyone who's trained in any time of grappling will be
familiar with "the bridge" as a technique in-and-of itself. A
typical bridge is when you're laying on your back and
using the balls of your feet you push your hips up into the
air until the only thing touching the ground is your shoulder
blades or sometimes the back of your head.
If we dissect the technique and its name what we see is
Ground Fighting, Con’t...
that the bridge is really strategy for arching your body from
All movement should be done from our base-up.
two points of contact, 1 in the lower part of your body and
Scissoring helps reinforce this principle while on the
the other in the upper part of your body. A pyramid
ground.
(familiar to yogis and downward facing dog) is another
example of the bridging mechanic, this time done from
facing down however.
The movement starts by crossing the feet and allowing this
cross to move up the skeleton until it reaches the hips and
rotates them. The other thing that scissoring
Bridging, as a body mechanic, teaches how to LIFT the
accomplishes is it allows for rotational body movement
hips to move from the core.
without while remaining in one place. This can be very
important for addressing an attacker.
Body Mechanic #2. Shrimping
Shrimping is actually a set of techniques that including the
Conclusion
standard Shrimp, the Reverse Shrimp, and the Side
A ground fight is a very dangerous altercation for any LEO
Shrimp. Shrimping as a body mechanic refers to a
and is a situation that officers MUST be trained for. By
particular manner to move the hips. Usually starting out
understanding how positions in a ground fight relate to
with a slight bridge (especially for LEO's to clear the duty
each other and how to transition between the positions
belt from the ground) and then pushing the hips out to one
officers can effectively fight back if they find themselves in
side as they rotate slightly while the hands extend towards
such an altercation. In the beginning of training 3 core
the toes until the body finishes in a "V" shape. Or the
body mechanics should be trained and practiced. They
shape of a shrimp.
are Bridging, Shrimping, and Scissoring.
Stay safe, be well. ILEETA
These techniques are usually used in certain situations but
if you observe highly skilled grapplers they are always
About the Author
moving their hips in this manner, whether on the ground
Tom Gillis has been involved in martial arts and law enforcement for
the last 17 years. He now owns and operates FTS Inc. and left the
Alberta Sheriff’s Department as a Sergeant in 2010. He uses his
passion for martial arts as a vehicle to educate and train law
enforcement and civilians alike to enhance their lives and continue his
mission to "Train Winners for Life."
OR standing up.
Body Mechanic #3. Scissoring
Both Sides of the Door: Are you Prepared
for the Hardest Conversation?
by Kim Schlau and Susan Moody
Now, imagine that same crash scene, but this time you are
the cloth-draped victim. Who is going to knock on your
door and give your family the news? How will your loved
ones be notified? Do you have a plan in place to help your
family plan your burial, handle insurance and finances,
and complete the volumes of paperwork that will result
from your death?
I
magine you receive a
This class will cover both sides of the door – both delivery
call advising of a major automobile crash, and you
of a death notification and preparing your family to receive
respond to the scene. As you weave your way
a death notification. We will discuss how to deliver
through numerous ambulances, fire trucks and additional
notifications with compassion, professionalism, and
patrol units, you realize this crash involves fatalities. When
support. We will also explore ways to prepare your family
you get out of your car you see the cloth-draped victims on
to receive notification of your death, and assist you in
the pavement.
setting out your final wishes.
No one wants to think about his or her death, or be
reminded of his or her own mortality. Unfortunately, over
100 officers are killed in the line of duty every year, and
thousands more civilians are killed in traffic crashes,
shootings, suicides, and other critical incidents. Being
prepared to give notification in the best manner possible
can help alleviate additional pain to the victim’s family, and
being prepared for your own death can prevent additional
stress and confusion for your surviving family. ILEETA
About the Authors
You know as part of your job you will have to notify the
victim’s families of their deaths. You will have to knock on
their door and wait for them to answer, knowing you are
about to give them the worst news they will ever receive.
Are you ready to deliver that news? Do you know what
you are going to say? Do you have a plan to handle the
reaction of family, whether it is shock, acceptance, anger,
Kim Schlau answered that knock on the door almost ten years ago
when a speeding Illinois State Trooper killed her oldest two daughters,
Jessica and Kelli. In her daughter’s memories, Kim has worked with law
enforcement, schools, and businesses all over the country to prevent
additional crashes due to speed and distracted driving. You can
contact Kim through her website at kimberlyschlau.com, or by email at
Kimberly.schlau@gmail.com.
Susan Moody received the news that her husband, Officer Brad Moody,
was involved in a serious car crash that led to his death. Susan works
with law enforcement to promote officer safety, and also supports
families of fallen law enforcement officers through C.O.P.S. You can
contact Susan through her email at k27forever@gmail.com.
or denial?
Rifle, Weapon of Democracy
By John Farnam
“Opportunity knocks, but seldom nags!”
in the correctness of his rifle’s sight settings represents a
virulent sickness that will fatally sabotage any shooters’s
Anon
self-confidence, even preventing him from taking
advantage of critical opportunities.
Patrol Rifles:
Our beleaguered, and under the current administration,
largely irrelevant, US Border Patrol reports that they don’t
have enough patrol rifles to issue one to each officer.
In addition, I encourage students to reconfirm their rifle’s
zero at every opportunity. When The Test comes, there
will be no room for nagging doubts!
In some stations, a single rifle is “shared” by three
separate officers.
Thus, “sharing” rifles among different officers represents a
lethal mistake!
I’ve editorialized about this before. “Shared” rifles are a
predictable recipe for disaster!
A rifle with an unknown zero, or no zero, provides its
owner with little more capability than a pistol.
Rifles are a highly personal item of emergency, safety
equipment. To be truly useful, a patrol rifle, indeed any
At this point, I should say something unkind about an
rifle intended for serious purposes, needs to be carefully
administration that cares so little about its officers that it
“zeroed” by, and for, the individual using it.
allows such a situation to continue. Heaven knows, I say
that often enough!
“Zeroing” a serious rifle so that the path of the bullet
(trajectory) and the line of sight precisely intersect at
But, here is the real point:
certain distances (according to whatever formula you
adhere to- there are several that are acceptable) is an
exacting and tedious process, usually consuming hours of
As an individual, LEO or otherwise, don’t wait around for
range time. Owing to variables like body size, parallax,
your agency, your employer, or the Tooth Fairy for that
optics, and vision issues, a rifle that is “zeroed” to the
matter, to “get around” to providing you with critical, life-
satisfaction of its owner may not be acceptable to another
saving, emergency, safety equipment. Equipment like
shooter.
personal body armor, flashlights, rifles, adequate
ammunition for serious training, etc.
During Rifle Courses, I tell students, until and unless their
rifle’s sight settings are exactly to their satisfaction, there is
Take the initiative, without delay. Get and carry your own
no point in going further! Lack of absolute, personal belief
gear. Expose yourself to professional training outside your
Rifle, Con’t...
agency. Take your own health seriously, even when no
personal military rifle, close at hand, precisely zeroed, and
one else does!
ready to go!
As we confront hideous news of the Paris attacks by ISIS
The enemy is at the gate!
criminals, all of us had better come to grips with real
threats faced by our generation!
“The Art of War teaches us to rely, not on the
calculated likelihood of the enemy’s coming or not,
but on our own readiness to receive him, no matter
Suggesting, with a straight face, that confronting armed
terrorists with broomsticks and fire extinguishers has some
what he does.”
Sun Tzu ILEETA
chance of success, is a telltale indication that we’re still not
About the Author
serious.
Confronting them with unzeroed rifles represents scant
improvement!
John Farnam, police officer and decorated veteran of the Vietnam War,
is one of the top defensive firearms instructors in the nation and
internationally. John is a Senior Board Member of the Armed Citizens
Legal Defense Network. In June of 1996, he was selected by his peers to
receive the renowned "Tactical Advocate of the Year" award from the
National Tactical Association. In April of 2009, he was inducted into
Black Belt Magazine‟s “Living Legends.”
If Western Civilization has any intention of continuing to
exist through the next couple of decades, its subscribers
had better get serious!
Every American, especially every LEO, needs his own,
Winning the Deadly Tug-of-War
for Your Gun!
By Richard Nance
C
ops know that
Assuming your gun is capable of firing the chambered
every fight is a
round when the suspect grabs it, who’s to say where it will
gunfight
be aimed when you pull the trigger? If the suspect isn’t on
because even
the other end of your muzzle when your pistol fires, you
when dealing with an
are not only failing to debilitate the suspect, you are
unarmed suspect, the
potentially endangering the lives of innocent bystanders.
officer’s gun could be
Suffice it to say, the “I’ll just shoot ‘em off” approach is far
the catalyst of a deadly
from foolproof.
tug-of-war. Law
Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) stats
remind us that even with the prevalence of high level
Although we are taught from the earliest stages of the
retention holsters, we are still being disarmed and killed
police academy to keep our gun side away from a
with our own guns. Yet, with many officers, there remains
potential suspect, in the real world, that's not always
a naivety about gun retention. Complacent cops utter
possible. Despite our best efforts to safeguard our
tough guy quotes like, “I’ll just shoot ‘em off my gun” when
holstered handgun, we must acknowledge that a suspect
discussing how they would respond to a suspect
might get his hands on it. Therefore, officers need to have
attempting to disarm them. Unfortunately, it’s not that
a simple, go-to tactic to keep from being disarmed. This
simple.
tactic needs to work against the pressure of a full-force,
unscripted disarm attempt. Since gun retention is a matter
of life and death, the officer’s response must be immediate
For starters, you can’t shoot a suspect off of your gun
and aggressive.
when it’s holstered so you will clearly need a a response
for a holstered gun grab. Secondly, if your gun was
grabbed while you were holding it, shooting the assailant
Unfortunately, many handgun retention techniques are
may not be the best option. In fact, it may not be an option
built upon the premise of an unrealistic attack. Lots of
at all.
things work when your training partner grabs your
holstered gun in a lackadaisical manner, while standing
flat-footed and his arm fully extended. But against a fully
When the slide of a semi-automatic pistol is held, it will not
animated attack, when your training partner is pulling you
reciprocate and therefore, the cycle of operation will be
off-balance or driving you back against a wall, while
disrupted. The pistol may fire once, but no more. (If there
tugging desperately at your gun, it becomes apparent that
is rearward pressure exerted on the slide, there’s a chance
many of the commonly taught handgun retention
a semi-automatic pistol won’t fire even a single round).
techniques don't hold up.
Since shooting a suspect once, even in close quarters, is
unlikely to cause immediate incapacitation; you can still
expect to fight for your gun.
Rather than teaching officers several technique
sequences, each designed to thwart a specific type of gun
Tug-of-War for Your Gun, con’t.
grab, why not promote a simple, gross motor-based
preferred to grab the suspect’s wrist with the web of your
response that will work against any attempt at disarming
hand facing away from you rather than forward, as you
your holstered handgun? Even under duress, officers can
would if the suspect attacked from the front. After
remember this simple formula, “Secure and Strike.” This
establishing this grip and applying downward pressure on
tactic works whether the suspect is pulling you toward him
your gun, step forward with your non gun side leg and
or driving you backward. It is as applicable from the
start to pivot rearward. Step back with your gun side leg to
ground as it is standing.
pull the suspect’s face into your palm strike. At this point,
you have the same grip on your gun and the same options
as if the suspect attached from the front.
The first component is a constant. As soon as your gun is
grabbed, you secure it in your holster. This is best
accomplished by grabbing the suspect wrist and applying
Over the course of my law enforcement career, I’ve
downward pressure, forcing the gun into the holster. After
learned several in-hand handgun retention techniques.
pinning the wrist, step back with your gun side leg to lower
Some were effective only when the suspect gripped a
your center gravity and achieve a more stable stance. This
certain way, with his thumbs below the gun, for instance.
wider stance will help you maintain balance and provide
When the suspect grabbed with his thumbs on top of the
an excellent launching pad for delivering powerful strikes,
gun, the officer had to resort to an entirely different
which brings us to the last part of the equation.
technique. Obviously, this can delay an officer’s response
.
After securing your gun in its holster, it's time to turn
One technique I’ve found to be very effective is sometimes
predator into prey! You need to strike the suspect so hard
referred to as the Push, Pull, and Twist. This concept is
and often that he would not want to hang onto your gun,
effective because it’s very difficult for the suspect to resist
even if he could. Although striking is always the answer,
both the pushing and pulling action, which occur almost
the particular strike or combination of strikes that you
simultaneously.
employ will vary based on which targets are available to
you. In other words, when an assailant's arms are
extended and his face is exposed, a palm strike to the
When the suspect grabs your gun, take a lunging step
face makes sense. But when the suspect’s arms are bent
forward with your gun side leg then with your other leg,
and his head is against your chest, you may not be able to
allowing the gun to collapse against your chest. After the
effectively strike it with your palm. In such case, you might
second step, punch out your arms to drive the gun into the
punch the suspect the ribs, knee his groin, elbow his
suspect. If the muzzle strikes the suspect, consider it a
head, or dig a thumb or finger into his eye.
bonus. As soon as you have “pushed” the gun toward the
suspect, pull it toward you while taking a shuffle step back.
Since the suspect’s momentum is going backward, there’s
Against a holstered disarm attempt from the rear, the
a good chance your gun will slip right out of his grasp. As
officer still must secure the gun in the holster but then, he
you pull, twist the gun inward (counterclockwise for a right
or she must turn to face the suspect. I’ve found that it’s
handed shooter). This causes the gun to rotate in the
Tug-of-War for Your Gun, con’t.
suspect’s hand(s), which helps break his grip and may
lacerate his hand with the front sight.
As a Plan B should the Push, Pull, and Twist fail or as a
stand-alone tactic when there’s not enough room to
execute the Push, Pull, and Twist, you could literally pry
your gun from the suspect’s grasp. This is a concept I
borrowed from renowned firearms instructor, John
Farnam. To execute the pry, simply wedge the exterior
portion of your non shooting side forearm between your
gun and the suspect’s hand. Then, simultaneously drive
About the Author
Richard is a patrol officer in Northern, California with over 18 years of
law enforcement experience. His collateral assignments include
firearms instructor and defensive tactics instructor. Richard is the cofounder of WARTAC CQC, a company that provides firearms and
defensive tactics instruction to law enforcement and civilians. For
years, Richard was the Defensive Tactics Contributor for Officer.com
and LawOfficer.com. Currently, Richard writes for Guns & Ammo and
Handguns magazines and co-hosts Handguns and Defensive Weapons
TV. Richard’s new book, gunFIGHT! – An integrated Approach to
Shooting and Fighting in Close Quarters was recently published by
Looseleaf Law Publications. Richard will be presenting a course titled
“Firearm Retention and Disarming” at the 2016 ILEETA Conference. He
can be contacted at rnance@wartac.com
your arm forward and pull the gun to your chest, while
rotating your hips and upper body to the right (assuming
you are a right handed shooter). When both hands are
busy, your knee is a good substitute for your forearm as
the wedge.
Keep in mind that after struggling for your pistol, there’s a
good chance it will be rendered out of battery. Before
firing, you will need to tap the magazine to ensure it is
properly seated, rack the slide to chamber a round, as
assess the situation to determine if firing is warranted.
Make no mistake, when your gun is grabbed, you are in a
life and death tug-of-war. Don’t bet your life on your
holster’s retention mechanisms or false bravado. If the
suspect gets your gun, he’ll likely try to use it to kill you.
Against a gun disarm attempt, immediate and
overwhelming aggression is the answer. If your gun is
holstered, just remember, “Secure and Strike”. If your gun
is in-hand, the Push, Pull, and Twist technique and the Pry
concept are effective countermeasures.
Building a Patrol CQB Program
By Alex Embry
F
or years the tactical skills gap between specialized
While this type of work
tactical units (SWAT) and traditional police patrol
has traditionally be
units has been getting smaller. The increase in
thought of as the
active shooter incidents, the threat of both home grown
domain of SWAT
and international terrorism, and the greater liability
statistics show that
associated with SWAT actions on warrant services has
patrol engages in far
placed a greater burden than ever on patrol officers to be
more CQB
ready and able to perform high risk duties without calling
engagements than
for SWAT. While there will always be a need for SWAT
SWAT during routine
and tactical policing units we must understand this trend
operations. It is unfathomable that we would prepare one
and do our best as trainers to prepare routine patrol
unit for this type of combat while general patrol remains
officers for situations that will call upon tactical skills sets
largely untrained in the proficient use of tactics that
traditionally only used by SWAT. Consider an active
increase the chances of winning conflicts at this range.
shooter situation. This is a patrol function that demands
immediate tactical response. With shooters in proximity to
innocent citizens this is essentially a hostage rescue
While SWAT is critical as is their enhanced training, these
mission taken on by patrol. Why would we continue to
skills are just as important to patrol personnel. When
provide one unit of officers with the training to deal with
properly designed, a patrol CQB program will contain the
this yet withhold it from another group who will bear the
fundamentals used by your SWAT team as the foundation
responsibility of responding to the initial call?
for their work. This overlap prepares future SWAT
personnel and allows for better interoperability during
ongoing high risk operations.
In the new reality of policing, preparing officers for 2-3 man
Close-Quarter Battle skills and strategies (CQB) is critical.
CQB can be roughly defined as engaging in deadly force
combat at short ranges where threat and non-threat
targets are in tight proximity if not intermingled. It is the
Patrol is routinely engaged in activity that could lead to
CQB shootings. Alarms, Burglaries, Home Invasion calls,
any armed subject incident. They must have the tools to
deal with these situations.
ultimate thinking man’s game and cannot be thought of
solely as a physical pursuit. Despite the fact that speed,
Despite the similarities in CQB for SWAT and patrol there
accuracy, violence are highly desirable commodities for
are differences. The number of officers involved,
this type of work, it must be tempered and driven by the
specialized tools available to SWAT, and specialized
ability to stay on task under duress while discerning
missions are all things that differentiate the two. While
structure layout and threat vs. non-threat individuals while
SWAT has access to gas, NFDDs, shields, etc. these tools
moving at speed. There is no room for mental errors.
DO NOT change the fundamentals of CQB. Lastly,
despite the high-risk, specialized nature of SWAT
operations, the same fundamental 2-3 person CQB is
Patrol CQB Program, con’t.
used to resolve them. Despite the differences, which are
real, the similarities are much more striking. At the end of
the day, if certain tactics are good enough to save lives in
SWAT then they are good enough to save lives in patrol.
To establish safety, which is paramount, we must start
with proper weapons manipulation on the flat range.
Beyond mere qualification this is where fundamental
firearms handling skills are built and accuracy achieved.
By providing our patrol personnel with CQB skills not only
do we make them more effective and efficient at their
duties when dealing with high risk settings, we also
prepare them for potential appointment to SWAT.
Building an effective SWAT team member is much easier
when an individual has already been exposed to the
fundamentals of tactics. This can only occur if the CQB
program is designed to overlap between specialized units
and patrol. This requires a ground-up look at how we
build our tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) from
a base 2-person core to team based tactics later in
advanced application. It also mandates we lay out a safe
pattern to go from new shooter on the line to moving and
This stage of building a CQB program for general patrol is
all about breaking out specific aspects of shooting that will
allow them to move forward to more realistic training. Flat
range training has gotten a bad rap in recent literature. If
firearms training is allowed to stagnate here then I agree it
is a bad thing. However, when used properly to develop
specific skill sets and diagnose and resolve problem
shooting or manipulation it is a valuable tool to building a
shooter capable of doing CQB work. Here is where
trainers need to build into officers efficient and effective
motor programs that will be available on command under
stress. To shortcut this step is to shortcut the cornerstone
of shooting in a tactical setting later.
shooting in close proximity in dynamic, realistic training.
Once an officer is capable of making hits and working in a
As we move our people forward, it’s important to realize
that all CQB systems, no matter what your particular
department utilizes, start at a core of 2- person system. If
a department can teach its patrol personnel to move
safely in a two person team, cover exposed flanks, and
read threats accurately life will only get easier with the
addition of more officers to a problem. Nothing
fundamentally should change with the addition of more
officers. This fact also allows the same TTPs to work all
the way up to SWAT level.
safe, efficient manner on a flat range, it is necessary to
begin adding complexity and realism. This can be
achieved by many methods and should be stair-stepped in
nature introducing the officer to new concepts and
problem resolutions progressively. This allows one skill
set to be ingrained before moving the officer on to the next
steps of their evolution. This can be done by adding the
stress of a shot timer to certain drills, adding divided
attention targets that allow selective attention to be
applied, or increasing the complexity of the shooting drills.
Each have their place in helping the officer to manage the
stress of eventual CQB shooting.
Does this sound like active shooter training? Of
course it does and it’s only the beginning of what can be
achieved by teaching patrol to embrace 2-3 person CQB.
Next, we want to move on to a more dynamic range with
the officer. This is where movement and tactics are
Patrol CQB Program, con’t.
employed by the officer in conjunction with the skills they
trainers are satisfied that the techniques are being safety
have learned on the flat range. This can mean shooting
applied as intended, we can more forward to live fire
live fire while navigating hallways and open doors,
training. Trainers should never overlook the additional
manipulating closed doors, or moving to position of
step of Simunitions and force-on-force training prior to
dominance within a scenario. This is where time spent
going live fire. Shooting live-fire CQB is something that is
teaching flat range fundamentals gets translated to the
earned by the student, never automatically granted. Until
reality of fighting with a live fire weapon. These building
a student proves they are ready for live-fire they don’t
block steps will build confidence and allow an officer to
move past any other phase of training including marking
move into full 2 person CQB shooting.
cartridges or Simuntions.
When we make this step we go from a dynamic to a CQB
By being able to apply these skills in a simulated
range. This is when, with proper prop and target
environment patrol officers gain a high degree of
placement, a trainer can replicate realistic structures for 2
confidence to deploy these skill sets under the stress of
or 3 person CQB. While commercial Shoot Houses are
real world incidents. However, a guided, stair-step
highly desirable for this application they are beyond the
approach must be applied at all stages. At this year’s
resources of many departments. With proper instruction
ILEETA conference we will be looking at building these
and safety testing it is very possible to approach this level
programs for patrol application in detail including a look at
of training on many range facilities that departments have
multiple CQB systems while discussing their pros and
access to daily.
cons and how to apply a building block approach to each.
As we move into this setting we continue with our building
block approach. First we talk the problem through, allow
the shooters to see it in classroom and discuss the
concepts to ensure shooters understand the principles
behind the “why” of what we are doing. This ensures
understanding of both the safety protocols and the actual
tactical application. When shooters are allowed to grasp
the “why” of a subject they are inevitably better to perform
the action and retain it better. Once we have seen the drill
About the Author
Sergeant Alex Embry is an 11 year veteran of the McHenry County
Illinois Sheriff’s Office where he is currently assigned to the Tactical
Training Division. He is the lead Range Master for the Firearms
Training Unit as well as the lead instructor of the Control Tactics Cadre.
He is an Assault Team Leader on the SWAT team where he has served
for nine years. During that time he has deployed as an entry team
member, sniper/observer, and Team Leader. He is an instructor and
subject matter expert in several tactical disciplines to include advanced
pistol and rifle skills, live-fire shoot house instructor, less lethal/NFDD
instructor, rapid deployment and MACTAC instructor as well as an
instructor in multiple empty-hand combatives programs.
in classroom and talked it out we run it dry. This step is
important because it allows for kinesthetic understanding
of the material. The officer’s body begins to understand
what a tactic should feel like when performed correctly.
Additionally, this allows trainers to trouble shoot safety
problems and ensure a safe live-fire transition. Once
Development
Editor:
Thom Dworak
Instructor
W.I.N. - Are you Asking
Enough Questions?
by Brian Willis
W.I.N
is a simple, but powerful acronym I

