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The ILEETA Journal Fall Edition | 2023 The Fall Edition of the ILEETA Journal (Volume 13, Edition 3) presents a diverse and insightful collection of articles tailored for law enforcement educators and trainers seeking to enhance their skills and impact. Readers can expect in-depth explorations of critical topics such as officer safety, use of force, and the integration of creative thinking into training to improve retention and effectiveness. The journal delves into the importance of refining soft skills through martial arts, embracing realistic training that challenges both ego and physical comfort, and adhering to standardized guidelines in Field Training Officer programs despite staffing challenges. Instructor development is a key focus, with articles offering strategies for optimizing learning, effectively reviewing student assignments, and addressing criticisms of modern training methods. Leadership development is also emphasized, providing practical advice on increasing leadership presence, fostering servant leadership, and implementing strategic planning within agencies. Additionally, the issue highlights the significance of continuous learning for instructors and warns against the pitfalls of being a "paper instructor." Overall, this edition equips readers with valuable knowledge and practical tools to advance law enforcement training and promote officer well-being. Archive of JournalsLog In To Download In this Edition: The Next Generation of ILEETA Leadership | Harvey Hedden Harvey Hedden announces his upcoming retirement as Executive Director of ILEETA and introduces his successor, Ray Merlin. Hedden reflects on the organization's founding principles and expresses confidence in the new leadership to continue ILEETA's mission of serving law enforcement educators and trainers. He assures members that the transition will be smooth and that the organization's commitment to providing valuable resources and conferences will remain steadfast. Reality | Kevin R. Davis Kevin R. Davis shares his experiences as an expert witness in use-of-force cases. He discusses recent cases where he defended officers whose actions were legally justified, as well as cases where officers exceeded legal limits and faced consequences. Davis emphasizes the importance of understanding legal standards and the role of expert witnesses in upholding professional use-of-force investigations. He urges law enforcement professionals to remain committed to lawful practices and continuous training. Adding Creative Thinking to Training Can Improve Retention | Todd Fletcher Todd Fletcher explores how incorporating creative thinking into firearms training can enhance learning and skill retention. He discusses concepts like cognitive load, autonomy, and psychological safety, explaining how these factors influence a student's ability to absorb and retain information. Fletcher provides practical examples of how instructors can create a more engaging and effective learning environment by allowing students to experiment, make choices, and learn from mistakes in a supportive setting. A Broad Perspective of Martial Arts: Refining Soft Skills Through Martial Experience | Fabio Gomes Fabio Gomes examines how martial arts training can enhance soft skills critical for law enforcement professionals. He highlights the mental health benefits and the development of strategic intelligence through martial experience. Gomes discusses how martial arts go beyond physical self-defense, promoting emotional intelligence, adaptability, and improved decision-making, which are essential for security professionals facing challenging [...]

The ILEETA Journal Winter Edition | 2024 The Winter Edition of the ILEETA Journal (Volume 13, Edition 4) offers a comprehensive collection of articles designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of law enforcement educators and trainers. Readers can expect insightful reflections on use-of-force challenges, with Kevin R. Davis discussing evolving legal standards and the importance of continuous education. The issue emphasizes effective training methodologies, such as Todd Fletcher's advocacy for respectful instruction and Dan Fraser's exploration of motor learning conditions. Misconceptions like the "21-Foot Rule" are clarified by Duane Wolfe, while innovative approaches like gaze training for improved decision-making are presented by Jeff Johnsgaard. Health and wellness topics are also prominent, including strategies for estate planning by Kim Schlau and addressing the critical issue of officer suicide by Darrell Burton. Leadership development is highlighted through personal narratives and practical advice, encouraging trainers to elevate their programs and adapt to new challenges. Overall, this journal provides valuable insights and practical strategies to advance law enforcement training and officer well-being. Archive of JournalsLog In To Download In this Edition: Reflection | Kevin R. Davis In "Reflection," Kevin R. Davis shares insights from his attendance at the DLG Use of Force Summit in Connecticut. He discusses the evolving landscape of law enforcement use of force, emphasizing the importance of continuous education and advanced training. Davis highlights the challenges officers face with digital video