In this Edition:

Editorial: Welcome to ILEETA 2025: Recharging and Reconnecting | Kerry Avery
Avery frames ILEETA 2025 as five and a half days of transformative learning, officer wellness, and ethical leadership. The editorial highlights evidence based training, mindfulness, peer support, and the value of hallway conversations, Emerson Hour, and hospitality events for professional networking and collaboration. Trainers are encouraged to stretch beyond comfort zones, apply critical thinking, and turn ideas into implementation back home. A strong call to attend outside your usual scope, reflect, connect, and recharge anchors the message.

What’s Happening | ILEETA Journal Staff
This page provides key conference logistics and participation notes for ILEETA members, including due dates for article submissions and social media guidance. It reinforces community engagement through the #ILEETA25 tag and directs readers to follow ongoing updates about classes, presenters, and the Expo. Use this page to plan content contributions, monitor deadlines, and stay connected to conference communications.

Message from the Executive Director | Ray Merlin
Merlin welcomes trainers and previews an outstanding conference lineup of classes and vendors in St. Louis. He encourages members to learn from the journal articles if they cannot attend in person and to track updates via ILEETA’s website and social channels. The note closes with appreciation for trainers and their families, and an open invitation to share ideas that strengthen the association.

Meet Me in St. Louis, A Guide to the ILEETA Host City | Kim Schlau
A concise city guide that orients attendees to the Union Station host hotel and to St. Louis attractions, from the Gateway Arch and Forest Park to theaters, museums, and dining. The article mixes history with practical tips and links to official attractions and tourism resources, helping travelers plan before and during the conference week. Ideal for first timers and returning members who want to make the most of free time around sessions and the Expo.

Emerson Hour 2025 | Todd Fletcher
Fletcher explains why Emerson Hour is a signature ILEETA experience. Speakers have nine minutes, no slides, and answer Emerson’s question, “What has become clear to you since we last met.” The session blends reflection, candor, humor, and shared learning, modeling communication, storytelling, and professional growth. Originating in 2013, the event continues to inspire trainers with purpose and perspective, making it a can’t miss program.

2025 ILEETA Conference and Expo, My Challenge to You | Chrystal Fletcher
A rallying guide for building your week, selecting diverse sessions across disciplines, and avoiding the “curse of knowledge.” Fletcher urges trainers to fight routine, audition new ideas, and lean into after hours events like Emerson Hour and hospitality to build real relationships. The piece frames ILEETA as a holistic, advanced training environment that challenges doctrine and grows instructors into better mentors and leaders.

Officer Safety and Use of Force

5 lbs. of Pressure, OIS Incident Training and the Aftermath | Kevin R. Davis
Davis addresses operational and post incident threats to officers, including stress, decision making under perceived threat, digital video interpretation, and articulation gaps after shootings. He urges agencies to get ahead of the narrative, support lawful performance, and prepare trainers, supervisors, and union leaders to build critical decision makers whose actions are defensible. The article points readers toward related panels on training trends and legal issues.

Aiming to Win, Not Pass a Test | Noel Aher
Aher critiques qualification centric firearms training for its disconnect from real gunfights, emphasizing target focused aiming, decision making, and speed under stress. He outlines how to train officers to perform at operational speed with maintained accuracy, framing vision and attention as finite resources to allocate in close quarters threats. The class aims to shift departments toward performance driven standards that better predict street success.

Shooting at the Speed of Efficiency | Josh Logan
Logan argues you can have both speed and accuracy, then describes a performance framework tailored to evolving threats, including terrorism. The session builds high speed accuracy, stress tolerant decision skills, and training that transfers beyond the firing line into operations. Linked resources and prior demos provide additional learning pathways for firearms instructors and line officers.

Shooting with Science, Part II | Duane Wolfe
Wolfe translates research to field application, covering reaction and response time, why cops get killed, distance rules, unintentional discharges, and RDS vs iron sights. The evidence informed session equips firearms instructors to separate research from reality and identify essential training that improves survival. It is a practical bridge for any agency moving toward research driven curricula.

