Law Enforcement Academy Podcast

Thom and Chris interview Gary Taylor - Director of Training, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, on line of duty deaths and police suicides to include the discussions of organizations like the 200 Club and the Below 100 initiative. Director Taylor discusses the history of the Below 100 initiative and 200 Club and what is currently being done to reduce office death.  Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook www.lawenforcementacademy.org  Below 100: https://www.below100.org/ 200 Club: https://twohundredclub.org/

Thom Safrin and Chris Findley continue their interview of Jerry Findley (Chris’s father).  Some specific cases were discussed which highlight the uses of forensic science techniques and technology. References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Thomas Safrin Twitter – https://twitter.com/thomassafrin

Thom Safrin and Chris Findley interview Jerry Findley (Chris's father) and discuss coming from one of the first Crime Scene Units in Georgia.  Starting in the police dept in 1971, the then labeled 'Identification Unit' evolved a long way from simply taking photographs.  Breaking ground for the organization into the areas of collection of evidence, lab work and then later DNA, blood spatters and more advanced methods we know as Forensic Science today. References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Thomas Safrin Twitter - https://twitter.com/thomassafrin

Hosts Thom Safrin and Chris Findley further discuss court cases clarifying Use of Force.  The discussion furthers the ideas that dictate law enforcement today inside the United States.  Thom and Chris dive deeper into this episode in this Fourth Amendment issue and discussion includes topics such as mental disabilities, officer articulation, and the stories inside of those additional cases which expound into other landmark cases and make more clear the principles and situation variables. References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Thomas Safrin Twitter - https://twitter.com/thomassafrin Addition Suggested reading: http://caselaw4cops.net/use_of_force/use_of_force.htm More on the cases mentioned in this episode: Pena v Leombruni http://caselaw4cops.net/cases/aldaba_v_pickens_13_7034_10cir_2015.html Plakas v Drinski https://www.leagle.com/decision/19932167811fsupp135611990   Smith v Freland https://openjurist.org/954/f2d/343/smith-v-freland https://www.policeone.com/legal/articles/135084-The-4th-Amendment-and-deadly-force/ Thompson v Hubbard https://www.ebpsociety.org/resources/quarterly/37-the-ebp-quarterly/vol-2-no-2/270-police-use-of-force-policy-and-excessive-force https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-8th-circuit/1215327.html Force Science http://www.forcescience.org

Hosts Thom Safrin and Chris Findley discuss the landmark use of force cases and the ideas principles that dictate procedural law today in the United States.  Graham v. Connor gave us the objective reasonableness standard.  Thom and Chris contrast Tennessee v. Garner and point out misunderstandings that some officers, and even trainers, may have. Thom and Chris also discuss officer safety and discuss Terry v. Ohio and its relatedness to use of force.  They further discuss and exchange some humor about video, internet video, media use of partial video and discuss the need for education for all on the differences between what is recorded on video and what an officer may perceive in the actual event when things are rapidly evolving.  Today's episode is at least an essential review for officers or to understand this case law and affect the mental approach of law enforcement that lead to physical actions. References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Thomas Safrin Twitter - https://twitter.com/thomassafrin Addition Suggested reading: Graham v. Connor https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/490/386/ Tennessee v. Garner https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/471/1/

Thom and Chris interview Frank Crotty (retired law enforcement Captain) on the ins and outs of overseas contracting work for law enforcement.  Frank and Thom share their personal experiences working overseas and the challenges and rewards of contract work.   References Frank Crotty – LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/franklin-frank-crotty-525bb769/ Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Thomas Safrin – Twitter – https://twitter.com/thomassafrin Thomas Safrin – LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassafrin/ Chris Findley – LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chris-findley-98040a62/

Thom and Chris recorded this episode while at Suntrust Park to watch the Atlanta Braves play baseball.  Thom and Chris briefly discuss some issues related to personal security that should be considered when going to a sporting event or other large venue where crowds gather.   References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Thomas Safrin – Twitter – https://twitter.com/thomassafrin Thomas Safrin – LinkedIn –https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassafrin/ Chris Findley – LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chris-findley-98040a62/

Thom and Chris discuss five topics that can impact smaller law enforcement agencies. The five topics were budgeting, small town politics, unique situations (everyone knows somebody), officer morale, and officer training.   References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Thomas Safrin – Twitter – https://twitter.com/thomassafrin Thomas Safrin – LinkedIn –https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassafrin/ Chris Findley – LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chris-findley-98040a62/  