evidence and the varying applications of legal standards like Graham v. Connor across different jurisdictions. He recounts his experiences defending officers in use-of-force cases, noting inconsistencies in legal interpretations. Davis urges law enforcement professionals to expand their knowledge and stay current with training to navigate the complexities of modern policing effectively. Don’t Be a D! Todd Fletcher addresses the negative impact of law enforcement instructors who mistreat or belittle their students. Drawing from personal experiences, he contrasts supportive instructors with those who use intimidation or embarrassment as teaching tools. Fletcher advocates for a respectful and empathetic approach to instruction, emphasizing that treating students well leads to better engagement and learning outcomes. He introduces the principle "Don't be a d!¢k," highlighting its importance in fostering a positive training environment. Fletcher underscores that instructors are leaders who should model professionalism and accountability without resorting to demeaning behavior. The 21-Foot Rule is NOT a Rule | Duane Wolfe Duane Wolfe challenges the misconceptions surrounding the "21-Foot Rule" in law enforcement. He clarifies that the original concept, introduced by Dennis Tueller, was a drill demonstrating reaction times, not a strict rule justifying the use of deadly force within 21 feet. Wolfe emphasizes that distance alone does not determine the appropriateness of force. Instead, officers should consider the totality of circumstances, including time, distance, cover, and the suspect's actions. He advocates for training that includes movement, creating safe reactionary gaps, and understanding that each situation requires a nuanced assessment rather than reliance on a fixed rule. Improving Performance and Decision-Making: Gaze Training for Law Enforcement (Part 2 of 2) | Jeff Johnsgaard In the [...]

The ILEETA Journal The spring edition of the ILEETA Journal reflects change and growth in both the journal and the ILEETA organization. This edition features a modernized cover with an AI-generated image symbolizing global law enforcement trainers' connection, a new section on ILEETA happenings, and articles about the organization and its annual conference. Notable changes include Harvey's article on his career and his transition from the Executive Director role, and the introduction of Dan Fraser as the new Instructor Development section editor, succeeding Thom Dworak. Additionally, the journal highlights a new connection with a German law enforcement training organization, promising future international collaborations and articles. Despite the changes, the dedication of ILEETA members remains constant. Have a great summer! Archive of JournalsLog In To Download Spring Edition | June 2024 ILEETA Happenings: Wow, That Went Fast... (Harvey Hedden) | Harvey Hedden reflects on his 45-year law enforcement career, highlighting the importance of training. Hedden credits his mentors and colleagues for ILEETA’s success and emphasizes the ongoing need for training improvement. As he transitions out of his role as Executive Director, he acknowledges the support of his wife and plans to continue contributing to ILEETA. ILEETA at the 2024 European Police Trainer Conference (Harvey Hedden) |Harvey Hedden recounts attending the 2024 European Police Trainer Conference in Leipzig, Germany, organized by Polizeitrainer in Deutschland (PiD). The event featured lectures and hands-on training, with over a hundred trainers from various European countries. Joe Willis delivered a  session on suicide prevention and Hedden announced a future exchange of resources and scholarships between ILEETA and PiD. Emerson Hour 2024 (Jason Der) |The Emerson Hour at the ILEETA conference, initiated by Brian Willis, features six speakers each delivering nine-minute talks without visual aids, answering, "What has become clear to you since we last met?" This year, Kerry Mensior emphasized the importance of gratitude and intentionality in daily life. Darrel Burton shared stories highlighting the significance of every interaction and the need to recognize our own value. Angelic Huth discussed the power of simple, effective communication and its impact on policy change. Ken Murray reflected on perseverance and relevance in training. Von Kliem urged attendees to reject negative narratives about policing and focus on continuous improvement. Joe Willis challenged participants to pursue their dreams and push beyond comfort zones. Joe also announced his step-down as MC, passing the role to Todd Fletcher. The event underscores intentionality, presence, and fostering change, making it a conference highlight. Officer Safety & Use of Force: Topics on Force (Kevin R. Davis) | Kevin R. Davis shares his experiences from attending and instructing at the Force in Focus symposium in Indianapolis, hosted by L.E.T.A.C. Despite a social media controversy reducing attendance, the event featured top instructors and valuable training. Davis highlighted expert witness credibility issues, discussed the importance of effective use of force training, and shared his involvement in various law enforcement cases. He emphasized the need for continued training and announced future events and content for ILEETA members. What Have You [...]