32-hour Practical Tracks

Advanced Tactical Carbine

Bret Pagnucco, Edmonton Police Service
An intense program centered on realistic and challenging training to prepare for engagements from contact to 100 yards. Emphasis on stress drills will test operator marksmanship, tactics and equipment for real world deployment.

Equipment
Weapons - Center fire rifle, magazine fed w/at least six magazines, sling and weapon light
Pistol w/duty belt, holster and magazines

Ammunition - good quality, factory loaded
1500 Rounds Rifle
200 Rounds Pistol
Knee and elbow protection
Eye and ear protection
Gas Mask/Gloves/Hat
Flashlight w/extra batteries
Extra batteries for optics (if so equipped)
Day pack w/Hydration System, snack foods such as Power Bars or Trail Mix.
Sun block and insect repellant
Field notebook and pencil

Instructor Bio
Sgt. Bret Pagnucco is a 24-year veteran of the Edmonton Police Service. A former full time Tactical Team Leader, Sgt. Pagnucco has also been a Lead Firearms and Patrol Tactics Instructor since 1994. His responsibilities in the past have included the coordination of Tactical Section training, the development and implementation of a Patrol Carbine Program and a Patrol Immediate Deployment Program for his agency’s 1,500 officers. He is currently the Lead Instructor for the NTOA’s Advanced Tactical Carbine Program and has certified Instructors in Immediate Deployment since the program’s inception at the 1999 NTOA Conference. A lifetime member of the NTOA and recipient of numerous awards, Sgt. Pagnucco received his agency’s highest award for bravery in 1993 and was presented with an NTOA Award of Merit at the 2001 Conference.

[Back to Top]

Advanced Tactics and Operations

Bill Yelton, Tulsa PD
An advanced course focused on deployment and tactical considerations for three movement disciplines including barricade, hostage rescue and high-risk warrant service. This is a fast-paced course with no classroom instruction. Prerequisites: It is preferred that students have NTOA-instructed HRT, HRW and Barricaded classes.

Equipment
SWAT uniform
Leather gloves
Boots
Rain gear
Body armor
Chemical agent mask
Load bearing vest (optional)
Ballistic helmet (optional)
Goggles
Primary entry weapon (MP5, shotgun, entry carbine)
Light mount for weapons (highly recommended)
Training weapons
Protective gear (head, face, neck, hands and groin)
Training weapon capable of shooting 9mm training ammo (handgun/entry weapon)

Instructor Bio
Officer Bill Yelton is a 27-year member of the Tulsa Oklahoma Police Department. He served over 20 years with the Special Operations Team as an entry scout. His duties were resolution of high risk warrant services, barricaded suspect incidents, and hostage rescue. He has been an instructor with the NTOA for 12 years and he routinely instructs police personnel around the country in tactics.

[Back to Top]

High-Risk Warrant Service

Rick Rector, Los Angeles County SD
This course is designed to familiarize police/SWAT personnel with the elements of a high-risk warrant service. Concepts involving warrant planning; intelligence gathering; target site scouting; use of diversion; breaching; methods of executing the warrant, including dynamic entry, breach and hold and contain and call out will be covered.

Individual Equipment
SWAT Uniform
Boots
Rain Gear
Body Armor
Chemical Agent Mask
Load Bearing Vest (optional)
Ballistic Helmet (optional)
Goggles
Primary Entry Weapon (SMG, Shotgun)
Secondary Weapon (Pistol)
Light Mount for Weapons Highly Recommended
Training weapon capable of shooting 9mm training ammo (handgun/entry weapon)

Team Equipment (if available)
Ballistic Shield
Mirrors for Searching
Ram
Hooligan Tool

Instructor Bio
Deputy Rick Rector is an 22-year member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He has served more than eight years with the department's Special Enforcement Bureau and is currently assigned as a special weapons team scout. Deputy Rector routinely instructs department members and police personnel from around the nation in weaponry and tactics, and is a lead instructor for the NTOA’s High Risk Warrant courses.