picked up from the famous college
What do I teach /
train / coach the way
football coach Lou Holtz. It stands for ‘What’s Important
that I do? What or
Now?’ and Coach Holtz used it to help the young men he
who have influenced
coached prioritize the choices they were faced with every
my teaching style?
day and make better decisions. As law enforcement
professionals we need to take a lesson from Coach Holtz

taught by me? What
and ask ourselves What’s Important Now? numerous
is it like to be a student in my class?
times every day. This question, which I refer to as Life’s
Most Powerful Question, will help you prioritize the choices
What is it like to be

How do I define success? Do I define success based
you are faced with every day and assist in your decision
on rewards, titles, accolades and high ratings on
making. The purpose of this column is to stimulate
evaluations? Or, do I define success based on the
thought, debate, and reflection on critical issues in law
growth and learning of the participants in my classes?
enforcement training and to challenge all of you to ask,
and answer, What’s Important Now?

Can guided discovery through questions really create
What’s Important Now? - Are you asking enough
questions?
a deeper level of learning?

Can questions help me be a better trainer?

Can questions help me enhance the effectiveness of
What questions should you be asking? What if you started
with these?
Are questions really the key to effective debriefings?
the programs I teach?

What is the purpose of the drills and exercises I

What’s Important Now?
conduct in training? (It is in the lesson plan and we

What’s the right thing to do?
have always done it this way is not acceptable

Why did I decide to become a trainer?
answers.) What is the intended outcome or learning
objectives of the drills and exercises? Are those
learning objectives actually being met?
W.I.N. Questions, con’t.

Why do we teach the material in the order or
sequence that we do? Is it the most convenient for
scheduling, or is it the most conducive to effective

Who am I mentoring?

Who are the five people in my life I choose to spend
the most time with? Am I hanging out with positive,
learning?


motivated and supportive friends and mentors? Or,
Is block training of skills actually the most effective for
am I hanging out with energy vampires and dream
long term retention and application?
stealers?
Am I teaching recruits to make decisions or teaching

them to take orders and do what they are told?

trainers? Great coaches? Great communicators?
Great mentors?
What did I invest in myself in the last 12 months in the
areas of personal and professional growth and

development? What books did I read, what podcasts
did I listen to, what courses, conferences or seminars
did I attend and what courses did I take that made me
What is my personal growth plan for the coming year?

Who do I need to connect with at the ILEETA
conference? If I had the chance to sit down for a meal
with them what three questions would I ask them?

How have I improved the training I deliver in the past
How do I define leadership? Do I think of myself as a
leader?

Is leadership a course or a culture at my agency?
What am I doing to influence that?
What am I willing to invest in myself this year?

How can I emulate those traits and characteristics to
become the best version of me?
better at what I do?

What are the traits and characteristics of great

Am I committed to excellence or have I embraced
mediocrity?
What about you? What questions do you have? What is
your favorite question? ILEETA
year? What changes have I made in the content or
About the Author
delivery of the material to enhance the learning
Brian Willis is an internationally recognized thought leader, speaker,
trainer, and author. He is the President of the innovative training
company Winning Mind Training and serves as the Deputy Executive
Director for ILEETA. Brian is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement
Award in recognition of his contribution and commitment to Officer
Safety in Canada and was named Law Officer Trainer of the Year for
2011.
experience for the participants in my classes?

What training gaps exist in our training programs?

What is my definition of a hero?

Who are my heroes?
The Adaptive FTO
by Sgt. Thomas Dworak (Ret)
The Virtus Group
Sunday March 13 @
1500 Heathrow A&B
Thursday March 17
@1500 Heathrow A&B
T

Understand the concept of Failing Forward - a mindset
of using errors and mistakes as a process to grow.