In this episode, Thom and Chris discuss how technology impacts everyday life in law enforcement. The discussion includes topics of social media (Facebook), body cameras, GPS, Facial recognition, and many more. Thom and Chris provide a general overview of these topics with the contents of this episode becoming a series.   References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Thomas Safrin – Twitter – https://twitter.com/thomassafrin Thomas Safrin – LinkedIn –https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassafrin/ Chris Findley – LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chris-findley-98040a62/

Thom and Chris discuss how a college educated police officer can impact law enforcement and the community.  Thom and Chris discuss an article written by Dr. Rebecca Paynich that researches the connection between a college education and better communication skills, more tolerance with citizen interactions, deeper understanding of the criminal; justice system, a better understanding of civil rights, and less likely to use deadly force with police officers.   References Paynich, R. (2009). The Impact of a College-Educated Police. Curry College. Milton:MA   Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Thomas Safrin – Twitter – https://twitter.com/thomassafrin Thomas Safrin – LinkedIn –https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassafrin/ Chris Findley – LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chris-findley-98040a62/

Hosts Thom Safrin and Chris Findley interview Captain Gary Taylor, Director of Training and Recruiting, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office and discuss police recruiting and retention. This episode asks the questions “How do we gain the right people?  And then how do we keep them.”   Topic discussion includes: Thinking outside of your niche & marketing.  Department vision and how a “sense of community” is a factor.  Leadership is about people; management is about things (resources). Challenge for this week: Share this episode with a friend, it’s all about marketing! References Gary Taylor - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-taylor-0729bb35/ Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Thomas Safrin - Twitter - https://twitter.com/thomassafrin Thomas Safrin – LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassafrin/ Chris Findley – LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chris-findley-98040a62/

Thom and Chris discuss the process to aid both those interviewing and those hiring.  Personal stories lead to good discussion points.  Discussion Including: research into agencies; application process tips; the interview process and physical fitness assessment exams; polygraphs and more. Listen to and consider the perspectives of concerning budgets, the individual agency culture, and the community (expectations) all play a part in the influences affecting decisions in the modern career environment.  Each agency is different, so Law Enforcement Academy Podcast would love to hear your feedback on this one, so jump on social media and tell us your perspective.   References   Cooper Institute: Fitness Norms and Fitness Standards: http://www.cooperinstitute.org https://www.cooperinstitute.org/vault/2440/web/files/684.pdf Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Thomas Safrin Twitter: https://twitter.com/thomassafrin

Thom and Chris, along with guest host Jim Mitchell, continue talking fear management with Coach Tony Blauer. “No matter how good physically you are, it doesn’t change how you feel emotionally.” – Coach Tony Blauer It all begins with a confrontation with fear.   Having an Armorer’s level approach for self defense and understand the psychological dynamics of violence and its effects. Every time we change the level of fear there is a potential impact to the level of performance References Article: the theory of assured compliance **NEED LINK** Tony Blauer and the SPEAR system: https://blauerspear.com/ Sign up for the newsletter https://www.facebook.com/tony.blauer https://twitter.com/tonyblauer https://www.instagram.com/tonyblauer/ Neural Circuitry of Fear: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4342048/ Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast    

Hosts Thom Safrin, Chris Findley and Guest Host Jim Mitchell interview Coach Tony Blauer.  Quite the entertaining personality, Tony Blauer has become a pillar to many in the field, training law enforcement & military in self-defense.  From training a single student in self-defense, in 1980, Blauer spring-boarded from the idea of what he calls “Startle Flinch” to a revolutionary approach in new training methods.  Today, Reverse Situation Engineering and real-world-scenario observation play a huge role in the evolution of Blauer’s SPEAR system.  Starting at the core of the brain, long before having a neuroscience explanation, Blauer’s insight, has led to a new mentality towards training and expectations for LEO and military alike. References Force Science - http://www.forcescience.org/ Tony Blauer Books/websites training method - https://blauerspear.com/ ScienceDaily.com Panic Attack Youtube Series - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CzgDX9lGc0&list=PLhBqvFTJCaGTvkoPb_nH3R-iR3Wikk6TF https://blauer.rlxmediastreaming.com/us/   Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast

In this episode Thom, Chris and Jim continue the discussion of the ideals of Peel's Principles and their modern day law enforcement application. Links to the principles articles discussing Peel’s principles. Discussion begins with principle number six and includes the topic of Physical Force.  With plenty of great reads to research on these topics further. References Sir Robert Peel's Principles PDF: https://www.durham.police.uk/About-Us/Documents/Peels_Principles_Of_Law_Enforcement.pdf www.policeone.com   Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Don’t forget to Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, TuneIn Feel Free to Share on Facebook, LinkedIn, all social media

In this episode Thom, Chris, and Jim discuss the classic ideals of Peel's Principles from 1829 and how they apply in 2018.  Don't expect cookie-cutter answers...this is a much more cerebral topic than most.  The guys refer to models such as Community Policing and Problem Solving, the Sara model and Broken Windows Theory. For additional research, books and how they relate to specific principles are mentioned including: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin and even The Prince by Machiavelli. References Extreme   Ownership: https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Ownership-U-S-Navy-SEALs-ebook/dp/B00VE4Y0Z2 The Prince:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prince Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Don’t forget to Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, TuneIn Feel Free to Share on Facebook, LinkedIn, all social media

Hosts Thomas Safrin, Chris Findley continue their interview with retired Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman.  In this podcast, Grossman brings a unique historical outlook into perspective.  An outlook of society at large and the challenges faced by law enforcement today. This episode of the Law Enforcement Academy Podcast continues to address the subjects of Lawless Mindsets, Sleep Deprivation and other subjects making an impact on individuals.  And his timely perspective on the ways to approach training tactics in the modern age of law enforcement. References Force Science - http://www.forcescience.org/ David Grossman's whole library on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Dave-Grossman/e/B001H6MBBM/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1 Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast  

Thom and Chris, with guest host Jim Mitchell, interview LTC Dave Grossman.  Grossman is a star within the Military and Law Enforcement fields.  His career has been the foundation of the Warrior / Sheepdog mindset.  Starting as a private in the 82nd airborne, Grossman’s credentials include authorship, time as an Army Ranger and a West Point Professor of Psychology & Military Science. Retired since 1998, Grossman now trains military, spec ops, and law enforcement 200-300 days a year. His books include On Combat and On Killing and Assassination Nation, have become required & recommended reading in many law enforcement and armed services organizations. This interview is not likely to have been like any other interview seen or heard by Grossman.  Grossman presents the subjects of homicide statistics relative to media coverage, politics, sleep deprivation, to rotating shift work, snooze alarms to energy drinks. References Assassination Generation: Video Games, Aggression, and the Psychology of Killing by LTC Dave Grossman. ISBN-10: 0316265934 / ISBN-13: 978-0316265935 On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Combat, 3rd Ed. by LTC Dave Grossman. ISBN-10: 0964920549 / ISBN-13: 978-0964920545 On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society by LTC Dave Grossman. ISBN-10: 0316040932 / ISBN-13: 978-0316040938 Sciencedaily.com   Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Please like our Facebook page: Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast  

In this episode Thom and Chris team up with Jim Mitchell to speak with former academy student Josh Barker. Josh discusses what he's done since attending academy, six years ago, and provides insight into his initial training and the value of additional education and certifications. References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast   Don’t forget to Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, TuneIn Feel Free to Share on Facebook, LinkedIn, all social media  

Thom and Chris talked with our special guest Jim Mitchell regarding his experience of going into law enforcement from the military and becoming an instructor. Thom and Chris also discuss with Jim the changes in the training mentality over time, being responsible for one’s own training, and the evolution of community-oriented policing philosophy and practical application.     References The Nine Principles of Policing by Robert Peal https://www.durham.police.uk/About-Us/Documents/Peels_Principles_Of_Law_Enforcement.pdf The Tactical Edge by Charles Remsberg https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-tactical-edge-charles-remsberg/1122987495 On Combat – LTC Dave Grossman https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072HHSZNN/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast

Thom and Chris discuss some common tools and techniques on dealing with difficult managers and supervisors in a law enforcement setting. Thom and Chris use their real world experience in law enforcement to demonstrate how they personally dealt with difficult supervisors over the years.   References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast

Thom and Chris discuss how supervisors and managers effectively deal with difficult employees. Thom and Chris talk about specific ways that supervisors can effectively deal with difficult employees and also how supervisors can encourage, teach, and lead employees in the mission on the department.   References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast Manager Tools - https://www.manager-tools.com  

