Training & Education

Larry J. Nichols As instructors, it’s important to understand the substantial differences in how males and females think and process information. Years ago, I was commissioned to instruct actress Debbie Reynolds (1932-2016) on how to handle and fire a Smith & Wesson® Model 15 revolver for a movie she would be starring in as a policewoman. Later, I also taught actress Lucy Liu how to handle and fire an H&K MP5 submachine gun for an action movie in which she…

Eugene Nielsen Circular reasoning, a logical fallacy in which an argument’s conclusion is used as a premise, is especially dangerous in investigations where objective reasoning and evidence-based decision-making are critical. When circular reasoning infiltrates the investigative process, it undermines the accuracy and fairness of investigations, resulting in flawed conclusions, wrongful convictions and eroded confidence in law enforcement. By understanding this fallacy, its implications and how it can manifest in investigations, law enforcement agencies can take proactive steps to improve their…

Eugene Nielsen The primary advantage of the DFR model is rapid situational awareness, allowing officers to assess threats, make informed tactical decisions, and allocate resources more effectively – often before the first unit arrives on scene. The concept of Drone as a First Responder (DFR) is rapidly gaining traction in the United States, with companies like Skydio, BRINC, Aerodome, and Flock Safety leading the charge. This technology promises to revolutionize the way law enforcement agencies respond to emergencies, offering faster…

John G. Peters, Jr., Ph.D., and Darrell L. Ross, Ph.D. ©2025. A.R.R. In September of last year, the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) unveiled its report, 15Principles for Reducing the Risk of Restraint-Related Deaths, sparking critical discussions within the law enforcement community. While PERF’s standing as a trusted advocacy organization lends weight to its recommendations, many of these principles demand scrutiny before adoption. As seen with the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s Model Policy on electronic control weapons –…

Eugene Nielsen In recent years, the frequency and severity of active shooter incidents have underscored the critical need for comprehensive training programs for law enforcement personnel. It is imperative for officers to be well prepared – both mentally and physically – to handle such high stress situations. An active shooter is defined as an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. These situations are unpredictable and evolve rapidly, often concluding within…

Stephenie Slahor, Ph.D., J.D. Some law enforcement professionals consider attending law school during their “tour of duty.” Exploring the reasons and options can help decide if pursuing law is the right path. The Presley Center of Crime and Justice Studies of the University of California, Riverside, previously hosted a presentation about attending law school. Members of the Riverside County Bar Association cohosted the presentation to assist with the considerations to make when deciding whether to gain a law degree. Panel…

Mike Boyle Unfortunately, even today, many officers are not afforded the opportunity to do any sort of low light training. A few years back, I was teaching at a firearms instructor seminar in a major metropolitan area when I had the opportunity to teach a low light class. After a short lecture, we moved out to the range where I ran the group through a quick 40 round exercise in order to get some insight into their capabilities. To do…

Eugene Nielsen The Hartford Consensus represents a significant shift in the approach to handling mass casualty events. By compressing the zones of care and integrating the roles of different responders, it aims to save more lives in the critical moments following such events. The Hartford Consensus is a set of lifesaving recommendations developed in response to the increasing frequency of active shooter and intentional mass casualty events. Initiated by the American College of Surgeons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,…

Mike Boyle Those of us who have been in the law enforcement field for 30 or more years continue to marvel at the tools readily available to today’s line officers. This is particularly true of firearms and related gear. Back in the day, I was issued a six-shot revolver and my Sam Browne belt contained a pair of dump pouches, a hickory stick and a set of handcuffs. Body armor was not an issued item and our shoulder weapons –…

Larry Nichols Because we are humans and not androids, it is difficult for most to hold an object out in front of us and keep it from moving around. When aiming at a target through a firearm’s sighting system, the front sight post, red dot, or crosshairs in the scope tend to move unevenly across the aiming point on the target. This is referred to as “the natural wobble area” or “the wobble zone” and it cannot be completely stopped…