Rethinking Use of Force Training and Remediation | Tim Barfield
Barfield integrates human performance, stress science, and Sidney Dekker’s “people are problem solvers” approach to reshape remediation culture. He examines barriers to scenario based training and simulators, then argues for training that addresses stress effects before failure points. The article challenges top down mindsets, pushing agencies to listen to line officers and build remediation around how humans actually perform under pressure.

Sharpening the Mind, The Tactical Advantage of Mindfulness | Author not shown in snippet
This piece connects mindfulness, resilience, and performance under stress to tactical outcomes. Expect discussion of attention control, emotional regulation, and evidence supported mental skills that reduce cognitive overload in dynamic incidents. The theme aligns with ILEETA’s growing wellness emphasis and integrates with firearms, de escalation, and decision training.

Introduction to the Force Accountability Model, FAM | Author not shown in snippet
An overview of a structured accountability model for force encounters that ties policy, training, documentation, and review together. FAM helps trainers align decision making expectations, post incident articulation, and organizational learning, offering a repeatable framework for improving force governance. Useful for command staff, IA, and instructors who build remedial pathways.

The Case for Simulators in Firearms Training, Beyond the Square Range | Author not shown in snippet
Advocates for integrating simulators to close the gap between static range skills and decision rich scenarios. The article likely addresses cost, logistics, and fidelity, while showing how simulator data improves coaching, articulation, and remediation. It positions simulators as complementary to live fire in a full spectrum training program.

Channeling Your Inner Range Ninja | Author not shown in snippet
A practical grab bag for firearms instructors who manage busy lines, complex drills, and diverse shooter needs. Readers can expect tips on efficiency, safety, coaching language, and range organization that increase reps, improve feedback loops, and build confidence and competence.

Instructor Development

Mastering Training Documentation with AI Assistance | Kerry Avery, MEd
Avery shows how AI can accelerate lesson plan drafting, learning objectives, test items, and scenario prompts while maintaining security, ethics, and instructor oversight. The article positions AI as a force multiplier, not a replacement, with concrete use cases and cautions about sensitive information. It includes a hands on session invitation for live demonstrations of AI aided instructional design workflows.

Forget Forgetting | Dan Fraser
Fraser explains memory science, the forgetting curve, and retrieval practice techniques to make learning stick. He gives trainers ready to use strategies like no stakes quizzing, brain dumps, think pair share, spaced retrieval, and application questions to improve retention and transfer. This is a practical blueprint for evidence based teaching and better learner performance in the field.

TPACK Essentials, Teaching with Technology | Jason Der
Der breaks down Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge, then shows how their intersection guides smart tech integration. Examples include legal studies with LMS, video analysis, and research databases, emphasizing purposeful design and instructor upskilling. The piece helps academies and FTO programs choose tools that raise learning outcomes and operational effectiveness.

Seed, Weed, Water and Feed, Raising Healthy Recruits in Law Enforcement | Author not shown in snippet
A development model for academy instructors and FTOs focused on cultivating character, pruning counterproductive habits, providing growth resources, and reinforcing desired performance. Expect guidance on feedback, coaching, culture, and early career wellness that reduces attrition and builds resilient officers. Good for training units and supervisors who want a shared language for coaching.

Assessing Training, How Do We Improve Teaching and Learning | Author not shown in snippet
This article outlines practical assessment tools that give instructors actionable feedback before the course ends. Look for mid course surveys, student response systems, and game based checks like Kahoot to engage learners and measure understanding in real time. The goal is agile instruction and better outcomes.

Reality Based Training, Focus on Your Students | Capt. Mark Candies
Candies collects adult learning references and RBT research to help instructors design high fidelity scenarios that build decision making under stress. The article curates sources across Force Science, adult learning, and scenario optimization to raise realism and transfer. It is a literature backed roadmap to better scenario design and coaching.