Learn how to address the probationary officer's critical
thinking and decision making skills - with a format of
he Adaptive FTO
questions designed to challenge the How and Why of
is an advanced
trainee's decisions.
Field Training
Officer (FTO) course designed to equip your agency’s
FTOs in navigating the many challenges of training in
today’s law enforcement environment. The law
enforcement environment is a non-linear, open-loop
system requiring adaptive and creative problem-solvers.
By training the FTO to be an adaptive thinker and trainer,
s/he will be prepared to train and grow the probationary
officer into an adaptive problem-solver.
The Adaptive FTO is cross-functional and adapts to any
current FTO model. This reduces expense to the agency.
The Adaptive FTO enhances the current FTO process by
The Field Training Officer is the most influential role
addressing critical issues necessary to developing the
model in any police organization. They set the standard
current crop of probationary officers.
for success or failure. Too often, agencies are concerned
with the “how” of training: procedures, checklists, reports,
The goal of The Adaptive FTO is to provide current FTOs
with a strategy of how to become a more adaptable,
flexible trainer. At the completion of this program
attendees will:

general orders - all with the aim of showing compliance
with training mandates. Our newest officers need to know
the Why - and many times the why is missing. Law
enforcement needs adaptive police officers who creatively
problem-solve within established parameters, not uncaring
Learn how to teach the probationary officer to identify
robots who regurgitate in black-and-white.
and control emotional trigger points and responses to
stressful situations,

Learn why positive feedback is necessary for the
development of the trainee,

The Adaptive FTO teaches FTOs (and through FTOs’
efforts, the trainee) how to become emotionally aware of
trigger points leading to over-reaction. It is a method of
Learn how to give positive feedback through the
recognizing de-escalation before it is time to de-escalate.
Adaptive Feedback Model,
It also makes for a more empathic officer who understands
that not every situation is resolved through enforcement,
Adaptive FTO, con’t.
whether a traffic citation, a summons, or an arrest.
behind the organization’s operations.
Many newly hired police officers are from the Millennial
Now more than ever, police agencies must develop
generation. Millennials have several needs to keep them
adaptive, critical decision-makers, who are aware of
engaged during training. One need is feedback; but it
emotional trigger points, and display an empathic
must be positive. The Adaptive Feedback Model
understanding for those with whom they come into
addresses that need. Positive feedback through the
contact. ILEETA
Adaptive Feedback Model keeps the trainee from shutting
down and turning off the FTO.
Millennials also make decisions very quickly. In their life
experiences, when errors were made, they only had to “hit
the reset button” and try again. The Failing Forward
philosophy, teamed with critical thinking/decision making
model, reflects this experience and assists in developing
sound decisions from the trainee.
The new probationary officer needs to know the Why. In
order to develop a sense of purpose and belonging within
About the Author
Thomas Dworak is a retired Sergeant (31 years) from a suburban
Chicago police department where he was the Field Training and
Evaluation Program Coordinator and the Lead Defensive Tactics/Use of
Force Instructor. As consultant for the Virtus Group he developed and
facilitates The Adaptive FTO. Thom’s knowledge of experiential
learning, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, creative problem
solving and decision making shaped The Adaptive FTO into
a program for the changing training environment Field Training
Officer’s and their trainee’s find themselves in daily.
Thom facilitates training throughout the mid-west in Field Training,
Instructor Development, Leadership, Supervisory Skills, Use of
Force, Defensive Tactics and is the Northern Illinois Training
Coordinator for Below 100. He holds the position of adjunct faculty at
the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy at the College of Du Page
providing instruction to recruits in defensive tactics and scenario-based
training. Thom can be contacted at Thom@virtusleadership.com and
follow him on Twitter @dworakt
their new organization, they need to internalize the Why
Nurturing Adaptive Learning
by Louis Hayes
To adapt is to respond appropriately to change. That’s a
– without much thought.
simple term with complex ideas: Respond. Appropriately.
Other responses rely on
To Change.
more cerebral critical
thinking or analysis to
CHANGE
dissect the situation or
Chronologically speaking, the first aspect of adaptability is
forecast possibilities.
to recognize change. Change comes in many forms:
problems; complaints; new challenges; opportunities;
risks; anomalies from baseline; accelerating trends. The
If we do not respond to change, we lose opportunities. We
manner in which we discover change depends on our
lose opportunities to stabilize problems and keep them
environment and situations. In policing, a radical change in
from getting worse. We lose opportunities to jump out in
an incident can happen in a sliver of a second!
front of a pending issue. We lose opportunities to accept
challenges and grow ourselves.
Observing change requires a certain awareness of our
current operational climate. What is normal? What is
Without a response, we allow change to shape us…
different? We need to keep our “finger on the pulse” and
instead of us taking control.
maintain a high level of situational awareness. Experience,
education, and storytelling can be a helpful coach to using
We must do something!
historical events in determining a baseline of normal…and
APPROPRIATELY
a change or anomaly.
We cannot simply…respond. We need a certain level of
appropriateness to our decisions and actions. So how do
Two aspects of recognizing change are timeliness and
accuracy. How quickly do we discover or anticipate the
we measure appropriateness? Is it in law? Agency policy?
Training? Personal morals? Cultural norms?
change? Or with how much advance warning? How
confident are we of what the change actually is (and it’s
In some cases, our response is dictated by standardized
potential impact)?
rules. In environments with strict “if-then” protocols, the
First and foremost, see the change!
response is pre-determined. This tends to work well in
situations with highly predictable variables. (Think:
RESPOND
administrative duties, like scheduling, how to wear a
If we ignore change, it’s the same as not seeing the
uniform, etc.)
change. Change requires a response! Some changes are
so subtle that the response is subtle. But we need to
In other cases, and at the other end of the spectrum, our
respond.
response options are limitless. Innovative teams
encourage their members to have open vision and
Some responses are instinctual, emotional, or naturalistic
exercise boundless creativity.
Adaptive Learning, con’t.
data, and reasoning.
In the middle of these two bookend environments are
those circumstances where our decisions must fit within
loose parameters or bounds. The expansiveness of
THE CHALLENGE
allowances, tolerances, and discretion with these
Being an “adaptive thinker” is about understanding the
guidelines is completely situational. This is where the
complexity of change, response, and appropriateness.
adaptive mindset fits. Blending rules with creativity;
And I question whether we are doing this in law
standards with customization; rigid protocol with
enforcement training.
imagination.
We must commit to developing ourselves, our teams and
An often-neglected aspect of evaluating response to
our organizations to become more flexible and agile. This
change is timeliness. Urgent matters do not allow much
may require we re-engineer our training, education,
time to think. Instead, the responder may be forced to rely
systems, policies, supervision, testing, evaluation, and
upon patterns, intuition, heuristics, emotion, or even…
command structures.
bias. In these types of situations, being armed with a tall
“deck” or “stack” of related experiences matters. In some
sense, we need to satisfice these spontaneous changes
with a reasonable or acceptable response rather than the
perfect answer (if one even exists!)
With proper development programs and systems, we can
transfer the decision-making function to those who are
best suited to respond. We must trust our police officers
and empower them to adapt!
NOTE: Lou Hayes will be discussing Nurturing Adaptive
One facet that tends to slow the speed of a decision is a
Learning at #ILEETA16 conference, under the
rigid vertical hierarchy or chain-of-command. If front line
Growing Courage breakout session series. ILEETA
personnel who witness change (sometimes significant
change!) must confer with supervisors, we may be
About the Author
inadvertently causing an unnecessary delay that impacts
Louis Hayes, Jr. is a provocateur for The Virtus Group, Inc. He is an 18-
the response. In policing, we’ve all seen the disastrous
year police officer in the Chicago suburbs, holding collateral duties as
endings when bureaucracy causes decision paralysis!
Crisis Intervention officer, SWAT supervisor, and trainer. Lou studies
complex adaptive systems, human behavior and performance under
stress, crisis decision-making, resiliency, and the works of deceased Air
However, for change that does not require an immediate
Force Colonel John Boyd. He also likes playing with LEGOS. Lou can be
response, we should exploit available time to develop a
reached on Twitter at @LouHayesJr.
more accurate, thorough response. We can fall back on
experts, specialists, and resources to assist us. The
mental hypothesizing of options allows us to create more
appropriate, more robust responses…built on intelligence,
Simplify: Getting Back to Basics
by Laura King
P
olice work
issue. If they know what you are looking for, it is more
seems to be
likely they will select a way to manage the situation in a
getting more
way that makes you satisfied.
and more complicated.
Industry wide, we see
Commitment to Right Action:
how the complexity of operations is having an impact on
We know there is no wrong time to do the right thing. This
our police professionals. Officers are less confident due to
commitment to right action can help clarify those gray
this complexity. We also find some officers and
areas we inevitable deal with in police work. If the officer
supervisors over thinking matters and causing a delay in
is behaving righteously, it very rarely is going to be the
right action. In a fast moving police encounter, this could
wrong course of action. Too often in modern times officers
potentially have extremely negative consequences. It is
are trying to remember agency policy and case law rather
time we find a way to bring simplicity back to our basic
than focusing on making the right decision. While we use
operational functions and allow our officers to focus on
policy and legislation to guide our decision making during
their professional tasks with confidence and a deep level
difficult times; the intent of both of these documents is to
of understanding. There are many ways this can be
steer us toward right action as police professionals. Many
accomplished. Here we will focus on three primary areas
of us instinctually know the difference between right and
where police agencies can use simplification to increase
wrong, even in the most complex of areas. If we
understanding of job expectations within their agency:
encourage our officers if they encounter a situation where
they are unsure of what to do to focus on right action,
Clarity of Expectations:
chances are they will make a good decision as a result.
While most police professionals have an abundance of
skill; psychic ability is usually not amongst that skill set.
Utilizing Feedback Effectively:
When asking our officers to complete a task, it is important
When is the last time you expressed appreciation to a
we explain to them with unmistakable clarity what it is we
colleague for a job well done. Police work is often filled
want accomplished. We all know there is more than one
with negativity. People assume if they are being called in
way to skin a cat. This means police professionals have
by their supervisor it is because there is a problem. We
several options open to them when working to come up
can change this dynamic and improve performance by
with a resolution to a problem. One of the most difficult
changing the way we use feedback. Feedback is one of
things for this law enforcement supervisor to learn was
the most powerful tools any police professional has at his
that my team members could not read my mind. Just
or her disposal. By using feedback effectively, you can
because I expected something to be done in a certain way
encourage your team to keep up the good work when
did not mean the people I was working with understood
things go well. You can also modify behavior when the
what result I was looking for when I delegated the task. I
outcome of a situation is not ideal. Feedback can be used
am not talking about micro-management here; you do not
with co-workers, people you supervise, your bosses and
need to tell them how to do their job, but clarify the result
even members of the public. All we need to do is take the
you are looking for when asking your staff to address the
extra effort to ensure our appreciation is communicated. It
is very easy to take positive results for granted or even not
Simplify, con’t.
notice when something is done correctly. If this habit
continues, your team members may modify their actions,
not realizing that you were happy with the initial results.
By giving appropriate feedback, you can ensure the
quality work performance is continued and make your life
easier at the same time.
These are just some of the simple steps that can be taken
to help improve functionality with your team. By utilizing
these strategies in our daily experiences; we will find we
are communicating more clearly and lessening our risk for
complications. We also will find our officers understand
better what is expected of them, either in the classroom or
on the street. This will allow them to proceed in
completing their assignments with confidence and
contentment- knowing they are doing the right thing the
right way. In this day and age of complexity and confusion,
getting back to basics can help us ensure we continue to
thrive in an environment that is uncertain and everchanging. These basic habits can help us navigate the
complex work environment presented to modern law
enforcement professionals. ILEETA
About the Author
Laura King is a 19 year law enforcement professional, currently
serving as the Commander of the McHenry, Illinois Police Dept.. She
has earned her PhD in Psychology and actively works to bring the
fields of law enforcement and psychology together in her teaching
efforts. She is an adjunct professor for several area colleges and is a
member of The Virtus Group where she offers specialty trainings for
law enforcement professionals.
Build Better Courses:
Instructional Design 101
by Kerry Avery
When
you’re asked to design or overhaul a
course, where do you start? When I first
started designing training programs I searched for a course to

Where do you start?

What purpose do
learning outcomes
teach me how to do this because it’s overwhelming to turn a
serve?
blank page in to effective training.
I eagerly anticipated the first course I took – Designing Effective
Training Manuals, but was disappointed after two days of
presentations on all of the different options. I continued to take
courses to understand adult learning theories and the options, but
really learned how to design a course through experience.

What is the difference between assessment and evaluation?

How do I plan the delivery?

How do I document a course?