[Back to Top]

Hostage Rescue Tactics

Dan Murphy, Fort Collins PD
The Hostage Rescue Tactics track will expose tactical personnel to intermediate and advanced skills needed to resolve a hostage situation. Topics include hostage rescue concepts; emergency intervention tactics; command and control; crisis negotiations concepts and hostage rescue force options including an overview of marksman/long rifle operations, stronghold, covered pile and mobile rescues. Practical movement using a combination of stealth and dynamic techniques will be emphasized.
This will be a live fire course.

Equipment
Handgun and 200 rounds of ammunition
Rifle and 500 rounds of ammunition
Training weapon capable of shooting 9mm training ammo (handgun/entry weapon)
Entry Vest
Helmet
Nomex gloves
Eye and ear protection
F/X protection gear

Instructor Bio
Sgt. Dan Murphy is with Fort Collins Police Services in Colorado. He has been a police officer since 1984 and a supervisor since 1996.  He has been assigned to supervisory positions in Patrol Operations, a County Drug Task Force, the Criminal Impact/Fugitive Unit and currently is assigned to SWAT Operations full-time.  Sgt. Murphy has been a SWAT Team Leader since 1995 and has been a SWAT officer since 1991. Sgt. Murphy is an experienced instructor in Basic and Advanced SWAT, Mobile Field Force Tactics, High Risk Patrol Tactics, Warrant Service and Less Lethal Munitions. He has been an NTOA instructor since 1999 and currently teaches Basic/Advanced SWAT, Less-Lethal Projectiles/FSDD/Chemical Agent instructor classes, Commander/Team Leader courses and Active Shooter Tactics for NTOA. He is a court-certified expert in the use and deployment of diversionary devices. Sgt. Murphy has participated in and/or supervised numerous high risk tactical operations and continues in that role today. He has been recognized by his agency for valor and distinguished service during hostage situations and violent arrests numerous times over his career. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice from Penn State.

[Back to Top]

Less-Lethal, FSDD and Chemical Agent – Instructor Certification

Don Whitson, Fort Collins PD
This train-the-trainer course familiarizes students with less-lethal weapons, impact munitions, chemical agents and deployment tactics.

Students who have not received an approved level  1, 2, or 3 chemical agent exposure to CS or OC will be required to have an exposure for completions of this course.  However, a waiver is available to students who have already been exposed.  Students who complete the waiver will be exempt from the level 1,2, and 3 exposure requirements.  It is recognized that many students participating in this course have already been exposed to CS or OC.

Equipment
Eye protection
Ear protection
Nomex Gloves
Clothing such as BDU’s that are suitable for physical activity.  Students will be outside at times and will take part in range activities.
A change of clothes to wear after chemical contamination
Agency Approved Chemical Agent Mask (APR)
All students will be exposed to pyrotechnic CS for fit and evaluation of their masks.

Instructor Bio
Sgt. Don Whitson has been a certified police officer since 1984 and was hired by Fort Collins (CO) Police Services in 1988, He was a narcotics K-9 handler for 9 years and served with the Selective Enforcement Unit for 7 years. His duties included gang intervention, narcotics investigation, career criminal apprehension and undercover operations. Sgt. Whitson served as the supervisor for the Special Operations Unit and was a team leader for the agency SWAT team until retiring in 2010.

[Back to Top]

Mechanical and Ballistic Breaching Instructor

Bill Blowers, Kent PD and Eric Gordon, Renton PD
Experienced breachers will learn how to instruct others in manually breaching doors, windows and soft wall targets. Tactical operators will learn to safely and efficiently utilize mechanical, thermal, ballistic, and cutting means for breaching. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the instructional guidelines and breaching practices by creating and leading scenario-based training for the class.