The Essential Role of Ethics in Police Training, A Call to Action for Law Enforcement Trainers | Jim Dugan
Dugan urges trainers to embed ethics across scenarios and culture, modeling integrity, facilitating real world dilemmas, and reinforcing the six pillars of character. He argues ethics protects careers, mental health, and public trust, promoting redemption oriented accountability. The piece invites trainers to an ILEETA session exploring how to make ethics a lifesaving priority in policing.

Enhancing Culture Through Training | Tyson Kilbey
Kilbey focuses on training as a primary lever for shaping agency culture, not just skill acquisition. Expect practical tools for aligning values, coaching behaviors, and reinforcing what “right looks like” during instruction. The article helps training units build cultures of learning, accountability, and professionalism.

Importance of Interactive Decision Training at the Academy | Author not shown in snippet
This piece makes the case for interactive, decision rich learning at recruit level to prepare officers for uncertain, high consequence environments. Anticipate coverage of branching scenarios, feedback cycles, and assessment methods that capture judgment, not just knowledge. A must read for academy directors and curriculum writers.

Law Enforcement Environment and Health and Wellness

The Enemy Within, Recognizing and Managing Imposter Syndrome | Author not shown in snippet
A trainer focused look at imposter syndrome, its impact on performance and retention, and practical coaching strategies to build confidence and competence. Expect tools for reframing, feedback, and peer support. This aligns with ILEETA’s broader wellness and professional development emphasis.

Tactical Mass Casualty Response | Author not shown in snippet
Outlines mass casualty incident readiness for law enforcement, including coordination, triage concepts, communication, and integration with fire and EMS. The article aims to strengthen interagency planning and training so first responders stabilize scenes quickly and safely.

Revisiting Devil’s Advocate, Anticipating Issues That Can Arise in Writing Police Reports | Author not shown in snippet
A writing improvement guide that helps officers and trainers spot errors, biases, or omissions before reports face legal scrutiny. Expect tactics for clarity, chronology, articulation of perception and decision making, and anticipating defense challenges. Good for academy and in service programs.

Nervous System Regulation, Simple, Game Changing Techniques | Author not shown in snippet
Introduces accessible breathwork, grounding, and self regulation skills that enhance decision making, de escalation, and recovery under stress. Trainers can integrate these drills into firearms, DT, and scenario blocks to improve performance and wellness.

Be Well to Lead Well | Author not shown in snippet
Connects leader effectiveness to personal wellness, emphasizing sleep, fitness, nutrition, and emotional regulation for supervisors and instructors. The piece links healthy habits to credibility, decision quality, and team culture.

Battle Buddy Resiliency | Author not shown in snippet
Promotes peer support models that reduce isolation, encourage help seeking, and systematize check ins. The article likely includes practical frameworks agencies can adopt to strengthen unit cohesion and resilience.

Officer Self Control, The Most Important Factor in De escalation | Sgt. David Vilaysing
Vilaysing centers de escalation on self control, covering personality triggers, motivation, duty to intervene, and scenario design that builds discipline. It ties scenario stress to learning, arguing that realistic, rigorous training grows judgment and calm under pressure. Trainers will get insights to weave self mastery into tactics.

Leadership Excellence, Creating an Environment Our People Deserve | Andrew DeMuth Jr.
DeMuth argues that leaders cannot control everything, but they can own environment. He breaks leadership into vision, culture, and environment, then lists seven elements that define day to day experience, from communication and compensation to facilities and policy. The session invites leaders to shape conditions that boost morale, performance, retention, and a shared sense of purpose.

The Emerson Room | Eddy Weiss

Eddy Weiss reflects on his transformative experience at the ILEETA Conference’s “Emerson Hour,” where six trainers shared profound insights inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s question: “What has become clear to you since we last met?” This mysterious, unadvertised session captivated attendees with passionate, wisdom-filled 9-minute talks that fostered reflection, connection, and personal growth. Weiss likens the event to a powerful, soul-stirring service, highlighting its impact on participants’ mental, emotional, and professional development. The Emerson Hour exemplifies ILEETA’s mission to inspire and elevate public safety trainers.