How do I prevent scope creep?
The goal of this presentation is to provide the one thing I was
looking for as a new instructional designer – a process.
Designing training is complex and still challenges me after 12
years, but having a process to follow allows you to focus on the
elements needed to make the course as engaging and effective as
possible. Bring your instructional design questions, and we’ll
work through the process of designing a course. ILEETA
About the Author
Build Better Courses provides an overview of the process and
answers the questions:
Kerry Avery is the owner of Odin Training Solutions Inc. Kerry has over
10 years’ experience designing corporate training programs, including
6 years working with law enforcement to develop classroom, online
and blended learning courses, and recently released an e-learning
program on the instructional design process. Kerry is also pursuing a
Master’s degree in Distance Education at Athabasca University. She
can be reached at Kerry.Avery@shaw.ca.
Problem-Based Learning in Law
Enforcement In-service Training
by Jonathan McCombs, Ph.D.
P
roblem-based learning is the optimal
For example, I found in a study of the City of Columbus,
method for preparing law enforcement
Ohio Police Division that PBL in law enforcement in-
officers to respond effectively to the
service can reduce use of force incidents overall
multitude of situations they will face during their careers.
(McCombs, 2015). The essential components of PBL will
Effective problem-based pre and in-service training will
be discussed in the presentation in more detail, but they
result in an opportunity for officers to make inevitable
include:
mistakes and learn in a controlled environment rather than
exclusively in the field. If we assume that everyone will
make mistakes and that most scenario training is
exclusively tactical in nature then we can consider that
PBL has a place in law enforcement in-service training. All
the more, you may be practicing some components of PBL
already. Several states have implemented this innovative
approach to learning such as Kentucky, Washington, and
Florida and obtained the benefits for problem-based
learning. For example, this article summarizes a
presentation at the upcoming International Law
Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association
Conference in March entitled, ‘Problem-Based Learning in
Law Enforcement In-Service Training.’
1) Beginning with the problem (Batdi, 2014:
Scott, 2014)
2)
Student directed learning (Barrows, 1996)
3) Reflection on learning (Batdi, 2014)
4) Small groups (Scott, 2014)
5) Instructor Facilitation (Scott, 2014: Barrows,
1996)
Attendees will see the modeling of PBL not merely hear
how good it is or how you should be utilizing it, you will
take some of your own courses and interact with others to
develop PBL activities in the presentation. If you can work
to develop a PBL activity for a face-to-face course, then
the more advanced skill would be to develop a PBL activity
for an online in-service course.
The session will be an interactive one, rather than
a boring lecture. Attendees to the session will see the
You should come to our session on Wednesday at
8am in the Barajas room. ILEETA
modeling of PBL not merely hear how good it is or how
you should be utilizing it, you will take some of your own
About the Author
courses and interact with others to develop PBL activities
Jonathan McCombs is an educator, former police officer and
investigator, holds a Master‘s of Science in Criminal Justice and a Ph.D.
in Criminal Justice. His dissertation topic is a study of problem based
learning in law enforcement in-service training. An extensive career of
over 20 years in public safety and higher education provided
experience in narcotics investigations, intelligence analysis, anti-terror
investigations, gun trafficking investigations, street patrol, campus law
enforcement administration, higher education administration, and
advanced training. As an industry expert in the field of law
enforcement, problem based learning, and online learning, Jonathan
McCombs is currently the Criminal Justice Administration Program
Chair at Franklin University for the graduate and undergraduate
programs.
in the presentation. If you can work to develop a PBL
activity for a face-to-face course, then the more advanced
skill would be to develop a PBL activity for an online inservice course.
Problem-based learning was developed in Medical
Schools in the 1970’s when a professor found that his
young doctors had excellent book knowledge, but could
not critically analyze and manage real problems in the
field. The use of PBL has also been expanded to nursing
and some law enforcement police academies. Most of the
research suggests that students and instructors like PBL
and that it results in better results in real world situations.
Replicating Adverse Dynamics: An Update of
the Seven Levels of Simulation Training
by Lawrence N. Nadeau
T
he
original
Seven
ingrained over time and through student effort in skill
Levels of Simulation
development. Officers must have this base knowledge in
Training
order to participate in simulation training. If instructors do
first
appeared in 1995 as part of a
not
video
indoctrination, simulation training will confuse your officers
tape
entitled
The
Building Blocks of Simulation Training released by
spend
adequate
time
with
basic
technique
and prove counterproductive.
RedMan Training Gear. It is a concept developed by Gary
T. Klugiewicz and written
Richard
Rosenkrantz,
(narrated) for the video by
RedMan's
Special
Projects
THE SEVEN LEVELS OF SIMULATION TRAINING:
1) Shadow Training
Drills to Convey Concepts
Manager at the time. It should be noted that I worked very
2) Prop Training
closely with both of these men at RedMan in the early
3) Partner Training
days
and I have long considered them mentors,
4) Dynamic Movement Drills Adding Variables
professional allies and personal friends. Richard has since
5) Relative Positioning Drills Adding Variables
passed, but his many contributions continue to serve law
6) Environmental Factor Training Drills Adding
enforcement training. The Seven Levels of Simulation
Variables
Training were ahead of their time in an era of "No Win"
7) High Level Simulations Scenario Based Training
and "Sandlot" simulations. Still misunderstood by many
instructors, The Seven Levels gave trainers specific
There is a difference between conducting Drills (Levels 1
methods of review and the continued development of an
through 6), and executing Scenarios (Level 7), though all
officer's previously learned, step by step techniques. It is
seven are considered simulation training exercises. The
essentially the mortar that binds each technique they learn
real difference is in the decision making. Drills are set up
together, forming a solid system. A system of trained
and
methods that can be reinforced, retained and recalled for
choreographed allowing participants to interact and make
actual duty use.
their own decisions based upon what they see and
scripted
step
by
step,
while
scenarios
are
experience within the scenario design. However, both are
First of all The Seven Levels is more of a 'review and
closely supervised. Drills are, in my opinion, the most
development' teaching method than it is an 'initial
underappreciated and under used element of The Seven
instruction' teaching method. In other words, participants
Levels of Simulation Training, and the real genius of this
should already know the techniques they are performing in
original training methodology.
simulation training. They should already have had the
As you can probably tell, I am a huge fan of the first six
benefit of an Instructor demonstrating and explaining each
levels of simulation training. For the sake of this article, I
technique.
would like to focus on the "seventh level" of simulation.
They
already
have
been
provided
the
opportunity to perform those techniques slow for form, by
the numbers with repetition. They have already worked up
From The Building Blocks of Simulation Training video:
to a realistic speed of technique employment and are fluid
with the learned strategies. The Seven Levels can only be
7. The final level, is High Level Simulation Training.
incorporated after the basics have been thoroughly
With the other six levels, the officer focused on one
Simulation Training, con’t.
technique at a time, or on a few prearranged
scripted encounter. They don’t make all of the training
techniques. High level simulations force the officers
decisions, but the decisions they make are critical to their
to choose among several options and to help develop
development in this training environment and in real life.
their decision-making skills.
At any given time, an
While Drills are "static" because of the lack of student
officer has to make a choice that determines what
officer decision making, Scenarios are "dynamic" because
happens next during the training exercise.
of the fluidity their decisions create.
These
Replicating the
choices add to the complexity of the exercise, and
adversity of dynamic real life circumstances can only be
because of this, the instructor has to closely
achieved productively in training if the participant officer
supervise the training to prevent injury to everyone
makes the critical decisions associated with the staged
involved. During these exercises, the demonstrator
encounter.
would be in a full suit while the students would be
wearing partial suits. These high level simulation
Now for the Update; I believe the term High Level
exercises
designed,
Simulation Training (the seventh level) is too broad
choreographed, and implemented in order to reduce
and should be clearly divided into four distinct simulation
the possibility of injury. This is the top level of the
scenario based levels
have
to
be
carefully
simulation training and should be conducted only
after the officers involved in the training have
7.) Interactive Simulations- Most of our interactions with
successfully
the public we serve, do not end up in life and death
Remember
completed
if
have
lower
adequately prepare the officers in your class for high
interactions with the public are, should I say it, uneventful.
level simulations, utilize the modular approach to
We speak to people, issue traffic citations, serve
training, breaking it down into sections and doing it
misdemeanor warrants, issue summons, take reports,
on different days. We all know that high level
facilitate custody transfers and respond to complaints daily
simulations are the "fun part" of defensive tactics
without confrontation. Why don't we simulate these
training, but if you don't prepare your students
interactions in training? We should, because any one of
properly
have
these situations can "go bad" if handled improperly. We
confusion and possible injuries that will place your
have all seen situations that were mishandled and
entire "hands on" training program in jeopardy. Take
"snowballed" out of control, requiring more force than was
the time to do it right - even though it will take longer
initially necessary to achieve control of the situation. Am I
to do it. It's worth it. - Richard Rosenkrantz
wrong? This level is about simulating situations that law
exercises,
enough
levels.
struggles for control. In fact, the vast majority of
these
don't
the
to
for
you
all
you
time
could
enforcement and correctional officers are required to
During High Level Simulation Training, participant officers
handle every day. From verbal interaction to standing
will determine the key elements or confrontational
handcuff placement. There is an art to professional
parameters
experience:
interaction with the public and those interactions are, more
Approach, verbal interaction, proximity, force response
often than not, critical to our missions success. We should
levels if required, and the techniques, tactics and
definitely be teaching new recruits and veteran officers
strategies necessary for successful resolution of the
alike this art form. The beauty of this level, for
of
the
simulation
training
administrators, is it requires the least amount of gear, has
and interesting for the instructors! And we wonder why our
the lowest risk of training injury, and covers 90% of what
student officers "Fear the Gear" in training.
officers do on the job daily; Interact. Which makes it the
single most important and easiest level of scenario based
10.) Firearms Use Simulations- This tenth level is really
training you can provide your officers.
where Simulation Training got its start. Back in the late
70's and early 80's training departments were conducting
8.) Subject Control Simulations- This is one of the most
cotton wad firearms simulations in "Shoot Don't Shoot"
common
law
courses designed to test an officers reactions to extreme
enforcement today, and has been for many years.
circumstances. With participant officers wearing goggles
Scenarios range from foot pursuit, hard pressure point
and ballistic vests they were armed with a revolver
activation and prone cuffing, to intermediate weaponry use
containing primer only bullet cases topped off with a
in order to facilitate subject control. This level deals with
cotton wad and wax. The officer was then lead through a
the many levels of subject resistance and an officers use
series of rooms, each containing a different "scenario" to
of force for control. It requires more and sometimes
encounter, all the while being screamed at by instructors
special equipment to execute this level of training safely,
to do anything but the right thing. Very stressful! While the
and with more dynamic activity the possibility of training
training methods may now be outdated, the instructional
injury escalates slightly.
emphasis was always on the decisions the officer made,
scenario
based
training
levels
in
not on shot placement. This was the very beginning of
9.) Personal Safety Simulations- The Ninth Level of
scenario based simulation exercises in law enforcement
Simulation Training requires more specialized equipment
training, some thirty-five or forty years ago.
and methods to execute safely and properly. This level
deals with officers who encounter aggressive subjects that
This levels focus is on an officers decision to employ their
attempt to assault, incapacitate and/or murder them.
firearm. Scenarios designed to illicit an officer verbalizing
These scenarios cover physical assaults, ground defense,
if appropriate, drawing, pointing, verbalizing and even
bludgeon and edged weapon encounters, firearm defense
firing his or her weapon. The scenarios can even continue
and retention/disarming situations. An officers personal
with a transition to subject control, or pursuit, restraint
safety is in question and they must respond to survive the
application, search, removal and securing of weapon(s) if
simulated encounter. Though these situations are rare
applicable, subject aftercare, notifications and securing
during an officer's career, they must still be addressed in
the scene. The decisions and actions of the officer in the
training.
scenario, or lack thereof, is what is of critical importance to
The
caution
here
is
not
to
spend
a
disproportionate amount of time at this level. I have seen
evaluate.
training programs spend all of their valuable training time
at this level exclusively, ignoring the rarity of occurrence,
the amount of training equipment required to properly,
safely execute it and the higher risk of training injury to
officers and instructors. Why? Because someone on the
training staff thought these scenarios were the most fun
THE
TEN
LEVELS
OF
REPLICATING
ADVERSE
DYNAMICS:
About the Author
6) Environmental Factor Training Drills Adding Variables
Lawrence N. Nadeau is the author of R eplicating A dverse
Dynamics: Simulation Training Concepts, Scenarios and
Equipment for Law Enforcement Trainers and Administrators.
He is also the author of Basic Defensive Tactics: Foundational
Concepts for Law Enforcement Subject Control and Personal
Safety Issues Programming. Larry is a United States Marine
(1980-84), retired police officer, a senior advisor to RedMan
Training Gear, an ILEETA charter member and veteran law
enforcement trainer with over 30 years of experience. He may
be reached at (225) 791-4430 or at founder@rad-systems.com.
7) Interactive Simulations
Copyright 2012
1) Shadow Training
2) Prop Training
3) Partner Training
4) Dynamic Movement
Drills Adding Variables
5) Relative Positioning
Drills Adding Variables
Scenario Based Training
8) Subject Control Simulations Scenario Based Training
9) Personal Safety Simulations Scenario Based Training
10) Firearms Use Simulations
Scenario Based Training
In closing, I would like to express my deep appreciation
and sincere gratitude to Richard Rosenkrantz and Gary
Klugiewicz, men I have been privileged to serve with and
learn from. Without their foundational wisdom and clear
The concepts within The Seven Levels of Simulation Training and the
Building Blocks of Simulation Training are the intellectual property of
Gary T. Klugiewicz; RedMan Training Gear is the property of Macho
Products, Inc.
The concepts and terms Replicating Adverse Dynamics, Interactive
Simulations, Subject Control Simulations/Issues,
Personal Safety Simulations/Issues and the "Fear the Gear" mentality
are the intellectual property of Lawrence N. Nadeau.
The Ten Levels of Replicating Adverse Dynamics are the combined
intellectual properties of
Gary T. Klugiewicz and Lawrence N. Nadeau.
direction in the ways of simulation training, we may all still
be lost.
I really hope this helps you in the development of a sound
simulation training program for your agency. Our officers
deserve training that focuses on the tasks they perform,
and the demands they may face, and we have an
obligation to replicate those adverse dynamics in training
so they may do a difficult job safely and professionally.
Our training culture must evolve into one that empowers
officers to proceed with confidence in the training they
possess. Unfortunately, we in Defensive Tactics, have
worked for years to undermine the trust our officers should
have in us and the training we provide. They have grown
to "Fear the Gear" in simulation training and it is our fault.
We can change this fear culture, by focusing on their
needs, knowledge, skills, abilities and confidence, instead
of our own. Train for them, not for yourself. Because the
reality is, if they don't trust you, you can't train them.
ILEETA
How We Measure Student Learning
and Why It’s Important
by Jason Der
T
he assessment process is much more than
measuring student performance. It is also the
stuff)

center point around which learning itself can occur
Some students test
well and the higher
and a tool instructors can use to adapt the learning
scores may lead us
environment to achieve maximum learning potential for the
to erroneously believe they know the material when in
student. Assessment is, in fact, the bridge between
fact they cannot demonstrate real-world application
teaching and learning.
(just because they ace a test doesn’t mean they know
their stuff)
Traditionally we think of assessment as a way in which we
measure student performance at a pre-determined point
during the instructional process and then use that
assessment to determine if learning has occurred. This is
summative assessment which is characterized by grading

If a student gets a poor mark it doesn’t tell them why
and how to improve

If a student gets a good mark they tend not to strive to
do better because they feel they’ve mastered the
material
students through exams or through similar evaluation tools
at the end of a unit or instructional block. It has become
One of the most devastating side-effects of summative
the cornerstone of measuring student learning in law
assessment is when instructors “teach to the test” in an
enforcement training because it is simple to evaluate many
attempt to create successful students. When grades or
students at once, it can be reliably conducted by all
marks are the focal point for measuring student
instructors, and it provides a way to quantifiably
performance instructors center their teaching on students
demonstrate if a student has met an agency’s minimum
getting good marks instead of focusing on their learning.
standard.
A good example is an academy firearms training program.
But there are several issues with summative assessment.
If qualification scores are the metric for measuring student

If the assessment is given only at the end there is no
performance we spend far too much time helping students
opportunity for students to improve the outcome
get “good targets” by standing on the line and repeatedly
because the lesson is over
shooting holes in paper targets at pre-determined
If the assessment is given only at the end there is no
distances, with a pre-determined number of rounds, in a
opportunity for the instructor to modify their lesson
pre-determined amount of time. The targets are then
plan or make changes to their instructional delivery
marked and the score gives administration a quantifiable
that could create an better opportunity for the student
measure of whether or not the cadet is “qualified” to carry
to learn
a pistol.