Equipment List
Tactical uniform with long sleeves
Nomex gloves
TAC vest or plate carrier
Helmet
Eye and ear protection

Instructor Bios
Sgt. Bill Blowers has been a police officer since 1992. He is currently assigned as a team leader for the Valley regional SWAT team and has been a member since 1995. Sgt. Blowers has taught hundreds of police officers in the Pacific Northwest in Mechanical and Shotgun breaching methods. He was an instructor at the Washington State Basic SWAT school for 7 years and routinely teaches SWAT courses to officers in the Pacific NW through his company. He holds numerous instructor certifications in a variety of topics.

Officer Eric Gordon has been a police officer since 2006. He is currently assigned as a team leader for the Valley Regional SWAT team and has been a member since 2007. He is also a district representative for the Washington State Tactical Officer Association. Some of his breaching instructor certifications include T1G (Explosive Master Breacher, Ballistic Breaching, Mechanical Breaching, Exothermic Breaching) and Forced Entry Tactical Training (FETT) explosive breaching for law enforcement. Eric also holds numerous instructor certifications in a variety of topics. Some of his practical application of breaching includes multiple deployments to Afghanistan, while assigned to 2^nd Battalion 75^th Ranger Regiment.

[Back to Top]

Operators Defensive Tactics for Combative Subjects

Officer George Ryan - LAPD
This hands-on, dynamic course covers highly effective and easily learned defensive tactics techniques for SWAT and patrol personnel.  In addition, this 32-hour track covers the three areas of unarmed physical tactics that apply to dealing with aggressive/combative subjects: Pugilistic Techniques (Strikes and Blocks), Takedowns and Ground Fighting. Since it is a fact that more than half of all suspect/police officer altercations end up on the ground, a special emphasis is placed on ground fighting skills in this course. In addition, this course provides training in the mental skills that are necessary for a more complete understanding of the following areas of Defensive Tactics:

• Proper Verbal Communications
• Common Suspect Altercation Patterns
• Mind-Set
• Reasonable Force
• Pre-Fight Indicators
• Anti-Ambush Techniques
• Impact Development (Increase Striking Power)
• Tactical Team Physical Tactics Considerations

Additionally, officers will train in room-entry drills that focus on handling unarmed, combative subjects. Finally, students will apply these skills in reality-based, hands-on training scenarios. In sum, this course will enhance an officer's level of readiness for an aggressive physical confrontation regardless of that officer's level of experience in Defensive Tactics.
Note: This is a physically demanding course. Participants should be in good physical condition.  Lastly, there is no sparring in this course.

Equipment
Students will be required to wear comfortable workout clothing such as sweat pants and t-shirt.  Students are encouraged to wear wrestling shoes on the matted training area.  No other shoes will be allowed on the training mat.  Students are encouraged to bring a towel and an extra set of workout clothing each day.

Instructor Bio
George Ryan has been a police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department since 1991.  Officer Ryan has been assigned to LAPD's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team since January of 1998.  There, he serves on the team’s CNT, Firearms and Defensive Tactics cadres.  With over 27 years of experience training and teaching in the martial arts, Officer Ryan was inducted into the martial arts Masters Hall of Fame in August of 2008.  He also is a contributor to Ultimate MMA Magazine.  In addition, Office Ryan founded and is the instructor for the CrossFit Striking Trainer Course.

[Back to Top]

Police Response to Active Shooter – Instructor Certification (Enhanced)

Don Alwes, Wilmore Police Department
This course covers response tactics for active shooter threats from traditional (Level I) incidents to Mumbai-and Beslan-style terrorist (Level III) attacks. Responses ranging from a single officer to squad-size units will be taught.

Equipment
Simunition F/X weapon (rifle preferred)
200 rounds of F/X ammunition
F/X Protective Gear (head, neck, groin)
AirSoft weapons (not protective gear) may be used
F/X 5.56 ammo is not permitted
Duty or tactical gear/uniform

Instructor Bio
Don Alwes is a trainer and consultant with 28 years of law enforcement experience. He is a lead instructor for the National Tactical Officers Association in School/Workplace Violence and Active Shooter Response.  Don is a firearms instructor for the NRA’s Law Enforcement Division and an adjunct instructor for Kentucky's Department of Criminal Justice Training.

