Training & Education

Todd Fletcher The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancelation of nearly all law enforcement training. This has affected in-service training, agencies hosting training courses and officers attending training conferences. As a result, it’s more important than ever to take responsibility for our own training needs.  Competence breeds confidence and many officers need more confidence in their skills to motivate them to practice voluntarily. The most skilled shooters are the ones excited about improving their skill level, even though the basic…

Dr. Chuck Russo and Kevin Duffy A quality college education can offer the highest return on investment for police agencies. The late sixties was a time of great political and social unrest. Racial tensions were high, Vietnam War protests were raging, and the lack of connection between police and their communities was the topic of the day. On July 28, 1967, President Lyndon Johnson appointed the National Advisory Committee on Civil Disorders, also known as the Kerner Commission. One of the many…

There has been a lot of press and a lot of research done on technologies which change our perspective of the world. Virtual reality is exploding all over. From entertainment to training NFL quarterbacks, from market research to design and manufacturing, new “reality” technologies are poised to change the way we accomplish many training goals in law enforcement. Whenever and wherever these technologies are utilized, people often describe the experience by stating things such as “It felt like I was…

Ed Nowicki Anyone who trains law enforcement personnel knows that you need to be at the top of your game to stand in front of a group of officers as an instructor. Presenting necessary information or assisting officers in developing new or improved skills can be more than challenging. However, officers may also be extremely appreciative if they see the benefits of what the instructor is presenting. There are no shortcuts to being a good instructor. There are a number…

Mike Boyle How important is a reasonably fast draw stroke? Although modern officer involved shootings bear little semblance to the imaginary gun duels of the Old West, having the ability to quickly bring the gun to bear on a threat remains an essential skill. Danger is unpredictable. What may appear to be everyday citizen contact can erupt into a life-threatening situation in the blink of an eye. In a perfect world, we could instantly evaluate each and every situation, never…

Todd Fletcher In some departments, carrying a patrol rifle is a confirmation of ability and competence. It’s recognition of a commitment to training and skill development. In other departments, carrying a patrol rifle is a responsibility everyone shoulders.  In my opinion, I prefer to have all officers equipped with rifles because they are easier to shoot accurately and are more effective than a handgun. Greater accuracy and effectiveness seem like a good combination to me. However, there are certain insights…

John G. Peters, Jr., Ph.D. and Gregg J. Gunta, Esq. On May 15, 2019, Appleton, Wisconsin, police officers and firefighters responded to a bus passenger’s medical emergency at the Valley Transit Center in downtown Appleton. The passenger, later identified as 47-year-old Ruben Houston of Wausau, Wisconsin, was asleep on the bus and did not get up to exit when it arrived at the Transit Center. Passengers reported him snoring oddly, while another passenger claimed Mr. Houston appeared to exhibit symptoms…

Todd Fletcher  The traditional 3-dot green tritium night sight has come a long way since Trijicon® introduced their Bright and Tough® night sights back in 1985. Today, law enforcement has many manufacturers to choose from for their firearm night sight needs. And, they also have many choices as to color combinations, tritium configurations and heights. Leading manufacturers include Trijicon, TRUGLO®, Meprolight®, and AmeriGlo. The newest trend in LE handguns is adding a reflex sight to pistols and pairing said reflex…

Todd Fletcher When I first heard about the Dragon Skin Ergonomic Duty Belt System, I was told it was a “revolutionary” new duty belt that would change the way I looked at other duty belts.  Needless to say, I was dubious.  I’ve seen a lot of “revolutionary” products come and go.  Most are gimmicks dressed up in fancy packaging. I’ve been wearing a duty belt for over 30 years.  I’ve worked through the transition from all leather belts to nylon…

Todd Fletcher Why are steel targets a great training tool? One reason is because they don’t need to be changed over like paper or cardboard targets, thus saving valuable time which can be used for training instead of range setup.  When using steel targets, there’s no need for staples, target backers, tape, spray adhesive, or any of the other range supplies we typically need when using paper or cardboard targets. A little bit of spray paint and you’re good to…