Some students don’t perform well on tests and those
poorer test scores may lead us to erroneously believe
that they haven’t learned the material (just because
they bomb a test doesn’t mean they don’t know their
But by looking at assessment in a different way we can
achieve much more for students. Formative assessment
is characterized by a continuous assessment-feedback
Measuring Learning, con’t.
loop throughout the learning process. It not only
and learning tasks that elicit evidence of learning
measures student performance but also allows for

Provide feedback that moves learning forward
adaptations to the instructional delivery process along the

Utilize learners as instructional resources for one
way that maximize the potential for learning to occur.
Black defines formative assessment as, “Encompassing
another

all those activities undertaken by teachers, and/or by their
Utilize learners as instructional resources for
themselves
students, which provide information to be used as
feedback to modify the teaching and learning activities in
If we go back to our firearms training example we can now
which they are engaged.”
see that the it lacks the first key strategy. Because the
learning intentions are confused with the criteria for
To put it another way, formative assessment is
success very little actual learning occurs. In a firearms
assessment of learning, for learning, and as learning. It is
program what we are really trying to teach is how to
assessment of learning because we can measure if
respond to a deadly force encounter and the use of the
learning has occurred. It is assessment for learning
firearm is only the context of the learning. The focus
because we can use it to make changes to the lesson on
should be on threat recognition, movement, use of
the fly. And it is assessment as learning because it
concealment/cover, and high-stress decision making
bridges the student and the classroom activity in a
rather than scored targets. By focusing on the learning
meaningful way.
objective (use of deadly force) rather than the context of
learning (firearms) we would see improvements in student
performance.
The other benefits of formative assessment include:

Instructors can make changes to their instructional
delivery and increase the potential for learning based
on information obtained from the ongoing assessment.

Students, peers, and the instructor, can call be
activated as agents for learning.

Students can demonstrate that learning has occurred
using techniques such as performance tasks rather
than just writing exams.
There are five key strategies instructors need to follow
using formative assessment:


Clarify and share learning intentions and stipulate the
But there are also some potential pitfalls with formative
criteria for success
assessment:
Engineer effective classroom discussion, activities,

Instructor selection and training is paramount.
Measuring Learning, con’t.
Instructors cannot be selected just because they are
subject matter experts. For example, the best shooter
may not make a good firearms instructor.

It requires the development of strong lesson plans and
instructors that can properly adapt them when
About the Author
Jason Der is a Senior Deputy Sheriff with the Ministry of Justice in
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada). In addition to his front line duties
in the Court Services branch he works as a field trainer, arrest and
control tactics instructor, and academy instructor. Jason is married
with one son and is an avid fan of the Denver Broncos.
appropriate.

It may not meet provincial/state or agency
requirements that require standardized testing/
scoring.
Keep in mind that you don't have to drastically change
your programs in order to incorporate formative
assessment. The summative assessment techniques
currently being used can act formatively as long as they
are properly applied. In order for that to occur evidence of
student achievement is elicited or interpreted from the
assessment(s) and then used by instructors, learners, or
their peers to make decisions about the next steps in
instruction and make changes that will produce better
learning results. The key is to have assessment occupy a
central position in your teaching rather than regarding it as
something separate. Since learning is a contingent
activity we never really know when a student will have an
"Aha!" moment that marks when learning has occurred.
But by constantly assessing their performance we can
capture the moment when it does happen.
Many of the excellent instructors you’ve encountered as a
learner have used these techniques, whether by design or
by chance, and as a result your learning experience was
likely positive. If you want to be a more effective
instructor yourself try incorporating these strategies and
see how learning improves in your own classroom.
ILEETA
Leadership
Re-Energizing our Honorable
Profession
by Sgt. Mark St. Hilaire
I
have been blessed with many mentors and
Walter leaned across the
confidants in my 30 year law enforcement career. I
table and looked directly
want to introduce you to the late Boston Police
at me and stated in a
Officer Walter J. Fahey, a man who had the greatest
stern voice to me,
influence in my life and his spirit still lives within me today.
“Remember, we’re like the priests, we’re an honorable
profession”.
I met Walter following his retirement in 1996. We
developed a friendship of long….daily telephone
I believe Law Enforcement is an honorable profession that
conversations, occasional meals together and most
many people today still look up to us and really do depend
important, we developed a bond of devotion to policing.
on us to serve them and protect them.
Walter had an active 40 year career and was regarded as
one of the most respected police officers in Greater
Boston area. Even in retirement, Walter keep busy within
the profession especially his motivational speaking
A recent poll (thank you Chuck Remsberg) by NBC News
and the Wall Street Journal was released on December
16, 2015.
appearances at many of the regional police academies in
51% of Americans have a great deal or quite a bit of
Massachusetts.
confidence in law enforcement which was up from 39% in
2014. Only 14% had little or no confidence in law
Walter worked at a time when cops were paid nothing,
enforcement.
your work schedule was at the discretion of the
department and society entered some turbulent times. He
encountered not only the 1960’s protests and riots but he
Law enforcement was only topped by our military in high
witnessed first-hand the bitter 1970’s of court ordered
public esteem and we are improving in all demographic
forced busing which divided the city.
groups: African Americans, Hispanics and young people
making law enforcement one of the most trusted
institutions in the country. People have more confidence
The greatest lesson I learned from Walter was during
in law enforcement than other institutions including the
dinner one night at the Victory Diner in Boston. We had a
news media.
discussion of how police officers are held to a higher
standard in our society. He told me his story of how as a
young officer, a man on the street started to verbally mix it
So we are hearing stories of law enforcement officers
up with him and his partner. His partner, Ray Winson who
retreating from proactive policing. Many individuals
became a mentor for Walter, pulled him aside and
question if these really are the most dangerous time in law
admonished him. “Never seek the level of the people we
enforcement. Have our peers succumbed to the
deal with….Walter, remember we don’t deal with the
Ferguson, YouTube, and A.C.L.U. effect of being 2 nd
Kennedys or the Rockefellers.”
guessed? Does video recordings have a psychological
impact on our job performance? Some law enforcement
Re-Energizing, Con’t
leaders, our communities, the media and elected officials
this age of transparency and social media we need to
claim we have retreated and this is creating the increase
mentor each other to enhance great verbal communication
of reported crime and violence. There are others including
skills and our own behavior both on and off duty. We need
the White House who claim this is a myth.
to stay on mission to better serve the good hard working
people in our communities.
Law enforcement has taken an emotional beating recently
but if you look back over our history, we have encountered
As a profession, we need to keep an open mind as we
many challenging periods in the past which we have
improve from within while we listen to our communities
improved and grown as a profession.
and our critics. Open communication and compromise
should be our goal. We need to be prepared to counter
the outside suggestions with proven facts and non-
We do face modern dangers but we’ll hear from veterans
emotional dialogue to counter the implementation of
who lived through the 1970’s when we suffered 200+ line
unrealistic mandates upon us.
of duty deaths annually.
This is what our honorable profession is facing in 2016.
What will the role of the Law Enforcement Trainer be to
Just as Walter Fahey had to change within his 40 years of
reverse this trend?
service to Boston Police, we need to be willing and open
“Coach” Bob Lindsey and I are hosting an open discussion
to change.
on this issue and we welcome your input and share with
I have attached in the 2016 conference course handouts
us what you are observing in your agency and your
several beautiful articles written by Boston Globe
community. What are your suggestions to reverse this
Columnist Kevin Cullen about Walter Fahey so you may
trend, to share with each other?
get a better opportunity to understand why he was a great
I believe the Trainers are the change agents in law
mentor to me. Many of you have encountered your own
enforcement agencies and the profession. We need to
mentors similar to Walter in your life, cherish their wisdom.
reinvigorate the Esprit De Corps back into our profession
Join us: Sunday March 13 at 1000 hours in International D
which have sustained us through the decades of modern
or Wednesday March 16 at 1500 hours in Capital.
law enforcement: Trust in our tactics/training and carry
ILEETA
forth the inner most being of knowing thyself. We need to
guide our peers back to proactive policing.
Most of us with have the opportunities of attending other
training sessions at ILEETA 2016 to help teach our peers
to do what is right in these changing times. Law
enforcement will be video recorded as we perform our
About the Author
Sergeant Mark St.Hilaire is a 30 year police veteran serving in a busy
Metrowest suburb of Boston, Massachusetts. He is a volunteer police
peer with a regional CISM team. He is passionate about health and
wellness education. He writes for several public safety publications
including the ILEETA journal. He has presented at ILEETA, conferences
& in-service trainings. He recently joined the VALOR program helping
develop & presenting a LEO health and wellness section to their
curriculum.
duties. It is the new normal, we need to get used to it. In
Inspirational Leadership
by Del Walinga and Robert Vernon
The following five defining statements help us understand
leadership:
1) The ability to clearly understand and articulate the
T
goal
he crisis of our

times is leadership. The crisis in leadership is
character.
Explain the objective in a way that is clearly
understood