[Back to Top]

Resolution of Barricaded Suspect

Bob Chabali, Dayton PD
This course exposes students to procedures and tactics to resolve an armed and barricaded suspect situation.

Equipment
SWAT uniform
Leather gloves
Boots
Rain gear
Body armor
Chemical agent mask
Load bearing vest (optional)
Ballistic helmet (optional)
Goggles
Primary entry weapon (MP5, shotgun, entry carbine)
Light mount for weapons (highly recommended)
Training weapons
Protective gear (head, face, neck, hands and groin)
Training weapon capable of shooting 9mm training ammo (handgun/entry weapon)

Instructor Bio
Lt. Robert Chabali is a 28-year veteran of the Dayton (OH) Police Department where he has served as an operator, team leader and commander of the tactical unit for more than nineteen years. His duties include the supervision and management of major tactical incidents and serves as the incident commander. Currently, Lt. Chabali commands one of Dayton’s five districts, which provides uniform patrol, crime prevention and community oriented policing services to its citizens. He instructs internationally for the NTOA in various disciplines, including decision-making in critical incidents, high risk patrol operations, patrol response to violent-critical incidents, and high-risk tactical operations. Lt. Chabali serves as the Midwest Regional Director for the NTOA.

[Back to Top]

Scouting and Raid Planning

Wayne Dubois, Richland PD and Steve Lobdell, Port of Seattle PD
This comprehensive course will train law enforcement personnel charged with planning and executing the fundamentals of scouting locations and planning warrant service.· This hands on course covers the concepts of terrain analysis, perimeters, approaches, intelligence gathering, target site scouting as well as warrant service methods and options.· Students will complete all portions of the scouting and planning process in this hands-on course.

Course content includes:
Mission, tactics, and technique analysis
Case law update
Terrain analysis
Perimeters and approaches
Breaching option overview
Location scouting
Operation order preparation and briefing
Tactical diagramming
UC/CI rescue planning
Post operation report review

Equipment list
Tactical Utility Uniform
Plain Clothes for scouting
Lap top Computer
Digital camera
Blank Team/Agency Operations Order document
Blank Post operation report

Instructor bios
Sergeant Wayne DuBois is a 16-year veteran of law enforcement and has been a member of Tri-City Regional SWAT since 1998, currently serving as team leader. He holds instructor certifications in Subgun/Rifle, Chemical Agent/NFDD/Impact Munitions, Close Quarters Countermeasures, and is a certified “Specialized Instructor” through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Officer Steve Lobdell is a 21-year veteran of law enforcement, with 20 years on a SWAT team and 15 years in leadership roles. He is currently team leader for the Valley Regional SWAT team, and also serves as vice president for WSTOA. Officer Lobdell has extensive experience in scouting and raid planning.

[Back to Top]

Specialized Tactics for Operational Rescue and Medicine (STORM)

Mark Gibbons, MD State Police
Designed for medical personnel who provide operational medical support directly to a tactical team, this course provides clearly defined medical strategies, procedures and rescue techniques to enhance safety for law enforcement and military personnel and the populations they serve.

Prerequisites: A minimum of EMT - basic level of training.

