In this Edition:

Busy Month, in All Things Use of Force | Kevin R. Davis

Kevin R. Davis reflects on recent events and cases related to use of force in law enforcement. He discusses his experiences as an expert witness in high-profile cases, including those involving officers Mark Gardner, Ivory Streeter, and Garrett Rolfe from the Atlanta Police Department. Davis highlights the legal and professional challenges faced by officers involved in use-of-force incidents, emphasizing the importance of legal preparedness, understanding use-of-force laws, and the potential for political prosecutions. He advises officers to plan for their defense, maintain an emergency fund, and secure proper legal representation to navigate the complexities of use-of-force investigations and trials.

Can Your Officers “Land the Aircraft”? The Four C’s of Experiential Gunfighting | Ken Murray, Dan Fraser & Jeff Johnsgaard

Ken Murray, Dan Fraser, and Jeff Johnsgaard discuss the importance of training officers for post-shooting procedures using the concept of “The Four C’s”: Cover, Condition, Communication, and Controlled Breathing. They argue that many training programs focus solely on the shooting aspect but neglect what officers should do immediately afterward. By incorporating realistic scenarios that extend beyond the shooting, trainers can prepare officers to effectively secure cover, assess their condition, communicate with dispatch and others, and control their physiological responses. The authors emphasize that integrating these practices into training can enhance officer safety and performance during real-world encounters.

The Black Sheep of Law Enforcement Training | Sgt. Gerald Schlosser

Sgt. Gerald Schlosser highlights the often-overlooked importance of medical training in law enforcement. He argues that while officers prioritize tactical and use-of-force training, they frequently neglect essential medical skills that could save lives in critical situations. Schlosser advocates for incorporating medical training, such as bleeding control and trauma care, into regular training programs. He emphasizes the need for officers to carry and know how to use medical equipment like tourniquets and chest seals. By equipping officers with these skills, agencies can improve survival rates and better prepare officers for the realities of the job.

Range Culture | Chrystal Fletcher

Chrystal Fletcher examines the traditional culture of firearms training and advocates for a more modern, student-centered approach. She critiques outdated methods that rely on drill instructor tactics and emphasizes the importance of creating a positive learning environment. Fletcher suggests incorporating adult learning principles, music, and peer coaching to enhance engagement and skill retention. By focusing on the individual needs of shooters and encouraging risk-taking in a supportive setting, trainers can improve performance and make range training more effective and enjoyable.

Artificial Intelligence Advancing at the Speed of Light | Kerry Avery, M.Ed.

Kerry Avery explores the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and language models like ChatGPT on law enforcement training. She provides examples of how AI can be used to generate content, offer personalized learning experiences, and create realistic simulations. Avery discusses both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents, including concerns about job displacement and the rapid pace of technological change. She encourages trainers to embrace AI as a tool to enhance training effectiveness while remaining mindful of its limitations and ethical considerations.

My First ILEETA Conference and the Lessons I Learned | Ben Wallace

Ben Wallace shares his experiences attending his first ILEETA Conference. As an introverted trainer from Canada, he recounts his initial apprehensions and how the welcoming atmosphere of the conference eased his concerns. Wallace emphasizes the value of networking, engaging with fellow trainers, and embracing the full conference experience. He offers practical advice for future attendees, such as arriving early, being flexible with scheduling, and actively participating in discussions. Wallace reflects on the lessons learned and the inspiration he gained from being part of a community dedicated to excellence in law enforcement training.

Demonstrations: The Art of Visual Teaching | Robert Carlson

Robert Carlson discusses the importance of effective demonstrations in law enforcement training, particularly for motor skills instruction. He explains that visual modeling helps students internalize new skills and emphasizes the need for instructors to plan demonstrations carefully. Carlson outlines best practices for conducting demonstrations, such as showing the skill at full speed, breaking it down into components, and then performing it again at full speed. He cautions against demonstrating incorrect techniques and highlights the role of demonstrations in enhancing student understanding and performance.

Are You “Walking the Walk?” | Jeff Couture

Jeff Couture challenges instructors to prioritize their own wellness and professional development as they encourage their students to do the same. He reflects on the tendency of trainers to focus solely on their students while neglecting their personal health and proficiency. Couture emphasizes the importance of leading by example in areas such as stress management, physical fitness, and continuous skill improvement. He offers strategies for promoting a healthy lifestyle among officers and underscores the influence instructors have in shaping agency culture and officer well-being.

