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 Learned From A Student? (Todd Fletcher) | Todd Fletcher explores the valuable lessons instructors can learn from their students. Through student-led coaching and teach-back activities, students often provide fresh perspectives on techniques and drills, enhancing overall instruction. Notable instructors, including Chip Huth, Alexandra Nelson, and Brian Hill, share experiences of adapting their teaching methods based on student feedback, emphasizing the importance of personalized instruction, engagement, and authenticity. Fletcher highlights that continuous learning from students is essential for effective and impactful teaching.

Game On: Gamification Meets DT (Ben Wallace) | Ben Wallace discusses enhancing defensive tactics training through gamification, defined as applying game elements like point scoring and competition to other activities. He describes three drills: “Tag,” where students simultaneously attack and defend, improving response to stimuli and footwork; “No Friend’s Game,” which involves more complex attacks, fostering decision-making skills; and “Angry Circle,” where an officer in the center reacts to role players’ attacks, enhancing situational awareness and decisiveness. Wallace encourages trainers to integrate these games to boost motivation and training effectiveness.

Taser to Firearm/Firearm to Taser Transition Research: Results and Recommendations (Duane Wolfe) | Duane Wolfe discusses research on transitioning between Tasers and firearms during high-stress situations. A study by Dr. Paul Taylor involved 139 officers using a simulator to measure transition times: pistol to Taser averaged 4.70 seconds, while Taser to pistol averaged 2.49 seconds. Key findings include the need for regular training on weapon transitions, the impact of stress on performance, and the importance of familiarizing officers with their equipment. Effective training can enhance officers’ response times and safety.

Finding the Dot: What to Do When “Do More Reps” Doesn’t Work Fast Enough (Mike “Ox” Ochsner) | Mike “Ox” Ochsner discusses the challenges of using pistol-mounted optics, particularly the difficulty some shooters have in finding the dot. He identifies three key factors: a consistent grip, a consistent presentation, and an automatic alignment of the optic with the dominant eye and target. Ochsner explains that while brute force repetition can help, neurological drills offer a faster solution. These drills address issues like eye dominance, inner ear and eye coordination, and the brain’s aiming origin, significantly improving accuracy and speed. He emphasizes that these techniques are crucial for law enforcement officers to enhance shooting performance and pass qualifications effectively.

Movie Fallacy: Pressure Points and Meridians (Brian C. Smith) | Brian C. Smith discusses the correct application of pressure points and meridians in self-defense, specifically focusing on the large and small intestine meridians. He explains that applying pressure to these points can control or direct an opponent but does not cause immediate defecation, contrary to popular movie depictions. Smith emphasizes that effective use of these techniques requires proper training and understanding of martial arts principles. He also shares his extensive martial arts background and experience in teaching defensive tactics.

Instructor Development:

So What? Now What? Powerful Questions for Every Trainer (Dan Fraser) | Dan Fraser emphasizes the importance of ensuring that training results in both retention and transfer of skills. He advocates using the questions “What?”, “So What?”, and “Now What?” to deepen student understanding and application of concepts. This method helps students connect theory to real-world practice, fostering relevance and motivation. Fraser highlights the transformative impact of these questions on training effectiveness.

When We Know Better, We Do Better (Kerry Avery, M. Ed) | Kerry Avery emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement in law enforcement training, drawing from cognitive science to advocate for integrated rather than siloed training methods. Research shows that blending in-person and online training enhances retention and application of skills. Avery highlights the need for retrieval practice, which improves learning through active recall. Despite challenges, adopting evidence-based strategies can lead to better training outcomes, aligning with the infinite game philosophy of constant advancement.

Mastering the Fundamentals (Robert Carlson) | Robert Carlson emphasizes the importance of mastering the fundamentals in teaching, just as in any other skill. He advocates for revisiting basic instructor courses to refine presentation and classroom management skills, even for experienced trainers. Carlson highlights his personal observations of non-ideal behaviors while teaching and the value of continuous improvement. He suggests options like joining Toastmasters or video recording classes for feedback to enhance teaching effectiveness and maintain high standards in law enforcement training.

Instructor Development (continued…):

The Iron Triangle in Law Enforcement Training (Matt Bloodgood) | Matt Bloodgood explains the Iron Triangle concept in law enforcement training, where time, cost, and quality intersect, affecting course development. High-quality training requires significant time and resources, integrating techniques like high-fidelity scenarios and evidence-based methods. Despite the challenges, investing in quality training can reduce costs associated with civil actions and improve community safety. Bloodgood emphasizes that while quick and cheap training might save time and money, it often sacrifices quality and effectiveness.

“What Exactly is YOUR Objective, Here?” (Myles Cook) | Myles Cook highlights the importance of defining clear and specific training objectives in law enforcement. He argues that many training methods are misaligned with actual goals, using the analogy of teaching to draw hand turkeys instead of beautiful paintings. Cook emphasizes the need for re-evaluating objectives, questioning traditional methods, and adopting innovative approaches to achieve desired outcomes. He suggests practical methods to ensure training programs meet their true objectives and advocates for continuous improvement in training practices.