Equipment
Tactical Uniform (2)
Training Weapon (red/blue/simuntion)
Duty Belt
9mm Marking Cartridges (optional)
Boots
Individual Medical Equipment
Level III Body Armor
Foul Weather Gear
Ballistic Helmet
Energy Bars (optional)
Gas Mask
Hydration System
Eye Protection – ANSI 3
Sunscreen
Foam Hearing Protection
Insect Repellant

Instructor Bio
Lieutenant Mark E. Gibbons is the commander of the Maryland State Police, Emergency Operations Section within the Special Operations Command. Lt. Gibbons commands four sub-units including the full time Special Weapons Team (S.T.A.T.E.), Hostage Recovery Team, Underwater Recovery Team and Tactical Medical Unit. Before returning to Special Operations, he commanded the Cumberland Barrack in Western Maryland.  During Lt. Gibbons’ career he has held positions within Special Operations as an Operator/Tactical Medic coordinator and within Aviation Command as the risk management director, section supervisor and trooper / flight paramedic.  He has worked road patrol in Frederick and Montgomery County. Prior to joining the Maryland State Police in 1990, First Sergeant Gibbons served as a fire fighter/tactical paramedic with the St. Petersburg (Florida) Fire Department and worked part-time as a flight paramedic for Bayflight, a hospital-based helicopter program. While in St. Petersburg, he was instrumental in establishing tactical medical units within the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and St. Petersburg Police Department. First Sergeant Gibbons received his National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians paramedic license from the College of Health Sciences in Roanoke. While in Virginia, he worked as a paramedic with the Roanoke Life Saving Crew and Roanoke City EMS System.

[Back to Top]

Tactical Explosive Entry

Oscar Barragan, Los Angeles County SD
This course introduces tactical operators to the concept and practical application of tactical explosive breaching.

Equipment
Range training uniform (long sleeve)
Range boots
Nomex gloves
Ballistic vest
Handgun
Holster and belt
Knife (pocket or tactical)
Eye protection (goggles)
Ear protection
Helmet

Instructor Bio
Oscar Barragan has been assigned to the Sheriff’s Department for 19 years, 4 of those years at the Special Enforcement Bureau. He is the lead Explosive Breacher at the Bureau and has attended our 2 week Basic course and a 6 day course given by global assets. He has administered two 2-week explosive breaching courses for the SEB unit to various departments throughout the country including the U.S. military special forces units. He prepares all the explosive breaching training here at SEB and teaches explosive breaching for the NTOA.

[Back to Top]

Tactical Precision Long Rifle

Greg Hall, PA State Police (ret.)
This course exposes tactical personnel to effective long rifle deployment techniques and procedures. Students will perform both dim-light and nighttime engagement techniques.

Equipment
Duty Scoped Rifle w/ Shooting Sling
300 Rounds Duty Ammunition
Inclement Weather Gear
Department Training Uniform (BDU, etc…)
Hearing & Eye Protection
Optics
Duty Gas Mask
Cleaning Gear
Elbow/Knee Pads
Canteen/CamelBak
Flashlight
Compass
Data Rifle book (Available at NTOA Store)

Optional
Night Vision Scope for Duty Rifle
Spotting Scope
Shooting Mat
Range Finder
Calculator
GPS
Hide Making Material
Weight Bearing Harness
Drag Bag
Ghillie Suit

Instructor Bio
Mr. Greg Hall is a retired 28-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police Department. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team for 17 years, serving for six years as the tactical supervisor, assistant team coordinator and countersniper team leader. He has participated in more than 400 high-risk and tactical operations. Hall is a recipient of the Pennsylvania State Police Medal of Honor. Currently he is the Tactical Long Rifle Section Chair for the NTOA.

[Back to Top]

32-hour Seminars

SWAT Team Leader Development

A.J. DeAndrea, Arvada PD
Designed for law enforcement personnel responsible for deploying as a SWAT team leader or supervisor who is responsible for the training and deployment of tactical teams. Focus will be on pre-incident training, planning, organizing and the tactical decision-making process used in the resolution of high-risk operations.

This course is conducted entirely in the classroom with the exception of Day 3 when the students will have to go outside briefly to scout designated houses to be able to prepare an operational plan.