Thom and Chris discuss how politics play a role in law enforcement community, in the discharge of the officer’s duties and how politics influence public perceptions of law enforcement. Politics will always be a part of the law enforcement culture and all officers must be able to make good ethical decisions even with the influence of politics.   There have been many discussions about this concept. Some people believe that guardian mindset is the proper mindset for law enforcement while others believe that the warrior mindset is necessary for survival. Thom and Chris discuss the tenants of both the guardian and warrior mindsets and how each has a place in the law enforcement arena.   References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast

There have been many discussions about this concept. Some people believe that guardian mindset is the proper mindset for law enforcement while others believe that the warrior mindset is necessary for survival. Thom and Chris discuss the tenants of both the guardian and warrior mindsets and how each has a place in the law enforcement arena.   References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society By Lt Colonial Dave Grossman  ISBN-10: 0316040932 / ISBN-13: 978-0316040938 The President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing: http://noblenational.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/President-Barack-Obama-Task-Force-on-21st-Century-Policing-Implementation-Guide.pdf    

Choosing law enforcement right out of school can lead to a lifelong career that is rewarding and fulfilling. Law enforcement is also a viable option for people who are looking for a career change or the second job after retirement. It takes a special person to wear the badge. Thom and Chris discuss the steps of becoming a law enforcement officer, importance of the profession to society (representing the ethnic and race makeup of the community), and some of the interesting things an officer will see out on the street.   References Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast

At some point, everyone feels stressed.  But for police officers, who are in positions of authority and making life and death decisions on a regular basis, stress can have a major negative impact on the officer’s life. One of the biggest problems for police officers is that stress can go unrecognized and unacknowledged. Officers are under constant stress and do not take the time to seek positive ways of reducing stress. Many times officers deny the stress they are experiencing for fear of being viewed as weak or not being able to handle their job. Thom and Chris discuss stress management in the law enforcement field.  Thom and Chris also discuss internal and external stressors, good and bad stress, and how to properly handle the stress through exercise and nutrition.   References Sugar Busters: https://www.webmd.com/diet/a-z/sugar-busters-what-it-is Crossfit: https://www.crossfit.com/ Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast     Don’t forget to Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, TuneIn Feel Free to Share on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media  

It’s often said that no other profession demands a higher ethical standard than law enforcement.  Law enforcement officers must live in a fish bowl.  Friends, relatives, neighbors, and strangers watch every move law enforcement officers make, both on and off duty.  It is undeniable that there is a tremendous degree of expectations placed upon police officers. Thom and Chris discuss the tenants of police ethics, how officers are expected to act in the public both on and off duty, and how to make ethical decisions.  Thom and Chris also shared stories of unethical behaviors that they have seen over their law enforcement careers.   References International Association of Chiefs of Police - http://www.theiacp.org/ Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast     Don’t forget to Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, TuneIn Feel Free to Share on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media

Supervision, management, and leadership are key fundamental principles in the public safety arena. Each level of supervision, management, and leadership has specific tasks and goals that need to be accomplished in order for the public safety agency to achieve its desired goals and outcomes. Thom and Chris discuss supervision, management, and leadership techniques in the field of law enforcement and public safety.  Thom and Chris break down line supervision including good habits of supervisors and talk intensively about climbing the promotional ladder into command positions.   Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast     Don’t forget to Subscribe and give us a rating on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, TuneIn Feel Free to Share on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media

Use of force is a hotly debated topic in this country.  Police use of force can shock the conscience of society.  Law enforcement agencies are looking for ways to reduce use of force and at the same time maintaining control of the situation. Having the necessary skill sets to be able to handle the situation appropriately with minimal injuries to the officer and suspect. Thom and Chris continue to discuss use of force issues within law enforcement by focusing on physical training.  Their insightful discussion includes the evolution and prevalence of mixed martial arts and the necessity for police use of force to evolve.  Additionally, Thom and Chris discuss perceptual distortions including tunnel vision,  auditory exclusion, depth perception, and memory loss.  Training that includes the use of scenario based training based on real world force events - including scenarios when force is not used at all provide officers and security professionals skills needed make quick decisions and to win the fight when force is necessary.   References   On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace by Dave Grossman   Tony Blauer: https://blauerspear.com/   Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast     Don’t forget to Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, TuneIn Feel Free to Share on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media  