Give Your Students the Bird—But Which One? | Duane Wolfe

Duane Wolfe uses bird metaphors to categorize different types of instructors and their approaches to teaching. From the Parrot, who simply repeats information, to the Peacock, who seeks attention, and the Ostrich, who ignores new developments, Wolfe encourages instructors to strive to be like the Eagle—always learning, adapting, and improving. He emphasizes the importance of continuous personal development and the impact instructors have on their students. Wolfe urges instructors to reflect on their teaching style and work towards becoming the best version of themselves for the benefit of their students.

Protecting the Protectors: The Impact of Burnout on Law Enforcement and Strategies for Prevention and Support | Kim Schlau

Kim Schlau addresses the issue of burnout in law enforcement, highlighting its signs, causes, and effects on officers’ well-being. She explains how chronic stress can lead to emotional exhaustion, decreased productivity, and negative impacts on personal and professional life. Schlau offers practical strategies for managing stress, such as prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, practicing stress-reducing techniques, and seeking support. She emphasizes the responsibility of both agencies and individual officers in recognizing and addressing burnout to maintain a healthy and effective workforce.

Tag Ons, Hang Ons: You Know What I Mean, Don’t You? | Thomas Cline

Thomas Cline explores the use of verbal techniques known as “tag-ons” or “tie-downs” to enhance communication and persuasion in law enforcement interactions. He explains how adding short, affirmative phrases to statements can encourage agreement and compliance from others. Cline provides examples of how officers can use these techniques to de-escalate situations, gain cooperation, and build rapport. He cautions against overuse and emphasizes the importance of sincerity and context in applying these methods effectively.

With Extreme Prejudice: How to Recognize and Report Hate Crimes | Cpl. Chris Holder

Cpl. Chris Holder discusses the critical role of law enforcement in identifying, responding to, and reporting hate crimes. He explains what constitutes a hate crime and the importance of distinguishing between protected speech and criminal acts motivated by bias. Holder emphasizes the need for proper training to recognize hate crimes and the impact they have on victims and communities. He highlights the challenges of underreporting and stresses the importance of accurate data collection to allocate resources, support victims, and develop effective prevention strategies.

Protect the Pipeline | Andrew DeMuth Jr.

Andrew DeMuth Jr. emphasizes the importance of selecting the right candidates for promotions within law enforcement agencies. He argues that promoting the wrong individuals can lead to demoralization, decreased productivity, and loss of valuable personnel. DeMuth highlights the critical role of first-line supervisors and the long-term impact they have on organizational culture and effectiveness. He advocates for promotion processes that prioritize leadership qualities, job competence, and the ability to positively influence others, thereby protecting the future leadership pipeline.

A Message to the New Officer and Something to Remember for the Old | Darrell Burton

Darrell Burton offers advice to new law enforcement officers about the importance of choosing their associations carefully. He discusses how the company one keeps can significantly influence personal and professional development. Burton warns against negative influences that can lead to unethical behavior or career derailment. He encourages officers to surround themselves with colleagues who inspire growth, uphold ethical standards, and contribute positively to the profession. Burton underscores the responsibility of all officers, both new and experienced, to maintain integrity and strive for excellence.

Reducing Hiring Standards: You are Just Planting Weeds | Thomas Dworak

Thomas Dworak cautions against lowering hiring standards in law enforcement agencies as a solution to recruitment challenges. He compares reducing standards to planting weeds that can overtake a healthy lawn, implying that unqualified candidates can harm the organization’s integrity and effectiveness. Dworak references past incidents where lowered standards led to scandals and emphasizes the importance of maintaining or even raising hiring criteria. He advocates for a focus on quality over quantity in recruitment to ensure competent and professional law enforcement personnel.

Book Review: A Preparation Guide for the Assessment Center Method | Reviewed by Brad Malloy

Brad Malloy reviews “A Preparation Guide for the Assessment Center Method” by Tina Lewis Rowe. He shares his personal experiences with assessment centers and how the book could have enhanced his preparation and performance in promotional processes. Malloy highlights the book’s comprehensive coverage of the assessment center process, including detailed explanations of exercises, rating methods, and strategies for success. He recommends the guide to anyone undergoing assessment center evaluations, noting its practical advice and valuable insights for both test-takers and those involved in organizing assessments.