The ILEETA Journal
The ILEETA Journal is the official publication of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA). It is designed for law enforcement educators, trainers, and professionals, providing them with relevant information on best practices, innovations, and developments in law enforcement training and leadership. The journal covers a wide range of topics such as tactical skills, use-of-force training, leadership development, wellness, and mental health. Articles are typically written by experienced law enforcement trainers and experts, offering practical insights, research, and strategies to help improve the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and their personnel.
The journal serves as a resource for enhancing training programs and developing the next generation of law enforcement officers, while also focusing on the well-being and professionalism of those currently serving.
Winter Edition | 2025
The Winter 2025 ILEETA Journal reflects the profession’s continued pursuit of excellence through evidence-based training, leadership development, and operational readiness. This edition explores decision-making under stress, instructional design, communication, wellness, policy application, and emerging best practices from across the globe. From cognitive science and scenario design to tactical wellness and corrections innovation, each article reinforces ILEETA’s commitment to smarter training and stronger instructors. Together, these voices challenge us to think critically, teach intentionally, and elevate the standard of law enforcement education year-round.
Standards? | Kevin R. Davis
Kevin Davis examines how legal standards for use of force are increasingly challenged or replaced by shifting political pressures and non-binding “generally accepted practices.” Drawing from recent officer-involved shooting cases, he highlights the growing tension between constitutional law and prosecutorial strategy, urging instructors to ground training firmly in established legal precedent.
Checkbox Training: The Norm in Law Enforcement Training | Todd Fletcher
Todd Fletcher critiques compliance-driven “checkbox training” that prioritizes paperwork over performance. He explores cognitive biases like illusory superiority and challenges trainers to get outside their “fishbowl,” pursue meaningful instructor development, and build training that produces long-term retention and real-world competence.
Skills & Decision-Making: On Purpose, By Design | Jeff Johnsgaard
Jeff Johnsgaard argues that decision-making must drive skill development, not follow it. Through contextual training and representative design, he demonstrates how instructors can build adaptable officers capable of recognizing cues, making sound judgments, and transferring skills effectively to real-world encounters.
The Fog of More in Law Enforcement Training and Operations | Matt Bloodgood
Matt Bloodgood merges the concepts of the “Fog of War” and the “Fog of More” to explain how cognitive overload impacts officer performance. He calls for scenario-based training that pressure-tests policy, tactics, and decision-making within realistic VUCA-T environments to better prepare officers for uncertainty.
The Fatal PowerPoint Habit You Probably Didn’t Even Notice | Dan Fraser
Dan Fraser challenges instructors to abandon text-heavy slides and “Death by PowerPoint.” He explains how cognitive overload undermines learning and provides practical strategies to replace bullet points with powerful visuals that enhance engagement, retention, and message clarity.
Check Yourself | Kerry Avery
Kerry Avery explores confirmation bias in training design, using a viral anecdote about gamification to illustrate how easily instructors can overcorrect based on incomplete information. She advocates for evidence-based decision-making and thoughtful integration of new methods rather than reactionary swings between extremes.
Applying FLETC’s Student-Centered Feedback Model to Scenario-Based Training | Tom Snelling
Tom Snelling outlines how FLETC’s Student-Centered Feedback Model enhances articulation, decision-making, and confidence in scenario-based training. Drawing parallels to aviation training, he shows how structured debriefs improve officer performance and reduce liability.
How to Defeat a Vampire | Adam Stanley
Adam Stanley uses the metaphor of “vampires” to describe toxic individuals who drain morale and motivation in academies and departments. He offers practical strategies for identifying, confronting, and countering negative influences while fostering a culture of professionalism and leadership.
LEO Instructor/Trainers Must Upgrade Tactical Spanish Tools for Use on the Street | Jesse C. Gonzalez
Jesse Gonzalez emphasizes the need for updated, street-relevant Spanish terminology to improve officer safety and communication in Hispanic communities. He encourages instructors to collaborate with community leaders and provide practical tools officers can carry and apply immediately.
Retired, Not Yet Expired | Duane Wolfe
Duane Wolfe reflects on mentorship, lifelong learning, and the enduring impact of experienced trainers. He challenges retired professionals to continue contributing to the profession and reminds readers that a trainer “expires” only when growth stops.
Five Minute Interventions: A Small Tool Making a Big Impact in Australian Corrections | Ian Tindale
Ian Tindale introduces the Five-Minute Intervention model adopted in Australian corrections, showing how brief, structured conversations can improve compliance, communication, and rehabilitation. He explores its outcomes and potential application beyond corrections.
Teaching New Generations: An Evolving Approach to the Fundamentals | Angeleic Huth
Angeleic Huth discusses how communication, feedback, and leadership must be adapted for modern learners. She highlights the importance of modeling professionalism, explaining the “why,” and fostering student engagement to prepare recruits for today’s policing environment.
Seeing the Signs: A Practical Approach to Preventing Suicide in Custody | Dr. Matthew Loeslie
Dr. Matthew Loeslie examines the growing issue of in-custody suicide and outlines practical steps officers can take to recognize warning signs and fulfill their duty of reasonable care. He stresses that prevention begins at arrest and relies on attentive observation and communication.
Tactical Wellness: Get REAL | Bill Mikaluk
Bill Mikaluk presents a tactical framework for officer wellness built around Relationships, Energy, Attitude, and Lifestyle (REAL). Drawing from positive psychology, he provides actionable exercises to help officers move beyond coping and build sustainable resilience.
Part 3: Recognizing the Red Flags – Indicators of Arson at the Scene | Jason Dunn
Jason Dunn details key indicators of arson that officers should recognize at fire scenes, including burn patterns, accelerants, and tampering. He emphasizes thorough documentation and early observation to support successful fire investigations.
Summaries generated by AI
The ILEETA Journal is a quarterly publication of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA), aimed at providing a platform for criminal justice professionals, primarily law enforcement trainers, to exchange information on training-related topics. It features articles, editorials, product reviews, and columns that meet stringent criteria for relevance, factual accuracy, and readability. Submissions are required in Microsoft Word format and should adhere to specific writing styles and grammar guidelines. The Journal ensures that all articles are edited for clarity and length and does not accept content promoting products or services.
The ILEETA Journal is the premier resource for cutting-edge insights and best practices in law enforcement education and training. We invite you to contribute your expertise and experiences by submitting an article. Share your knowledge, inspire your peers, and help advance the field. Ready to make an impact? Click here for submission guidelines and become a valued voice in our community.
