Deaths associated with prone restraint have been the subject of intense legal, medical, and public scrutiny. While early discussions often relied on simplified explanations, modern analysis requires a deeper understanding of physiology, biomechanics, and forensic science.
This course examines the scientific factors associated with prone restraint deaths and how that science informs legal review, investigations, and policy evaluation. Participants will gain insight into how courts, experts, and investigators assess these incidents and why accurate scientific understanding is critical to defensible outcomes.
Our training experts recommend this course for all officers, ranks, and command staff that are responsible for training.
Instructor: Geoffrey Thor Desmoulin, Ph.D., R.Kin., P.L.Eng.,
Geoffrey Thor Desmoulin, Ph.D., R.Kin., P.L.Eng., is the Principal of GTD Scientific Inc., a biomechanical consulting firm he founded in 2009 with the goal of providing the highest-quality scientific analysis in matters involving human injury and use of force.
Dr. Desmoulin holds multiple degrees in kinesiology and engineering, with a sub-specialty in the Science of Violence®, giving him a unique interdisciplinary perspective on injury causation, biomechanics, and physiological stress. His work has been relied upon in criminal and civil cases at the local, national, and international levels, and he has been qualified as an expert in state, federal, and Supreme Court proceedings.
In addition to his academic and professional credentials, Dr. Desmoulin brings extensive real-world experience to his analysis. His background includes service as an emergency medical technician and firefighter, experience as a high-level international biathlon athlete, and advanced training in martial arts. He also served as the engineering expert on the television series Deadliest Warrior.
Dr. Desmoulin draws on decades of investigative, research, and applied experience to help law enforcement professionals understand complex biomechanical and physiological issues through a scientifically grounded, practical lens.
- Credit Hours: 1
- Class ID: 26-014-2-A1
- Area: 200
- Topic: Use of Force
Please click here to contact the DLG Learning Center support staff with any questions about this course.