Standards | Kevin R. Davis

Kevin R. Davis examines the complexities of law enforcement tactics and their legal implications, focusing on the disparity between academy-taught practices and real-world applications. Highlighting cases like Graham v. Connor and State v. White, Davis critiques the use of hindsight bias and mythical “national standards” in prosecutions against officers. He emphasizes the importance of constitutional standards, such as reasonableness in rapidly evolving situations, while warning against politically driven prosecutions that undermine due process. Davis advocates for practical training aligned with real-world challenges and legal protections for officers.

Dry Fire Practice That Doesn’t Suck | Todd Fletcher

Todd Fletcher highlights innovative ways to make dry fire practice more engaging and effective. He introduces tools like DryFireMag, which resets the trigger on striker-fired pistols, and virtual reality (VR) shooting simulators like AceXR, offering realistic and interactive training options. Fletcher emphasizes safety, quality over quantity, and the importance of consistent practice to improve shooting skills. By combining modern technology and creativity, Fletcher demonstrates how dry fire practice can be transformed into a fun, productive, and affordable training method for law enforcement and competitive shooters.

Qualification Isn’t Training (Again): Insights from Aviation | Tom Snelling

Tom Snelling compares law enforcement qualification to aviation checkrides, emphasizing the need for meaningful training beyond mandatory tests. Drawing on his 40+ years as a pilot, Snelling highlights the benefits of realistic, scenario-based training like LOFT (Line Oriented Flight Training) used in aviation. He proposes an 80/10/10 model for firearms training: 80% training, 10% qualification, and 10% advanced practice. Snelling underscores the importance of fundamentals, constructive feedback, and diverse drills to enhance officer proficiency. He advocates for prioritizing relevant, effective training to make qualification a seamless process for officers.

Research v Common Sense | Duane Wolfe

Duane Wolfe emphasizes the importance of evidence-based research over “common sense” in law enforcement training. Highlighting a study comparing draw times with different holsters and firearms, Wolfe demonstrates how research often disproves assumptions. He explains the need to translate lab findings into practical training, considering human factors like stress, decision-making, and environmental conditions. Wolfe urges trainers to utilize research to optimize officer performance and maximize training time, advocating for a deeper understanding of how officers learn and retain skills under pressure.

Evaluating De-escalation for Crisis Encounters | Ryan Wilfong

Ryan Wilfong explores effective methods for evaluating de-escalation in law enforcement crisis encounters. He emphasizes the need for agencies to define de-escalation clearly and for officers to articulate their use of “talk, techniques, tactics, and time variables” to achieve the best possible outcomes. Wilfong introduces a three-prong evaluation—Demonstrate, Articulate, Validate—to assess officer actions and ensure training, accountability, and competency. He highlights the importance of body-worn cameras, detailed reporting, and trained reviewers to provide objective assessments and guide future performance improvements.

The Thin Line Between Risk and Gamble: A Correctional Officer’s Guide to Use of Force Decisions | Michael Cantrell

Michael Cantrell highlights the critical distinction between calculated risks and dangerous gambles in corrections. He stresses the importance of informed decision-making based on training, experience, and protocols rather than emotion or expedience. Cantrell identifies red flags for gambling behavior, such as skipping safety protocols and acting impulsively, and provides strategies for converting gambles into calculated risks through assessment, planning, and documentation. Emphasizing scenario-based training and risk management, Cantrell advocates for professionalism and preparation to enhance safety and maintain standards in the corrections field.

The Legal Imperative of Training Drill Instructors in Police Academies: Case Law and Safety Considerations | Bret E. Brooks

Bret E. Brooks underscores the critical importance of properly training drill instructors (DIs) in police academies to mitigate legal risks, uphold constitutional standards, and ensure recruit safety. Highlighting case law such as City of Canton v. Harris and Bryan County v. Brown, Brooks emphasizes the liabilities stemming from inadequate DI training, including failure-to-train lawsuits and safety violations. He advocates for comprehensive DI training that prioritizes physical safety, mental health, and adherence to OSHA guidelines. By investing in specialized DI programs, academies can protect recruits’ rights, maintain institutional integrity, and enhance law enforcement preparedness.