Show how the purpose of the enterprise
brings significance
We in the Pointman Leadership Institute believe that
leadership is somewhat like health. It is not something you
can demand, claim, or have conferred upon you. To a
great extent, a person‘s health is earned. It is a result of
eating the right foods, maintaining an exercise program,
keeping appropriate sleeping patterns, and of course
inheriting good genes. Similarly, leadership is the result of
choices we make in our behavior. The attributes of a good
leader, such as respect, authority, and credibility, are not
things that can be conferred upon or given to an individual.
2) The confidence to be out in front and show the
way to the goal
Lead by example
3) The ability to convince people to follow as an act
of their free choice
As opposed to manipulating through rewards and
sanctions
4) The desire and ability to help people develop and
pursue excellence
They also must be earned.
Demonstrating a sincere interest in followers
A majority of leadership training addresses classic
management techniques such as planning, organizing,
5) The capability to inspire people to achieve their
full potential
directing, staffing, coordinating, reporting and budgeting.
No question, these are important topics. Competent
management activities are necessary for running any
Behavior of Effective Leaders:
organization. However those activities do not, in
During the first three years of PLI presenting seminars
themselves, constitute real leadership.
around the world, we conducted a study. We asked
participants from over 20 countries what behavior they
desired in leaders. We tabulated the results and identified
Leadership occurs when the followers have been inspired
the top ten behaviors that followers desire most. These
to follow as an act of their own free will. Leadership is the
exercises were conducted in a variety of settings both in
superior way to change behavior. Pointman Leadership
the USA and abroad. They have involved a demographic
Institute emphasizes this very essence of leadership.
mixture of men and women. Yet there has been an
amazing consistency of response.
Inspirational Leadership, Con’t
Here are the “top ten” desired behaviors:
1) Decisive: Accepts responsibility and makes
decisions
2) Good Listener: Values followers opinions and
input
3) Keeps Commitments: A person of their word
4) Consistent: Reliable or dependable
5) Good Judgment: Reasonable, wise or judicious
6) Fair: Objective, just or impartial
7) Gives Recognition: Encourages, appreciates or
acknowledges
8) Removes Work Barriers: Simplifies, facilitates or
expedites
9) Equips & Supports Followers: Enables or
Foundational Character Traits:
We believe true leadership, as we have defined it, is more
empowers
10) Emphasizes Principles, Not Just Rules: Explains
reasons for direction
related to character than a person‘s technical skills.
Our
20 years of experience in teaching leadership in over 70
countries has revealed that eight character traits are
necessary to build the required foundation.
We have listed these behaviors randomly since they
appear in different priority depending on country,
organization and culture.
Ideally, all eight of these character traits should be
nurtured and reinforced. Just as a concrete foundation is
made up of a correct combination of several components,
Sadly, although great agreement intellectually, there is
so a foundation of character must include a proper mixture
little practice of these actions. Our research continues to
of the essential assets. A character that is missing several
reveal that few followers have had experience being under
of these eight elements will be incomplete and flawed.
a superior that actually practices these behaviors. We
Eight Essential Character Traits:
believe this is so because most leadership training
programs neglect to focus on the character traits that must
support the behavior.
1) Integrity
2) Courage
3) Discipline
4) Loyalty
5) Diligence
technical authority. It is a relationship involving trust.
People are more likely to follow someone they trust. Often
6) Humility
leaders cannot or are unable to explain all the reasons for
7) Optimism
their decisions or the direction they give followers. Trust is
8) Conviction
essential. Trust is earned through integrity. As one
sharpens their integrity, they will build trust in their
relationships. Trust in their relationships will strengthen
We have found it necessary to present these character
their leadership.
traits within a matrix that emphasizes practicality and
application. Character development is hard work. Each of
these eight virtues must be clearly connected to powerful
Every phase of leadership involves trust. There must be
leadership. When one understands the great benefits that
trust that the leader is leading in the right direction. There
will accrue when they invest the necessary effort, they
must be trust that he/she will support the actions of the
become interested. Additionally, we believe there must be
followers as long as they operate within the agreed upon
a well-defined path that will make the building and
parameters; trust that he/she will keep commitments.
strengthening of these traits desirable and achievable.
There must be trust in his/her judgment; trust that the
This is a brief outline of the essential character elements;
leader provides accurate information. And perhaps most
and some of the logic connecting them to inspirational
importantly, trust that his/her motives are not self-centered
leadership.
but rather altruistic – with the interests of the team in first
place. In short, the leader must be trustable.
Integrity:
The root of the word integrity is a mathematic term –
integer. It refers to a whole number or a complete entity
Integrity breeds trust. People tend to believe in someone
as opposed to a fraction. Integrity means whole, complete
with integrity. People of duplicity should be doubted and
or unimpaired. A person with integrity is not “two faced”.
questioned. There is understandably little or no trust of a
It defines a person who holds fast to their absolutes rather
person who lies, breaks promises or demonstrates a
than adopting “situational ethics”. Therefore integrity
pattern of weak character.
promotes predictability. Followers of a leader with integrity
Courage:
will often be able to predict his/her decisions when
unavailable for direction. Integrity describes someone who
tells the truth and keeps their word. It is often used to
describe a person known for honesty or truthfulness.
People with integrity display actions that are consistent
with their words.
Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is the
determination to not allow one’s fears to prevent them
from doing what is right; the strength to make the correct
decision even if it is attended by concern. Making
decisions is at the very heart of leadership. A powerful
leader is willing to make decisions and be accountable for
Connection between Integrity and leadership – Trust
them.
Leadership involves more than just contact and
communication. It involves more than position and
The two fears most common to leaders is the possibility of
control. Demonstrating self-control assures followers that
(1) failure, and (2) rejection. When one is constantly
trusting the leader with control of their lives will not be
making decisions, there is always the possibility that the
harmful or hazardous.
decision may bring failure. Time may reveal more
information that was not available at the time of the
decision. For this reason, many people avoid or delay
Keeping the focus on the goal and sustaining the behavior
making decisions and become a bottle neck to those that
that is necessary to reach the goal involves self-control or
they lead. The right decision ethically, may be unpopular
discipline. Therefore building discipline in followers is
with the followers. The leader may be exposed to heavy
absolutely required. The most powerful way to do this is
peer pressure to bend established policy or moral
by example.
propriety.
Connection between Courage and Leadership –
Connection between discipline and leadership –
Effective decision making
Inspiration.
Decision making has consequences. The leader charged
Good leadership controls behavior through convincing and
with making the decisions will often be under heavy
inspiring rather than compelling and forcing. Discipline
pressure from individuals and/or groups. He/she may find
results in perseverance in the midst of resistance,
it necessary to stand alone. It may be necessary to go
difficulties and complications. This admirable behavior
“against the tide.”
tends to inspire, encourage and stimulate followers.
Loyalty:
Courage does not mean one rushes into thoughtless and
Defined as the state of “faithfulness to a person (or
rash judgments. It does mean that after reasonable
country) to whom fidelity is held to be due.” In the context
deliberation they are willing to take logical risks to move
of leadership it can mean reliability, devotion or
the enterprise forward and accept the responsibility for the
commitment to legitimate authority (or “chain of
outcome. Therefore the connection between courage and
command”). In order to lead one must have followers.
leadership is the willingness to seize the initiative and take
The most powerful way to have a following is to model that
action, including making thoughtful decisions.
behavior. In other words, to be a good follower yourself.
Discipline:
The basics of leadership is pointing people toward a goal
Submission to legitimate authority is the core issue in
and then somehow helping them make progress toward
loyalty. In order to have authority one must place
that goal. Leadership involves control – the notion of
themselves under it and allow it to flow through them.
controlling behavior. When leaders ask others to follow
When one steps out from under authority, it no longer
them or pursue a goal, practically they are asking for a
flows through them. Put in another way, if you want
measure of control over their lives. This is a profoundly
authority you must submit to it. This principle applies if the
significant request. I would not want to give control of my
authority is legitimate. Authority is not legitimate if it
life, even in a limited basis, to someone who is out of
demands followers to violate laws and/or policy.
Legitimate authority operates within the constraints being
best. To achieve excellence in a foot race would be to run
legal, moral and ethical.
against one’s own best time.
The connection between diligence and leadership –
The example of the leader is powerful. If followers
Excellence and goal achievement.
observe their leader disobey legitimate authority, they will
Leaders are those who help others achieve their full
probably tend to disobey that leader. An ancient proverb
potential and the team to meet its objectives. In order to
states: “I lead, therefore I follow.”
do this, excellence must always be pursued. This requires
diligence.
Connection between loyalty and leadership –
Modeling followership
Humility:
Being haughty or arrogant is dysfunctional to inspiring
Demonstrating a commitment to submit to legitimate
authority is a most powerful way to secure the loyal
following of those you want to lead. As you submit to your
boss, you validate the importance of loyalty and build it in
your followers.
leadership. People resist willingly following someone who
has a closed mind to their ideas or suggestions. On the
contrary, they enjoy being able to contribute their insights
to help the team achieve their objectives. We are not
talking about having a lack of self-confidence or being selfdepreciating. Humility means a person is approachable
Diligence:
and teachable. A humble person has a strong and healthy
Diligence is expressed in a steady, earnest effort and
self-image. But they also look upon life as experience of
energetic application to the task at hand. It is the concept
continual learning. They do not believe they “know it all.”
of “doing one’s best.” There is a direct relationship
between the success of a team and the ability of the
leader to build this character trait in its members.
Historically in America, a person demonstrated their piety
or devotion to God by achieving excellence in their
business or trade. Work was a tangible way to reveal
ones inner character. It was considered a tangible way to
measure the strength of character.
Excellence is superior to success. One can achieve
success by completing a task; but not necessarily doing
one’s best. Excellence refers to maximum effort and a
continual commitment. There is no slow down or easing of
An ancient proverb states: “Plans go wrong with too few
counselors. Many counselors bring success.” It stands to
reason that comparing and selecting the best alternative
from many is superior to a limited closed-minded
approach. Humility makes the leader a good listener who
generates participation by all team members.
Humility also enables a person to admit when they are
wrong. Even with the best advice and counsel, leaders
make mistakes. When this occurs, it is necessary to admit
it, correct the error when possible and move forward.
effort. To achieve success in a foot race would mean to
cross the finish line first. It is possible for a champion
runner to cross the finish line first without doing his/her
The connection between humility and leadership –
More team “buy in”.
Good leadership results in the full engagement of the
The connection between optimism and leadership –
entire team. People are more likely to be strongly
Positive work climate.
committed to a goal or objective that they have had some
part in forming. Having a leader that is a good listener
Perhaps the most powerful impact of a realistic optimist
sets the stage for generating creative and productive
is that of spreading confidence and enthusiasm. The
ideas. Humility in a leader makes this happen.
celebration of even minor victories or accomplishments is
encouraging. When people are encouraged about their
Optimism:
work their confidence begins to grow. As confidence
expands, a person becomes more innovative and willing
Optimism is defined in Webster's dictionary as: "An
to take some risks to become more effective. This can
inclination to put the most favorable construction upon
result in an upward spiral that builds upon itself.
actions and happenings; or to anticipate the best
Enthusiasm is contagious.
possible outcome." People prefer following a leader who
believes the objective can and probably will be met. On
Successful people are those who enjoy what they are
the contrary, they are demoralized by a leader who
doing. When work is fun and rewarding, people not only
indicates, in even subtle ways, that they doubt the
work harder, they work smarter. Work becomes a
mission can or will be accomplished. It is human nature
channel to fulfillment. Work is not just viewed as a
to avoid or put little effort into something perceived futile
means to an end. It can become a favorable end in itself.
or impossible.
That is the challenge of leadership -- to make work fun
and fulfilling. This mandates a realistic optimism on the
Leaders who refuse to acknowledge and address
part of leadership.
obstacles can likewise demoralize their followers.
Effective leaders strike the balance that is called "realistic
Conviction:
optimism." This balanced approach means properly
addressing obstacles without becoming consumed by
them. It means acknowledging the obstacles while
retaining focus on the objective. It means maintaining a
"can do" attitude while carefully defining and forming a
plan to overcome the difficulties inherent in pursuing a
goal.
True leadership involves inspiring people to reach their
full potential. Inspiration involves penetrating to the very
core of a person's being. It motivates them to the level of
emotion and passion. In order to be able to do this, the
leader must be impassioned. The leader must have
conviction.
People generally live up to the expectations they sense
in their leader. When the perceived expectation is low,
then low achievement usually occurs. When the
expectation is high, accompanied by all the necessary
support, accomplishments are generally at a high level.
High expectations communicated properly can have a
powerful influence on peoples’ attitudes and behaviors.
Leading with doubt creates doubt. We all communicate
our feelings and our attitudes in many ways. Our words
are not the only indication of our thoughts. Often "body
language", our tone of voice or facial expression
expresses more than we intend. Followers can detect
doubt or reservation in a leader. When this occurs, the
influence of the leader is diluted. On the other hand,
here but are outlined in a separate essay and included in
when leaders communicate with deep conviction, they
the basic Pointman seminar.
are very persuasive. Strong conviction is apparent and
contagious. Conviction gives the leader the confidence
Summary:
to be an example. It gives the assurance to show the
way rather than just talk about it.
Those who want to achieve a level of leadership where
values are passed on must earn the trust necessary for
Leaders believe in what they are doing. They care about
that to occur. They must go deeper than just
what they are doing. They are willing to take a stand to
understanding leadership techniques. They must pursue
communicate their commitment to the goal. This makes
the character traits that are foundational and essential to
them inspirational. But this does not just happen. It
inspirational leadership. ILEETA
requires hard work. Powerful leaders spend time
About the Authors
determining if the goal is worthwhile and rewarding.
Once the goal is validated, they spend time and effort
developing a train of logic that empowers them to pass
along their passion. They can clearly explain the
reasons behind the policies, procedures and rules that
they use in the process of leadership.
The connection between conviction and leadership –
Values and principles.
Effective leaders pass along more than procedures,
techniques and rules. They infuse their followers with
values and commitment. A manager can ensure that
their subordinates understand the goals, develop skills in
accomplishing the tasks and are aware of the parameters
within which they should function. This level of
leadership has limited effectiveness. But inspirational
leadership, where values and commitment to principles
have been transferred, ensures persistence and
dedication to the leader’s direction even in his/her
absence.
Foundational Principles: The final component in our
approach to inspirational leadership involves a select
number of foundational principles that are not addressed
Del Walinga served 25 years in full time Law Enforcement and
Corrections. Del has served both Police and Sheriffs agencies. He
served as Assistant Chief (2nd Deputy) or Chief Deputy (1st Deputy) for
16 of his 25 years. Del has served in all areas of assignment, including
Jail Commander. Del is a graduate of North West Iowa Community
College and the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Del has served as an
adjunct academy instructor.
Del’s awards include; Honorable Service Award, Bronze Star Citation
for Bravery, Sioux County Dedicated Service Award, Iowa Association of
Counties Good Government Award and the Iowa Governors Volunteer
Award.
Del continues to work part time in Law Enforcement as well as with
Corporate Security. He works in private business as a Financial Advisor.
As a Team Director and Instructor with PLI, Del has represented PLI in
the United States, England, Canada, Africa, Russia and the Bahamas.
Bob Vernon is an author, speaker, and consultant. As Assistant Chief of
LAPD, Bob supervised all departmental police operations for Los
Angeles' 18 police stations. This included the over-sight of 7,800
officers and 3,000 civilian workers. He retired after 38 years of service.
He is the Founder of Pointman Leadership Institute (PLI), a consortium
of highly qualified instructors of various disciplines who present
character-based, principled leadership training in the United States and
overseas. PLI offers two basic seminars: Inspirational, Trustworthy
Leaders (built on 8 major character traits which form the foundation of
powerful and influential leaders) and Responsible Leadership and
Ethics: Preventing Corruption (which shows how character-based
leadership influences an organization at all levels).
Originally asked to help reform police agencies in the former Soviet
Bloc countries, since 1994 PLI has taught in 65 countries, in excess of
800 workshops, to over 80,000 military, government, and police
leaders.
Health and
Wellness
Why Tactical Yoga
By Traci Ciepela
When
I started a law enforcement career, I
Yoga – B.S. and sickening.
was a member of the walking
When I arrive at ILEETA and
wounded as I am sure many others were. Whether it was
present Tactical Yoga for
from high school or college sports, years of dance training,
probably the last time ever on
the military, or years of jobs that punished our backs and
Sunday and Monday, I focus
knees generally many law enforcement officers start out
on injury and prevention of
as walking wounded. As I worked I, like many others,
injury. I would never ask any
started racking up the injuries. One wrong move and a
officer to consider meditating before heading to a man with
meniscus is torn here, a back is wrenched there. For me,
a gun call. Tactical Yoga is going to focus on the damage
that one wrong move one night actually dislocated my
you already have in your knees, back and neck in order
neck. X-rays showed that the bones in my neck had
maybe, just maybe, turn back time and allow you to avoid
reversed themselves pushing my chin to my chest, three
serious injury. This year I will also demonstrate a practice
days on muscle relaxers and in a neck brace wasn’t fun.
for relieving high blood pressure – not sure if an officer
Then the day arrived when after what probably was
might need some ideas in that realm at all but I speculate
running too much in shoes that probably weren’t the best
that there are some of you out there who do. I will also
there was that pain in my heel. A pain so bad that I would
include in the power point the previous practice for
actually hop to the restroom first thing in the morning just
digestion. There are ways to relieve pain without pills or
so I could avoid putting my foot on the ground, the pain
surgery, you might want to know more about it.
was just too intense. Sound familiar to you? Many of you
have had injuries and I am sure you would rather avoid
Yes there is a meditative practice involved with Yoga – the
them in the future if you could.
Savasana. There is all kinds of research being done today
on the benefits of Yoga, there have been organizations
springing up around the country like “Yoga for Warriors.”
Army veterans missing legs talk about yoga in terms of
saving their lives. Marines have credited Yoga with
turning their stress from an 8 into a 4 on a scale of 10 and
finding relief from PTSD. Let me tell you a little bit about
the Savasana. It is the closest thing you can get to as far
as cell repair and relaxation, if you aren’t actually asleep. I
don’t know if there are officers who have trouble sleeping
I feel compelled to write this after recent media depictions
of the “un-manly”, the “un-cop-like” practice of Yoga. You
probably saw the article, you probably read it “Creating
Guardians, Calming Warriors” published by the
Washington Post? I saw the comments made on chat
rooms at the end of that article, calling the practice of
but a true Savasana is the closest thing you can get to it.
Officers are often taught to visualize, that is exactly what
meditation is. It is visualizing. Maybe instead of
visualizing how you plan to avoid getting shot in the next
scenario, would imagining standing under a waterfall to
“wash” away stress be so awful?
Tactical Yoga, Con’t
eight years ago. I am lucky because although I left that
The description of the class in the ILEETA catalog is going
to tell you that I credit Yoga with being able to turn back
time on the knee that from years of dancing abuse, was in
serious disrepair, and how I have now managed to
complete triathlons without pain or injury including an
Olympic Distance race and this year qualifying for the
Nationals in Age group for the Aquabike race. Not only
that, but my neck is healthy, I have severe degenerative
disc disease in my back with no symptoms, and my heel
melanoma on my arm for five years it only progressed to a
Stage One Tumor. Why did it not progress? My stress
was down with starting a yoga practice, my knees, feet
and ankles didn’t hurt as much allowing me to do more,
and when I meditated or did my Savasana I always
meditated for good health. The mind can be a powerful
thing. Maybe I was just lucky, but maybe, just maybe
Yoga saved my life too.
I’ll see you Sunday or Monday. ILEETA
doesn’t hurt anymore either. But I also credit Yoga with
another thing. I developed a melanoma on my arm about
Your Priority, Help or Hunt?
By Thomas Cline
What is your reason for
Families would rather have their cop home, especially the
policing? Is it to help people or
kids. A parent reading a story, or going for a walk to the
hunt them? Hunting, being
park trumps the latest Xbox. The kids need mom and dad
more fun and netting
more than they need technology or Nikes. Moreover, I am
recognition, rewards, and
convinced that the more time we spend with our families,
accolades from peers is attractive, especially for young
the better cops we become. The interaction with them
men and often the women too. The feeling of power that
influences our behavior at work. For a long time I could
accompanies catching bad people who hurt others can
not make sense of this, but once I put my family ahead of
become all-consuming. Wielding power and control is
the job I did better at both.
intoxicating and addicting, particularly for young men.
Men, on their basic level are hunters; women protectors/
helpers. Trusting natural inclinations, guided by
conscience is usually right, however, the natural hunter in
us can be contrary to law enforcement's mission of
protecting and serving. The law enforcement sub-culture
often rewards hunting and ignores the serving or helping
part of the mission. I believe a man's natural inclination to
hunt must be tamed; failing to do so results in ignoring a
person's rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. Police
power corrupts all of us to some degree. Percy Bysshe
Shelley said, "Power, like a desolating pestilence, Pollutes
whate'er it touches;…"
Recently, I had deep insight that is still not fully processed.
I did a Helper/Hunter workshop for a group of Chicago
I realize that my police powers tempted me to things I
cops attending a Wellness Day. After my segment a
never would have, or could have done without them, and
sergeant with 20 plus years on the job approached with an
didn't understand I was sometimes abusing power even
example from his side-job experience. He agreed that
when actions were legal, sanctioned, and encouraged by
helping people was the way to job satisfaction and hunting
peers and bosses. I've come to realize that my "hunting"
a necessary by-product of helping. He went on to explain
mentality had less to do with what was right and more to
how police behaviors are influenced by their family ties.
do with fun, feeding ego and an appetite for praise and
The sergeant's side business is running security for church
acceptance. Loath to admit this, priorities got confused.
carnivals, and several years ago he recognized that his
workers, off-duty Chicago cops spent too much time away
from their families working security gigs. He started
Do you know cops who work all the overtime they can get?
encouraging them to bring their families to the carnivals
They tell you they're doing it for their family; BULL! Money
they worked so they could see what their job entailed.
issues are a result of not living within one's means.
Help or Hunt?, Con’t...
Initially, there was great resistance from the cops citing the
At one time most men wearing a badge policed the towns
safety of their families. Gradually, some tried it and found
in which they and their families lived. Peacemaking and
it rewarding. Amazingly, there has been no conflict
fairness were the objectives, not collecting guns, dope and
between his workers and the carnival-goers since the
felons. How would interaction on your next stop change if
families started coming because they approached people
your family were there? Would your words and tone of
differently. Now, it is routine to see his security people
voice be different? Think about it.
with their families mingling with patrons at the carnivals.
Continue your good works. ILEETA
He says his workers view their service differently; they see
themselves as peacemakers, protectors and helpers
rather than law-enforcers hunting for bad behavior.
Seeing themselves in this light guides their actions rather
than the hunter mentality so prevalent in our profession.
This change in perspective changes behavior. I suspect
this experience has even changed their demeanor in
About the Author
Thomas Cline, a 47-year law enforcement veteran is past president of
the International Association of Ethics Trainers, a writer/trainer at the
Chicago Police Academy and a consultant. He's authored Cop Tales!
(Never Spit in a Man’s Face…Unless His Mustache is on Fire) and
Surviving Storms. Non-Tactical Career Survival for Law Enforcers. For
information on training and workshops Email: Coptales@gmail.com
citizen contacts while working for their agencies.
Surviving & Thriving Behind the Badge™
By Olivia Johnson, DM
I
f I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times: not all
one cigarette would take five
stress is bad, like the acute stress that keeps us
years off your life (pending you
going. It keeps us getting out of bed and to work,
were pretty happy with your
because many of us have bills to pay. It is the stress of
life), would you reconsider your
being down a few reports or maybe having to pick up a
next cigarette? I would hope
sick child at daycare. But when does acute stress become
so, but it doesn’t work like that.
the bad type of stress? And, how can you tell if you are
We can abuse our bodies for
suffering from too much stress?
years without issue. This is good and bad. It is good in that
we cannot beat ourselves up over the choices we’ve
made. We can only try to make better decisions in the
Well, one of the deadliest forms of stress is chronic stress.
future. In addition, the body is fairly resilient and once we
Chronic stress is so dangerous because it becomes part of
make these lifestyle changes, we often begin to look and
our lives. We often fail to recognize it for what it is. It is the
feel better. The bad, these habits become who we are,
unhealthy marriage or relationship, toxic family members
what we do. We don’t think about that next cigarette or
and friends, a demanding boss, an unsatisfying career, a
cigar as being our last, until it is.
special needs child, addiction in the home (i.e., shopping,
food, alcohol, drugs, etc.). This ‘stress’ is deadly, because
it becomes ‘normal.’ It is all we know and in order to deal
with this stress in our lives, we often place our own needs
on the backburner. Not only do we fail to take care of
ourselves, we often turn to things like drinking alcohol,
smoking cigarettes, or using energy drinks in mass
quantities. So the vicious cycle begins. The use of alcohol
and caffeine often keeps us from getting that deep, restful
sleep we need to recharge. So, we toss and turn and
begin every day sleepy. Big deal you say. Well, coming to
work sleepy could cost you or someone else their life.
Carrying a firearm and driving a four thousand pound
vehicle while groggy is extremely concerning and could
become a departmental liability. Just because it hasn’t
happened doesn’t mean it won’t.
We often overlook many of the signs and symptoms
associated with chronic stress until something bad
happens. That something bad often results in years of
The inability to deal appropriately with chronic forms of
abusing our own bodies and may come on the form of a
stress may not result in immediate issues. That is another
medical emergency or health scare. Why does any of this
reason chronic stress is so dangerous. It sneaks up on us,
matter to you? Well, if you value your life, your health, and
and when we least expect it, wreaks havoc. The lack of
your family and friends, the time is now to take some
immediacy is part of the problem. If I told you that smoking
personal accountability. The time is now to make your
Surviving & Thriving, Con’t...
health a priority. It doesn’t matter if you have smoked for
address things like: genetics, risk factors, lifestyle, diet,
20 years; stopping now greatly reduces your health risks.
and exercise. Then we need to make a plan to address the
Getting a handle on your stress can do the same and will
negative things we may be doing to our bodies and replacing
probably help you reduce the need for other
counterproductive measures (i.e., nicotine, caffeine,
alcohol, etc.). We are all guilty of not taking care of
ourselves, but today that needs to change. As those who
“serve” and “protect,” it is difficult to do either if you are not
healthy. Who wants to do a career of serving and
protecting, not taking care of themselves, self-medicating,
only to retire and die shortly thereafter? No one. So why
do we keep putting ourselves at increases risk for things
that can cause a premature death?
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP),
since January 17 officers have died due to heart attacks or
them with more positive things. We are not getting any
younger and sadly, any healthier, but we can try to keep
many of these health concerns at bay with just a little
planning and preparation. You deserve to be the best you
that you can be. It is not just about surviving; it is about
Surviving & Thriving Behind the Badge©. ILEETA
About the Author
Dr. Olivia Johnson holds a master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice
from the University of Missouri and a doctorate in Organizational
Leadership Management from the University of Phoenix, School of
Advanced Studies. She founded the Blue Wall Institute where she trains
first responders, families, and administrators on wellness issues, suicide
awareness and prevention, peer support, etc. She serves on the St. Clair
County Suicide Alliance Board and the National POLICE Suicide
Foundation.
sudden cardiac death. The oldest being 55 and the
youngest 23. Now if that doesn’t scare you, I don’t know
what will. We can try to justify or explain away many
things, but what we cannot explain away: heart disease is
the leading killer of men and women and has been since
the turn of the century. With that being said, we have no
References
Officer Down Memorial Page. (2015). Honoring officers killed in
2015. Retrieved December 8, 2015, from: http://
www.odmp.org/search/year/2015
other choice then to take a look at the things, which may
be contributing to our ultimate demise. We need to
The Frustration-Aggression Theory and its
Importance to Law Enforcement: Saving Lives
and Careers
By Kevin Rice
W
e have all seen it:

American police officers can be better educated to
The video of the
identify the damaging impact that frustration can play
week that seems to
on their psyche.
be on a never ending loop as it

is played continuously on social
relationship between frustration and aggressive
media or the cable news networks. The video is
everywhere and the subject matter becomes part of our
American police officers can be trained to identify the
behavior as documented by various social scientists.

American police officers can be given very common
national conversation until the next video appears to takes
sense tools to lessen the impact of frustration. With
it place. The video always purports to show a police officer
these tools, police officers can be taught to realize
acting unprofessionally or aggressively in violation of the
when they are becoming frustrated and can take
accepted norms of our profession. Usually accompanying
positive steps to lessen that impact, thereby keeping
the videotape are the comments and opinions of armchair
the officer from reacting inappropriately.
quarterbacks opining how American law enforcement
officers are out of control and in need of “fixing”.
With these truths in mind, Command Presence Training
Associates offers this course. The goal of this course is to
At Command Presence Training Associates, when we
identify the human emotion that we believe is causing the
see these videos we know certain truths:
most damage to our profession, and that emotion is

frustration.
American police officers are not superhuman and they
are drawn from the general population of the human
race. They therefore experience all of the emotions
that impact every other human being.

American police officers are some of the most bravest,
patriotic and highly trained professionals in the public
sector. The vast majority of police officers are good
officers drawn to this profession to help people. They
desire to uphold the highest standards of this
profession.