Equipment
Law Enforcement ID
Business casual dress may be worn
Laptop computer optional
SWAT Call-Out Forms & Briefing Forms, A.A.R., ops order forms optional

Recommended reading (Students are encouraged to bring to the class for Discussion and Review)
Leadership and Training For The Fight (BY: MSF Paul R. Howe)
Sound Doctrine:  A Tactical Primer (By: Charles Sid Heal)

Instructor Bio
Sergeant A.J. DeAndrea is an 18-year veteran of the Arvada (CO) PD.  He is currently assigned to internal affairs and serves as the team leader for the Jefferson County Regional SWAT team. Sgt. DeAndrea is a certified explosive breacher, master less-lethal instructor and a Colorado POST-certified instructor.  He teaches officer survival, building searches, rapid and immediate deployment, single officer response to an active shooter, defensive tactics and firearms. Sergeant DeAndrea is highly decorated and was honored as “Police Officer of the Year” through the Primo Awards. In 2007 he also received an honorable mention for Police Officer of the Year through the International Association of Chiefs of Police and Parade Magazine.

[Back to Top]

24-hour Practical Tracks

Shoothouse – Instructor Certification

Isaac Lopez, Orange County SO
Students are exposed to all the elements required for the safe operation of live-fire training scenarios in the shoothouse environment.

Equipment
Law Enforcement ID

The student will be required to have his/her full operational gear, including:
Eye protection
Hearing protection
Soft body armor
Handgun with operational holster
300 rounds of non-jacketed, non-toxic frangible handgun ammunition
Whistle, Air Horn or any other audible handheld device

Optional
Entry vest
Helmet
Shoulder weapon
300 rounds of non-jacketed, non-toxic frangible shoulder weapon ammunition

[Back to Top]

Tactical Pistol

Pat Hilliker and John Stuckey, Pima County SO
Designed to enhance officers’ handgun shooting skills, this course covers weapon manipulation, shooting and moving, use of cover, deployment from and around vehicles and tactics for building searches.

Instructor Bios
Sgt. Patrick Hilliker is a 16-year member of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in Tucson, AZ. He has served with the SWAT Team for 10 years and was a member when the team became regional in 2005. He was assigned as a squad leader in 2006 and is currently the team’s lead supervisor. Sgt. Hilliker assists in departmental tactical training and conducts training with members of Southern Arizona tactical teams. He is the co-chairman for the Urban Area Security Initiative Rapid Response Team and Incident Support Team.  He has instructed for the NTOA as an assistant instructor for the SWAT Team Leader Development Course and as the lead instructor for the 24 hour Hostage Rescue Course. Sgt. Hilliker is currently a board member of the Arizona Tactical Officers Association (ATOA) as the Southern Arizona representative.

Lt. John Stuckey has been with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department for 17 years and is currently assigned as the SWAT Commander of the Pima Regional SWAT Team. Lt. Stuckey previously served as a SWAT Team member and supervisor for more than nine years. He has also served in the Patrol Division, Special Operations Section and Training Section. He has been an Arizona POST certified firearms instructor since 1998 and served as the Department’s Lead Firearms Instructor in 2002 and 2003. Lt. Stuckey also holds the following instructor certifications: Arizona POST Patrol Rifle Instructor, NRA Law Enforcement Rifle Instructor, Arizona POST Defensive Tactics Instructor, H&K MP-5 Instructor and Snipercraft Sniper Instructor.

[Back to Top]

16-hour Practical Tracks

Tactical Shield Operations

Chris Maiorana, Seminole County SO
This course covers ballistic shield operations including shield types and selection, single and multiple person applications, victim rescues and hallway and stairwell clearing. Includes both live-fire and Simunition-based exercises.

Equipment
Ballistic shield
Tactical uniform
Handgun (for movement)
Shoulder weapon (for movement) 
9mm Simunitions Weapon
9mm Simunitions Marking Rounds
200 round handgun
200 round for shoulder weapon
Eyes/ear protection as we are conducting live fire for this class

[Back to Top]

16-hour Seminars

Patrol Supervisor Response to Critical Incidents

Fred Farris, Lenexa PD
This course provides patrol supervisors with the information and tools needed to manage a critical incident prior to the arrival of SWAT.