Spark Audience Engagement by Asking Better Questions | Dan Fraser

Dan Fraser explores how asking thoughtful questions can captivate and engage audiences during training. He introduces techniques like turning statements into questions, using the “Pose, Pause, Pounce, Bounce” method, and encouraging peer discussions to foster critical thinking and active participation. Fraser emphasizes creating a safe learning environment where students feel rewarded for engaging, regardless of correctness, through positive reinforcement. Drawing on his law enforcement training and comedic experience, Fraser demonstrates how dynamic questioning transforms passive learning into an interactive, memorable experience.

Embracing AI: Opportunities and Challenges for Instructors | Kerry Avery, M.Ed.

Kerry Avery explores the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on instructional design in law enforcement training. Highlighting tools like ChatGPT, Avery showcases AI’s ability to streamline content creation and enhance creativity but warns against the erosion of deep expertise. She advocates using AI as a tool, not a replacement, and emphasizes investing in instructional design principles, critically evaluating AI output, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. By balancing efficiency with integrity, Avery encourages instructors to embrace AI as a tool for innovation while safeguarding the expertise and rigor essential to effective, evidence-based training.

Old Dogs and New Tricks | Jason Der

Jason Der shares insights from his journey as a trainer, emphasizing the importance of energy, drive, and continuous growth in teaching. Drawing from a disappointing experience with a veteran instructor, Der highlights three key lessons: teach by example to inspire peers, focus on controlling the controllable by excelling in your own classroom, and remain a lifelong learner committed to both subject matter and pedagogy. Leveraging the ILEETA community, Der advocates for fostering passion, collaboration, and excellence in training to ensure all instructors stay sharp and adaptable.

Co-Teaching in Police Training: The Team Teaching Approach | Dr. Jason Mazeski

Dr. Jason Mazeski explores the concept of co-teaching, also known as team teaching, in police training. He outlines methods like team teaching, “one teach, one assist,” and “one teach, one observe,” highlighting their benefits in providing diverse perspectives, mentoring new instructors, and improving engagement. Mazeski emphasizes trust, collaboration, and flexibility as key to successful implementation. He underscores co-teaching’s versatility for lecture-based and hands-on training while cautioning agencies to ensure instructors are well-prepared to foster dynamic, learner-focused environments.

A Highly Effective Training Technique Few Are Utilizing | Andrew DeMuth Jr.

Andrew DeMuth Jr. emphasizes the transformative potential of tabletop training in law enforcement, particularly for new supervisors. This underutilized method, rooted in military strategy and widely adopted in fire services, simulates critical incidents like missing child cases to develop decision-making, procedural adherence, and resource awareness. DeMuth highlights its adaptability for seasoned leaders, agency-specific needs, and rare crises. He advocates for in-house program development to reinforce organizational values and provide immediate mentorship, underscoring that trial-by-fire methods risk costly mistakes.

Everyone Wants to Be a Trainer Until It’s Time to do Trainer Stuff | Ben Wallace

Ben Wallace explores the dedication and responsibility required to be an exceptional trainer in law enforcement. Drawing inspiration from Japanese culture and his personal journey, he emphasizes the importance of continuous growth, service, and effort in teaching. Wallace highlights tasks like lesson planning, case law review, and after-action reporting as vital yet often overlooked trainer duties. He challenges trainers to move beyond tradition, prioritize student success, and embrace training as a lifestyle, reminding them that officers “fall to the level of their trainer.”

The Science of Feedback | Staci Yutzie

Staci Yutzie explores the pivotal role of feedback in police training, emphasizing its potential to improve or hinder trainee performance. Highlighting common pitfalls—vagueness, information overload, premature intervention, and artificial praise—she advocates for specific, prioritized, and goal-directed feedback. Yutzie introduces a three-step model for effective feedback: clarify goals, assess performance, and outline next steps. By adopting research-based practices, trainers can foster meaningful learning and independence in trainees, enhancing training efficiency and outcomes.