American police officers are continually thrown into
highly emotionally charged situations and are often
impeded in their efforts to achieve justice by a
multitude of obstacles. That many of the officers in
these videos have been placed in highly frustrating
conditions and their actions are clearly the result of
reacting to emotion as opposed to reacting to their
training. Their actions are the result of frustration and
not malevolence.
In the course, we define what frustration is and what it
isn’t. We discuss at length the study of frustration by social
scientists and specifically discuss the relationship between
frustration and the subsequent response of aggressive
behavior.
Frustration-Aggression Theory, Con’t...
The course also examines how officers can identify when
they are experiencing frustration and what those officers
can do to immediately counteract the negative effects of
feeling frustrated. The course examines what experts
suggest are the best tools for combatting frustration. The
course reviews those suggestions and converts them to
the realities of police work.
For years, police trainers have discussed “stress” in law
enforcement and have incorporated techniques intended
to lessen the long term impact of stress on our officers.
With this course, we intend to show that the human
emotion of frustration, an instantaneously felt emotion, and
our officer’s inappropriate response to that one specific
emotion, can be just as damaging to their health and their
livelihood as stress is.
With some very common sense and scientifically relevant
and defensible techniques, we hope that we can educate
the law enforcement community about the effects of
frustration on our profession and can train our officers to
recognize it as an emotion and counteract it immediately.
In short, the course is intended to arm the law
enforcement community with the tools necessary to
combat a threat and that threat is frustration. ILEETA
About the Author
Kevin Rice is an instructor with Command Presence Training Associates.
Kevin is a 29 year veteran of law enforcement having served as a police
officer and a federal agent. He has held several management positions
in federal law enforcement has seen first-hand the negative impacts
that frustration has played on officer’s lives. Kevin holds a Master’s
Degree in Public Administration from Troy State University and is a
recent graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and
Command.
Special Topics
Supplemental Training for School
Resource Officers
By Alicia Lutman
D
ecember 19, 2012,
less than a week after
the mass shooting at
Sandy Hook Elementary school
in Connecticut, an individual
walked into Sandy Hook Elementary school in Strasburg,
VA with a 2x4 with the words “high power rifle” hand
written on the side. A school resource officer stepped in
and arrested the individual without incident. This unsettling
incident paved the way for major security changes within
the district. One of the changes was placement of an SRO
in every school within the county. The increased presence
of school resource officers alleviated many fears about
student safety, but also brought to light many new
Training was provided to the team of Shenandoah County
Resource Officers to help them better understand the most
common diagnoses seen within the public school setting,
how to help diffuse pediatric behavioral disturbances, and
how to help redirect students back into the learning
environment. The skills and knowledge acquired by school
resource officers is specialized and very different in some
respects from the skills and knowledge required for
officers working with adults. In Shenandoah County,
having a school resource officer on every campus has also
paved the way to help make connections within the
community and with community officers.
challenges for the officers.
Children who grow up to understand that the school
resource officer will be there every day to say, “good
morning” as they enter the building, understand that the
officer is there to keep them safe, and might even get a
special game of basketball at recess or have a book read
to them as a reward for good behavior are going to have a
better understanding of how to socially appropriately
interact with law enforcement at all levels. Many children
with behavioral issues and mental health issues require
extra training to understand social skills, and intertwining it
Ultimately the teacher needs to have authority over his or
her classroom; however, many children are entering the
within the school setting is the first step towards a positive
future.
school setting with undiagnosed behavioral and mental
health issues. This leads to teachers requiring assistance
This course will share the materials used to perform the
from the assistant principal and principal to help students
SCSRO training and help you take the supplemental
understand consequences of behavior and often diffusing
information back and train other school resource officers
volatile situations. However, in our society we have begun
about some of the different behavioral issues they might
see behavioral issues than requires us to call officers to
encounter. Education about each of the most common
assist with behavioral disturbances within the home as
behavioral and mental health diagnosis within the pediatric
well as in school settings.
population (birth to 18 year) will be highlighted, increasing
School Resource Officers, Con’t...
officer knowledge about potential specific challenges. Tips
for helping to diffuse some of the critical instances and
how to redirect behavior in this specialized environment
will also be shared. School Resource Officers play a
special role in helping to reduce the number of “negative
encounters” juveniles have with law enforcement because
About the Author
Alicia Lutman OTD, MS, OTR/L, ATC is an assistant professor of
Occupational Therapy at Shenandoah University in Winchester,
Virgina. Her areas of specialization include pediatric and geriatric
behavioral issues. She has been working on program development for
training First Responders working with individuals with autism for over
6 years. She works closely with Master’s level occupational therapy
students to research program effectiveness.
they can help to bring “positive encounters” to children of
all ages, which may lead to improved overall community
relations in the future. ILEETA
Law Enforcements Role in Fourth
Generation Warfare
By Col. Dan Dickerson
“T
errorism” changed the role of law
enforcement forever. September 11,
2001 was a stunning example of the
potential harm mankind can do in
today’s world. A relatively small group of people –
unfettered by bureaucratic control – plan, practice, and
initiate an attack against the government of the United
States and do more damage than the WW2 assault on
Pearl Harbor. They launched a new style of war in the
history of mankind that will probably become known as
‘4th generation warfare’.
Police, now occupy the front line in the war against
terrorism, and must make a rapid paradigm shift in order to
respond and prevent future catastrophic events. To
succeed, a new police role has to emerge that changes
our “reactive” style to become “proactive” and security
oriented. Being reactive gives a potential aggressor the
opportunity to strike first. In the case of traditional criminal
activity, reactive response is a risk that society has been
willing to take. However, in the case of terrorism, being
one step behind the aggressor means putting entire
communities in harm’s way.
So how does this affect the way police operate? Well first
and foremost, there are no clearly drawn front lines in this
war. This is not an enemy that our military machinery,
mighty as it may be, will be able to fight. The enemy is
among us these days and may appear in a variety of
forms: from the fanatic to the religious to the special
interest cause. They are of foreign origin or citizens of the
United States. They are young and old, men and women,
and do not fit any stereo typical profile. This enemy is not
Taking a proactive approach means interceding before the
attack has a chance to occur. To do this, you must be able
to anticipate terrorist activities, and detect suspicious
behavior before it escalates into an event. It is not simply a
matter of finding the means of potential aggression such
as a bomb. Because once the bomb is in the hands of a
terrorist intent on using it, we are too late.
deterred by our democratic punitive and correctional
mechanism of incarceration or even by the death penalty.
This security role for law enforcement requires a new skill
Its only deterrence lies in failure to achieve his/her terrorist
set of universally applicable skills that include: enemy
objective.
oriented thinking processes (“Red Team”), behavioral and
Fourth Generation Warfare, Con’t...
situational awareness, security questioning techniques
What we face today is a war of generations and one,
and communication with the community
which won’t be fought by armies on a chosen field of
Police in this war on terrorism will have to be creative, fast
thinking, empowered with the ability to make decisions and
act decisively in the face of threat and at the same time be
battle, but, will be in the cities with the side streets and
alleys being the new battlefields. And the soldiers, those
on the front lines, will be those in law enforcement.
defenders of the Constitution and protectors of civil
I welcome each and every one who attends this year’s
liberties.
conference to be in my course Law Enforcement’s Role in
Fourth Generation Warfare. ILEETA
The enemy is neither faceless nor invisible, but, displays
certain characteristics that make them vulnerable. It only
About the Author
requires that you, the police officer learn to recognize
Danny Dickerson is a retired Colonel, U.S. Army. He has served as an
advisor to the UN, NATO and Interpol on terrorism and intelligence
planning.
these red flags. How does the enemy recruit,
communicate, raise funds, and conduct intelligence or
counterintelligence operations. Like street gangs, the
terrorists have their own colors, hand signs, codes, which,
up to now, have been little discussed, and, have two major
weaknesses that the police officer can use to his/her
advantage.
He has trained law enforcement in the U.S. from the local to federal
level on terrorism and intelligence, as well as investigators for the
Canadian Attorney General’s office and police officials in Egypt and
Jordan, and is recognized as a “presenter” by the Illinois Terrorism Task
Force.
He has written articles addressing the growing threat of terrorism
which have been republished in Latin America, Europe and the Middle
East.
The Need for Tactical Cultural Asset Teams
in Law Enforcement
By Dr. Michele Devlin &
Dr. Mark Grey
T
he United States Department of Defense has
used a variety of cultural assets in its
peacekeeping, provincial reconstruction,
humanitarian relief, and disaster response operations
around the world in recent decades. These various
professionals, with expertise in anthropology and human
culture, have been helpful in protecting local communities,
promoting public safety, and developing positive civilmilitary relationships in high-risk environments. These
cultural assets have taken many forms, including
interpreters, human terrain specialists, female
engagement teams, cultural liaisons, foreign area officers,
and the like. These subject matter experts in culture have
been particularly important in areas of operation that are
V.U.C.A….volatile, uncertain, changing, and ambiguous,
such as in nations like Iraq and Afghanistan where dozens
of cultures, languages, tribal groups, and complex social
traditions exist.
Public safety agencies have much to learn from the field of
anthropology, which is the study of human culture. Culture
can be thought of as the unique set of combined set of
values, traditions, beliefs, assumptions, and practices of a
group of people who share a common heritage, history, or
set of experiences. Most human cultures are extremely
diverse, and have many subcultures within them. The term
Tactical Anthropology can therefore be used to describe a
set of skills, practices, strategies, and techniques that can
be used in public safety settings, particularly in times of
emergency response, disasters, and other special
situations, to protect the wellbeing of community residents,
particularly those of subcultures that are marginalized or at
-risk. Some of these most vulnerable populations
Today, the United States is experiencing similar rapid
nationally include refugees, immigrants, low-income
changes in its population. Communities are more mobile,
families, some minority populations, the disabled, the
fluid, and culturally diverse than ever before. More than
elderly, and others that might experience unique language,
300 languages are now spoken in the United States, and
cultural, financial, transportation, and other factors that can
even small rural communities such as those in Iowa can
significantly affect their ability to withstand emergencies
have more than 50 languages in them. Law enforcement
and disasters.
officers are increasingly faced with the challenges of
working in communities where populations are migratory
and can change very quickly. Identifying key community
leaders, understanding the public safety needs and
cultural beliefs of various populations, protecting these
communities from criminals, recognizing new crime
patterns, and learning how to effectively engage with
multiple subpopulations in a jurisdiction are among the
most pressing needs of law enforcement today in
America’s rapidly changing communities.
Now more than ever, Tactical Cultural Asset Teams (TCATs) are needed in many law enforcement and public
safety settings. Depending on the size of a jurisdiction,
budget realities, and the level of cultural complexity in a
community, T-CATs can be developed to meet the needs
of a public safety agency and the community it serves.
They can be large or small. They can operate on a wellfunded permanent basis around the clock, or just activated
when needed on a smaller scale as part of the regular job
TCATs, Con’t...
duties of team members. They can be made up of security
is actually population-based information, not classified,
professionals as well as lay community representatives as
and is readily available from a variety of open, public
appropriate, with a fluid mix of personnel as needed. T-
sources. This knowledge about the civilian population
CATs can include police officers with excellent community
within the law enforcement agency’s jurisdiction or area of
engagement skills, law enforcement interpreters, cultural
operations is used proactively to help prevent and mitigate
liaisons from particular populations of interest, key
public safety issues in a community. This information can
community leaders, anthropologists from local universities,
come from conversations with groups of families and
and others with outstanding skills in communication,
community leaders, field visits to events and
human interaction, and a passion for cross-cultural
neighborhoods, and positive interactions with residents
interaction and analysis. They should include both male
before an emergency occurs. More specific cultural
and female law enforcement officials, due to the complex
understanding can also come from books, articles,
role that gender can play in many cultures. T-CAT
websites, Facebook pages, smart-phone apps, non-profit
members must be willing to work with populations that are
associations, Census data records, and other sources of
often marginalized by others and sometimes viewed as
information. However, it is usually best when this kind of
labor-intensive burdens in emergency response. They
information comes from first-hand accounts and actual
must be as comfortable talking with ethnic market owners
members of that community.
as they are with visiting homeless meal sites or crowded
refugee apartment buildings. Quite simply, T-CAT
members thrive in working with chaos, where the
T-CATs are helpful in a variety of ways. They can provide
challenge of responding to emergencies and crisis
rapid assessment information about a community for
situations is amplified by language, cultural, and financial
public safety planning and response purposes, such as
barriers. T-CAT members have excellent street “cred” and
knowing the rough size of a particular population, general
smarts, but are also enthusiastic book learners and
education levels, common family structures, key leaders,
listeners about the history, traditions, and values within
languages spoken, literacy levels, geographic areas in a
various subcultures.
jurisdiction, best methods for mass communication, and so
forth. T-CATS can also be useful in strategic planning with
law enforcement administrators and government officials
T-CAT members rely on SOCINT, or socio-cultural
when preparing for disasters, emergencies, or other
intelligence and information, to understand the needs and
events. They can collaborate with other agencies to share
patterns of a subculture, and help law enforcement
education and outreach information at the appropriate
agencies meet the public safety concerns of these
language and literacy level through preferred community
populations in times of crisis through a variety of
methods about how to prevent certain crimes, where to get
strategies. This is not HUMINT, or human intelligence on
help for victims, or how to survive a disaster. T-CATs can
individuals for the purpose of targeting an individual or
be used to help identify and engage with key community
gaining confidential information to solve a crime. SOCINT
leaders about public safety issues in proactive ways
TCATs, Con’t...
before, during, and after a crisis occurs. These field teams
can help investigators understand the often-overlooked
cultural component that may play a part in criminal
patterns and victimization within various communities, and
provide advice on the best ways to help families in those
areas. Many Tactical Cultural Asset Teams can be
particularly useful in helping manage community and
police relations during high profile events--such as missing
person searches--and they can be excellent liaisons with
About the Authors
Dr.Michele Devlin is Professor of Global Health at the University
of Northern Iowa, and a specialist in refugee
programming, disaster relief, and cross-cultural emergency
response. She is a cultural awareness trainer and Cultural Asset
Team member for the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Dr.
Devlin has worked or traveled in more than 50 nations,
and regularly trains law enforcement, military members, and
public health personnel on working effectively in rapidly
changing, multicultural, fluid environments. Dr. Devlin may be
reached at michele.devlin@uni.edu.
family members of victims in these crises. T-CAT
members can also be used to provide cultural briefings
and trainings to their law enforcement colleagues when
they are working on special projects or serving in particular
communities with which officers may be unfamiliar.
In sum, the skills and techniques used in Tactical
Anthropology, particularly through the development of TCATs in public safety agencies, can help improve law
Dr. Mark Grey is Professor of Applied Anthropology at the
University of Northern Iowa. He has more than 25 years of
experience working with immigrant populations, and specializes
in helping public service agencies understand the implications of
changing demographics for their operations. Dr. Grey is a
nationally recognized subject matter expert in human
migration. He is a Cultural Asset Team member for the Iowa
Department of Public Safety, and a cultural awareness trainer
for the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Dr. Grey may be
reached at mark.grey@uni.edu.
enforcement and community relations in a more positive
way during times of crisis. America’s communities are
changing rapidly, and law enforcement agencies are in
great need of specialists that understand the implications
of demographic change for policing and public safety. Now
more than ever, the knowledge of human culture should
be viewed as a critical asset that is urgently needed by
public safety agencies to ensure the protection and
wellbeing of all community members, particularly those
who are most vulnerable. ILEETA
Meet and Greet The Authors
March 14
1000 - 1400
Dr. Ronald Rufo
Sexual Predators Amongst Us, published in December of 2011 by Taylor Francis, CRC Press.
Criminal Profiling, Police and Profiling in the United States: Applying Theory to Criminal
Investigations, published in 2012 by Taylor Francis, CRC Press.
Police Suicide: Is Police Culture Killing Our Officers? Published in July, 2015 by Taylor Francis, CRC
Press.
Chaplain Cary Friedman
"Spiritual Survival for Law Enforcement" (Compass Books)
Richard Nance
gunFIGHT! An Integrated Approach to Shooting and Fighting in Close Quarters
Monthly Contributor to Guns & Ammo Magazine
Contributing Editor for Handguns Magazine
Jeffrey McGill
The Price They Pay
Karen Solomon
The Price They Pay
Hearts Beneath the Badge
Martin Smith
Martin currently has two self published books - "In a State - Being in the Right State" and his second
book looks at different personality types and how to understand them and more importantly
manage them in different situations.
Eric Dickinson
The Street Officer's Guide to Emergency Medical Tactics, Looseleaf Law Publications
Meet and Greet The Authors
March 14
1000 - 1400
Joe Serio
Getting Healthy: 50 Lessons on Fitness for Law Enforcement;
Leaving Blue: 50 Lessons on Retiring Well from Law Enforcement;
Dispatcher Stress: 50 Lessons on Beating the Burnout;
Time Management: 50 Lessons on Finding Time for What's Important;
Public Speaking: 50 Lessons on Presenting Without Losing Your Cool;
Overcoming Fear: 50 Lessons Being Bold and Living the Dream;
Investigating the Russian Mafia
Ron Scheidt
am I that man?
Join online at www.ileeta.org

2016 ILEETA

Transcription

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