[Back to Top]

Training Management and Risk Mitigation

Randy Watt, Ogden PD
This course is designed to help team commanders and trainers recognize and mitigate training and operational risks inherent to tactical unit performance. Students will assess training events and operational plans against the need for high-risk activities.

[Back to Top]

Specialized and Tactical Teams Arrest and Control Program

Lew Hicks
This course will teach officers how to use the appropriate level of controlled, articulated force necessary to respond to and effectively handle any type of physically dynamic situation. The focus is on weapons retention and disarmament,   surviving ground encounters, and drills on multiple person ground encounters during combative encounters.

Equipment
BDUs
Vest
Holster and kit
Writing gear
Training red gun -  pistol and long gun if available
Water bottle
Belva- Clava or type of  full head cover

Instructor Bio
Mr. Lew Hicks, President and Founder of L. Hicks, Inc., is a Retired Navy SEAL Senior Chief of 21 years, serving in multiple special warfare operational platoons. With a Bachelors Degree in Legal Studies (Summa Cum Laude), Mr. Hicks has over sixteen years of experience working and training in the police and law enforcement arena where thousands of officers have been successfully trained. For the past sixteen years, Mr. Hicks has been a master trainer, advisor and consultant for the Special Warfare Community, VBSS Teams, Homeland Security and Police Departments all over the United States. His focus is on training high risk physical engagement during CQB with SWAT, Special Teams and Compartmented Operations in high risk, under cover activity.

[Back to Top]

4-hour Seminars

21st Century Leadership

Ed Jany
This is an interactive lecture on improving personnel, maximizing strengths and co-opting support during lean times in law enforcement agencies. Topics include leadership under stress, best use of technology, motivating forces on a budget, and liability and efficacy ? blending community relations and law enforcement.

[Back to Top]

Combining CNT and Tactical Functions

Jan Dubina, Phoenix PD
A team approach review of current incident debriefs using both negotiations and tactical teams to resolve critical incidents ? what negotiators would like their commanders and tactical teams to know.

[Back to Top]

Establishing and Operating a TEMS Program

Mark Gibbons, MD State Police and Dr. Kevin Gerold, Esq.
This course covers the steps necessary to establish and maintain an effective tactical medical program to support high-risk, large scale and extended law enforcement operations.

[Back to Top]

Harnessing Instinct:  Enhance Self-Regulation Skills in the Brain, Mind and Body Connection

Sam Levy, MEd
Aimed to enhance even the most seasoned SWAT officers' understanding of self-regulation, this workshop will explore the brain, mind and body connection in all phases of a mission including anticipation and preparation; the threshold into action leading to precise and fluid execution; and the de-escalating and recovery phase.

How to Save SWAT Cops and Careers

Ron McCarthy, LAPD (ret.)
This presentation will disclose major errors on the part of police chiefs, executive level decision-makers, captains, lieutenants and sergeants that have caused the injury or death of SWAT officers or significant damage to SWAT officers' careers. The goal is to provide some insight and answers toward improvement.

[Back to Top]

K9 SWAT Deployment and Tactical Debriefs

Brad Smith, West Covina (CA) PD
For those that have a misconception as to how beneficial K9’s can be to a SWAT team, this class is for you.  You will learn how to utilize your dog to find the suspect quicker, yet safer, while maintaining your tactical advantage and officer safety. Learn how a properly trained patrol dog and handler can be utilized during a SWAT operation when it comes to tracking, barricaded suspects, approaches, entries, blind corners, room clearing, hallways, stairs, attics, crawl spaces, vehicle assaults, arrest techniques and even in a gas environment.  The presentation includes debriefs of several SWAT and high-risk tactical operations around the county in which K9’s saved the lives of SWAT officers and paid the ultimate price.