Training for Competence and Confidence | Adam Sowden

Adam Sowden addresses a critical training gap in law enforcement: transitioning between techniques during dynamic situations. He highlights two solutions to enhance classroom training: removing the “friendly face” by using outside evaluators to reduce bias, and providing performance feedback in scenario-based training. Sowden shares insights from his agency’s innovative partnership with Middle Tennessee State University, using VR technology for crisis response training. These methods aim to build competence and confidence in new officers, preparing them to handle complex, real-world challenges effectively.

What Next? Preparing for Life After Law Enforcement | Sue Weaver

Sue Weaver discusses career transition options for retiring officers, emphasizing the importance of transferable skills and higher education. She outlines three popular pathways: teaching at police academies, launching a training or consulting business, and teaching in higher education. Weaver stresses preparation, such as earning degrees and leveraging professional networks, to ensure a smooth transition. With examples like expert witnesses and academy trainers, she highlights opportunities to align skills with meaningful second careers while maintaining financial and personal fulfillment.

Seven Essential Qualities of a Good Police Report | Christopher E. K. Pfannkuche

Christopher E. K. Pfannkuche outlines the seven essential qualities of a professional police report: factual, unbiased, comprehensive, statutory-aligned, prosecutor-focused, defense-aware, and professionally written. He emphasizes anticipating both the prosecutor’s burden of proof and potential defense strategies. Pfannkuche introduces his “AAA Template”—Accumulate, Anticipate, and Articulate—for effective report writing. By mastering these principles, officers can ensure their reports provide solid case foundations, enhancing investigative integrity and courtroom success.

Walk a Mile in Their Shoes | Adam Stanley

Adam Stanley highlights the importance of empathy in training new law enforcement officers. He shares personal experiences demonstrating how understanding a recruit’s struggles, from qualification challenges to personal stressors, can transform training outcomes. By “walking a mile in their shoes,” instructors can foster stronger relationships, prevent unnecessary failures, and instill the values of empathy and mentorship early in recruits’ careers. Stanley argues that empathetic training not only saves careers but also reinforces the noble image of law enforcement.

The Importance of Humility in Police Instruction | Richard Caito

Richard Caito emphasizes the essential role of humility in law enforcement training, highlighting its power to foster collaboration, continuous growth, and mutual respect. He underscores how humility enables instructors to admit mistakes, embrace diverse perspectives, and model lifelong learning. By leading with humility, instructors create an approachable and empathetic environment, inspiring recruits to adopt these values in their work. Caito argues that humility not only strengthens training outcomes but also elevates the integrity and professionalism of law enforcement as a whole.

Recognizing and Responding to Perceived Unusual Behavior Events | Mark Bridges

Mark Bridges examines Perceived Unusual Behavior Events (PUBs), emphasizing their critical implications for law enforcement. PUBs, marked by erratic behavior, hyperthermia, and extreme strength, can escalate rapidly, posing risks to officers and individuals. Bridges highlights the importance of clear policies, robust training, and seamless EMS collaboration to mitigate risks. He underscores the need for recognizing medical emergencies, effective communication, and thorough investigations. By prioritizing preparation and fostering public understanding, agencies can improve outcomes, reduce liability, and build trust within their communities.

Think Again by Adam Grant | Reviewed by Kim Schlau

Kim Schlau reviews Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant, a compelling guide on rethinking entrenched beliefs. Schlau connects Grant’s principles—like intellectual humility, the “scientist mindset,” and psychological safety—to law enforcement, emphasizing their relevance to decision-making, community trust, and systemic reform. By fostering curiosity, adaptability, and transparency, officers can reduce unconscious bias, build public trust, and promote a culture of continuous learning. Grant’s actionable insights inspire law enforcement to embrace change, rethink practices, and drive meaningful progress.