Use of force is a hotly debated topic in this country.  Police use of force can shock the conscious of some in society.  Law enforcement agencies are looking for ways to reduce use of force and at the same time maintaining control of situations. Using de-escalation techniques and other alternatives (good communication skills) to higher levels of force is becoming the norm for law enforcement agencies based on the officer’s training and experience. Thom and Chris discussed the psychology (fight or flight) of the use of force, as well as, communication techniques in order to reduce use of force incidents.  Thom and Chris also discussed the importance of integrating use of force and communications training intertwined into all law enforcement training.   References Tennessee v. Garner (1985) Graham v. Conner (1989) Tony Blauer: https://blauerspear.com/     Law Enforcement Academy – www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast     Don’t forget to Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, TuneIn Feel Free to Share on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media  

Neuro-linguistic programming: Neuro-linguistic programming is a collection of techniques and strategies that can be learned and lead to excellence.  NLP explores the connection between neurological processes, language and experiential behaviors that enable success. Hypnosis: Forensic Hypnosis is the use of the science of hypnosis in civil and criminal investigations where hypnosis is the instrument used to elicit information or evidence.  Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness where the mind is in a condition of amplified receptivity to suggestion and the senses are at an acute level of receptivity.  The degree or level of hypnosis varies from very light to very deep and usually include relaxation, a feeling of well-being and increased sensitivity to one’s environment Verbal Judo: a verbalization technique used by officers to de-escalate situations and maintain a level of control. Thom and Chris discuss how NLP, hypnosis and verbal judo can be used effectively in law enforcement communication.   Law Enforcement Academy - www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook - www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast   Don't forget to Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, TuneIn Feel Free to Share on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media  

Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages through verbal or nonverbal means including speech or oral communication, writing or written communication, signs, signals, and behavior. De-escalation is an important aspect of law enforcement communication.  De-escalation techniques are a necessary skill for law enforcement.  The public expects law enforcement to be able to communicate effectively and use techniques to control situations until a solution is determined. Thom and Chris discussed communication both verbal and non-verbal, active listening, and de-escalation techniques used in law enforcement.   Law Enforcement Academy - www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook - www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast  

Critical thinking means making reasoned judgments that are logical and well-thought out.  It is a way of thinking in which you don't simply accept all arguments and conclusions you are exposed to, but rather have an attitude involving questioning such arguments and conclusions.  Thom and Chris discuss, in detail, how critical thinking is used in law enforcement and even in higher education. Research demonstrates that higher education is becoming the mainstay in law enforcement in America. The courts have consistently ruled that law enforcement is demanding enough to warrant higher education as part of the hiring process. Thom and Chris discussed the importance of critical thinking and higher education in the law enforcement.   Law Enforcement Academy - www.lawenforcementacademy.org Law Enforcement Academy on Facebook - www.facebook.com/LEAPodcast  

Human Performance Improvement is a field of study related to the process of improving methodologies.  The continued improving of methodologies in the field of law enforcement creates opportunities in training and personal development for the officer.  Thom and Chris discuss, in detail, how human performance can either move the profession forward or backward by using examples of Comp Stat, UPS and other corporations in developing training protocols and other aspects of the law enforcement profession. Thom and Chris also discuss training both at the basic and advanced levels and how human performance improvement concepts are tied into all aspects of training.  Human performance is tested both academically and practically in law enforcement training.   International Society of Performance Improvement - http://www.ispi.org The International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) is a non-profit association for performance improvement professionals dedicated to improving individual, organizational, and societal functioning, productivity, and accomplishment in the workplace. Who Moved My Cheese? by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson. Penguin Press. 1998. ISBN: 0-399-14446-3  

In this episode, Thom and Chris provide background information on their law enforcement careers, education, and training. Both co-hosts have extensive experience in law enforcement and law enforcement training, as well as, advanced college degrees. The purposes of the podcasts are to assist law enforcement professionals in their career development and provide insight into many topics that directly affect law enforcement. Our focus is on the street officer and local police departments in providing information to continue the professional development of the officer and department. Mission Statement The Law Enforcement Academy exists to provide the highest quality training content and valuable educational services to persons or organizations in law enforcement and related fields and to stimulate thought, ideas, and discussion in furtherance of evolving law enforcement training and education focused on human performance technology and improvement.