Lessons Learned in Barricaded Suspect Operations

Ed Allen, Seminole County SD
This course provides in-depth analyses of tactics and command decision-making during a barricaded suspect operation. It includes a review of recent operations and the positive and negative issues that impact operations of this type.

[Back to Top]

Lessons Learned in High Risk Warrant Service

Mike DiMaggio, Fort Lauderdale PD
This course is geared toward those who supervise the service of search warrants and focuses on lessons learned during the evolution of warrant service tactics, techniques and procedures over the last 20 years. Topics include risk management principles, tactical decision-making and developing appropriate courses of action for warrant services based on the actual mission.

[Back to Top]

Lessons Learned in Hostage Rescue Operations

Phoenix PD
This course focuses on lessons learned during the evolution of hostage rescue tactics, techniques and procedures over the last several years. It includes a review of risk management principles, tactical decision-making and developing appropriate courses of action for hostage rescue.

[Back to Top]

Litigation Avoidance and Techniques for Testifying

Jim Clark, Tulsa PD and Scott Wood, Esq.
This course covers current legal trends impacting tactical teams including report writing, giving depositions and courtroom testimony.

[Back to Top]

Neutralize the Threat – Improving the Safety and Effectiveness of LEO Training

Glenn A. Bollard, MD, FACEP
Experienced law enforcement officers and tactical physicians share their scientific expertise and experience to help participants develop safer and more effective LE training methods. Subject areas include the NTOA Police Training Deaths database; a recent study of actual injuries and deaths over a one-year time period in 18 PD’s across the USA; the latest scientific evidence on how people learn and what constitutes “effective” training; and current recommendations from health/fitness experts on how to increase the individual LEO’s strength, flexibility and endurance, thereby decreasing their risk of injury.

Organized Crime/Drug Organization Threats to Tactical Teams

Don Kester, Pima County SD
This track addresses common and current threats to tactical teams that regularly encounter missions involving organized drug and crime syndicates.

[Back to Top]

Ready to Rock: Train Hard, Train Smart, Rest Easy for Peak Performance

Kathy Vonk, Ann Arbor PD
Fitness and nutrition for tactical team operators "beyond the basics" is the topic of this fast-paced, hands-on course. Tactical team operators will learn to design proper progression and intensity to optimize speed, strength, power and agility while under load.

[Back to Top]

SWAT Selection and Training

Steve Smith, Lenexa PD (ret.)
This course covers the SWAT selection process including physical fitness qualification tests, oral board questions and associated legal issues. Includes discussion of basic and advanced concepts, establishing an annual training calendar, developing safe and realistic training scenarios and training documentation.

[Back to Top]

2-hour Seminars

An Introduction to Explosive Theory and Tactical Applications

Chris Cherry, Cherry Engineering
Fundamental concepts of explosive science and illustrations of applications specific to the tactical operator will be covered in this presentation. Through a basic understanding of characteristics of explosives, tactical operators may explore the use of explosive tools with confidence, safety and efficiency.

[Back to Top]

Fitness Anywhere

Fitness Anywhere cadre
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the TRX suspension training program including history, benefits to first responders, equipment and principles. Students will participate in a military workout and train-the-trainer concept.

[Back to Top]

Individualized Interval Training for Large Tactical Teams

Jason Dudley, MS, CSCS*D, RSCC, USAW-1, TSAC
This lecture is followed by a hands-on session showing how to use the 30-15 IFT (Intermittent Field Test) as a means of prescribing individualized interval training programs specific to the needs of tactical operators within large tactical teams.  Students will learn to identify the training status of tactical operators and prescribe individualized training sessions to improve the training level of everyone on the team during group training sessions.

[Back to Top]

Policy and Legal Issues

Eugene Ramirez, Esq.
This presentation focuses on contemporary SWAT policies and current case law that has a direct impact on SWAT teams across the nation.

[Back to Top]