LE Environment & Health and Wellness:

Protect Yourself! (Dr. John Daniel) | Dr. John Daniel emphasizes the heightened pressures on law enforcement officers, particularly regarding the risks of fentanyl exposure and medical liabilities in jails. He advises officers to ensure proper medical evaluations and documentation when dealing with arrestees, use body cameras effectively, and always prioritize safety. Dr. Daniel highlights the importance of integrating medical expertise with law enforcement practices and recommends ongoing training in first aid, CPR, and the use of Narcan to mitigate risks and enhance officer protection.

Three Second Effect (Carole Green) | Carole Green emphasizes that everyone is a teacher through their actions and behavior, impacting others often without realizing it. She shares her personal experience of feeling unnoticed and contemplating suicide, but a simple act of kindness from a diner owner changed her perspective. Green urges law enforcement officers to be aware of their influence, encouraging positive interactions and support for colleagues, especially those who may silently struggle. She highlights the power of small actions to make significant differences in others’ lives.

Violence Prevention Model: Policing and Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management (Rick Parfitt) | Rick Parfitt discusses the limitations of traditional deterrence-based policing in preventing targeted violence, such as stalking, domestic extremism, and active assailants. He advocates for adopting Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) principles, which focus on identifying, assessing, and managing pre-attack behaviors to prevent violence. Parfitt highlights the importance of training police officers in BTAM, collaborating with social services, and using tools like Red Flag Laws. He also underscores the role of School Resource Officers (SROs) in building positive relationships and gathering intelligence to prevent violence, emphasizing that BTAM can significantly reduce targeted violence.

Giving Actual “Productive” Feedback (Grace Winder) | Field Training Officers (FTOs) should give feedback to Officers in Training (OITs) promptly, not just after mistakes. Effective feedback, as per the McKinsey Feedback Model, is immediate, actionable, and positive. It focuses on three components: the action taken, the effect of that action, and constructive advice for improvement. This structured approach ensures clear communication, builds trust, and enhances learning by providing specific, real-time guidance, thus improving the overall training process and officer preparedness.

Two Failures, Two Lessons: What We Can Learn from Both Sides of a Botched Promotion (Andrew DeMuth Jr.) | Andrew A. DeMuth Jr. describes a young officer who was told he was being groomed for a sergeant position but was later passed over, leaving him feeling betrayed. The feedback he received was that he was seen as “too cocky,” which he struggled to accept. This situation highlights two lessons: leaders must provide ongoing, constructive feedback to prepare candidates for promotion, and individuals must develop emotional intelligence to accept and grow from feedback. Effective leadership involves clear communication and support, while personal growth requires embracing candid feedback.

How to be an Effective Leader in Corrections (Gary York) | Gary York emphasizes that effective leaders in corrections should be straightforward, proactive, mission-oriented, and respectful. They must communicate clearly, lead by example, and focus on the success of their team rather than personal gain. Essential traits include trustworthiness, reliability, and the ability to inspire. Leaders should practice self-awareness, provide constructive feedback, and address officers’ needs, both professional and personal. York highlights the importance of transformational leadership, which involves enthusiasm, communication, and setting a positive example.

Law Enforcement Officers Face Latest Lethal Threat, “Glock Switches” (Jesse C. Gonzalez) | Jesse C. Gonzalez highlights the increasing threat of “Glock Switches” to law enforcement. These small devices, which can be made on 3-D printers, convert handguns into fully automatic weapons. With a surge in their use, officers face heightened danger, as seen in rising homicide rates in cities like Washington, DC, and significant seizures by ATF. States are moving to ban these devices to allow for easier prosecution. Officers must remain vigilant against this lethal threat.

Reviews & Resources:

Book Review: In Pursuit of Excellence by Daniel D. Terry (Jennifer Wessels) | Jennifer Wessels reviews “In Pursuit of Excellence” by Daniel D. Terry, highlighting its focus on leadership in law enforcement. Terry emphasizes fostering a positive work environment, knowing subordinates, and providing growth opportunities. He details the importance of building relationships, valuing everyone, and having fun to cultivate success. The book also covers strategies for accountability and optimizing communication, blending theoretical insights with practical applications. The concluding chapters acknowledge leadership imperfections and the challenges of police work, offering guidance for leaders to navigate difficulties and inspire their teams.

Book Review: Common Sense Police Supervision by Gerald W. Garner (Brad Malloy) | Brad Malloy reviews “Common Sense Police Supervision” by Gerald W. Garner, praising its detailed coverage of supervision and leadership in law enforcement. Garner provides practical guidance on various issues supervisors may face, offering examples and tips. The book is valuable for both new and seasoned supervisors, helping them navigate complex responsibilities and improve their leadership skills.

Enhancing Law Enforcement Training: A Consideration of SMART Displays Through ISTE Standards (Joe Willis) | Joe Willis reviews the 65″ QX Pro SMART Display, evaluating its effectiveness for law enforcement training. The SMART Display, with its user-friendly interface, 4K Ultra HD resolution, and touch and pen input, enhances engagement and collaboration. Willis recommends assessing its suitability using ISTE standards to foster interactive learning. He emphasizes the need for agencies to evaluate their specific training needs before investing in such technology, advocating for its potential to revolutionize training environments.