Sessions at the Use of Force Summit 2024

Live Training Conference on Dec 3-5 at Mohegan Sun

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Keynote Sessions

Keynote

Current Trends - SCOTUS and Reasonable Interpretation - Attorney Eric Daigle, Daigle Law Group

Attorney Eric Daigle - Daigle Law Group

Keynote Description: This keynote session delves into Supreme Court rulings and anticipated rulings that directly impact use-of-force policies and practices. The discussion will focus on how SCOTUS decisions have shaped the interpretation of “reasonableness” under the Fourth Amendment, influencing law enforcement’s use of force in the field.  Looking forward to the anticipated ruling in the SCOTUS interpretation of the 5th Circuit Decision Barnes v. Felix.  Attendees will understand how these judicial trends affect the standards officers must meet when making split-second decisions, as well as the implications for policy development, training, and accountability. This session is vital for law enforcement professionals and legal advisors aiming to align use-of-force practices with the latest legal precedents.

Officer Created Jeopardy – Attorney Eric Daigle, Daigle Law Group 
This keynote session examines the concept of “officer-created jeopardy,” where an officer’s actions or tactical decisions prior to a use-of-force incident contribute to the creation of a dangerous situation. The session will explore legal precedents, real-world case studies, and the implications these situations have on the standard of “reasonableness” in use-of-force incidents. Attendees will learn strategies to avoid unnecessary risks, reduce liability, and improve decision-making under pressure. This session is critical for officers, supervisors, and trainers seeking to enhance tactical practices and minimize the legal and operational challenges associated with officer-created jeopardy.

Keynote

The Impact of Human and Organizational Factors on Use of Force Investigations

Paul Taylor, Ph.D. - Association of Force Investigators

Keynote Description: This presentation will examine how human and organizational factors can influence use of force investigators and investigations. It will lay out ways to minimize the impact of these potentially biasing factors on the investigation and adjudication of these cases.

Keynote

Application of Force Science Research - Discerning Critical Performance Elements

Dr. Bill Lewinski, Ph.D. - Founding Partner & Co-Owner at FORCE SCIENCE®

Keynote Description: In complex, rapidly unfolding, dynamic and threatening situations, human performance elements are often difficult to discern, particularly for the uninformed or uninterested. This presentation will focus on multiple cases where FS was able to detect critical performance elements that were influential in clarifying the incident for the trier of fact. The sequence will involve a brief case presentation, the FS research supporting the application of that element to the case, and an animation illustrating the effect.

Keynote

Use of Force Analysis - What Leaders Need to Know

Lt. Kevin Dillon (Ret.) -LOCKUP Police Training

Keynote Description: Today every use of force incident is scrutinized frame by frame on a video and judged by untrained individuals creating distrust and false narratives. Use of force analysis, investigation and training is a complex continually evolving issue. This training workshop is designed for Police Leaders who, reviews, reports, instructs or investigates police use of force incidents and trainers who develop curriculum and training and practices. The training will examine the most recent and up to date issues that specifically impact management, training units, front line supervisors and internal affairs investigators concerning police use of force incidents. This course breaks down multiple issues ranging from daily officer citizen complaints, failure to engage issues, development of quantifiable evidence, curriculum design, use of force reporting, and tracking and trending or investigating incidents. Instruction uses lectures, demonstrations and case studies. Just one improper technique changed the country!

Keynote

Biomechanics from Video Evidence

Geoffrey Thor Desmoulin Principal - GTD Scientific Inc.

Keynote Description: Video is the most prolific form of forensic evidence. Hence, this course aims to identify how physics related to a complex human injury can be provided when the violent incident or portions thereof have been captured in a camera frame. Techniques such as 3D scans, photogrammetry, inverse photogrammetry, reverse projection, biomechanical models and movement patterns using live humans can be used as key investigative tools to assess a use-of-force incident. These concepts will be solidified through multiple real-world case studies. 

Force Track

Force

The Limitations of Video for Use of Force Investigations

Lewis 'Von' Kliem, Esq., Force Science Institute

Having been involved in some of the most high-profile use-of-force cases in the country, Von Kliem, CEO and Director of Consulting for Force Science, will share how he guides investigators and attorneys in their understanding of human performance during threat assessments and responses. Attendees will be introduced to an investigator checklist and shown how it can be immediately incorporated into their current investigative approaches.

Force

Perception-Response Times for OIS Investigations

Dr. Paul Taylor

This presentation will survey the research on perception-response times for shooting tasks and will demonstrate how these important studies can be appropriately applied to the analysis of real world OIS cases.

Force

The Expectations and Buzzwords that Compromise Investigations

Nicole Florisi

Buzzwords and unrealistic expectations can significantly complicate and undermine investigations involving police officers. Terms like “zero tolerance,” “transparency,” or “accountability” can become problematic when overused or lacking specific, actionable definitions. These buzzwords often create high public expectations that may be difficult to meet within the legal and procedural frameworks of investigations. Unrealistic expectations, such as demands for immediate answers or unambiguous conclusions, fail to account for the complex, time-intensive nature of thorough investigations. As a result, public pressure can lead to rushed or overly simplified findings, potentially compromising fairness and thoroughness.

Force

Overcoming Hurdles to Success in Force Investigations

Lieutenant Collin Congleton, Jersey City Police Department

This session will examine the many challenges, both internal and external to a unit or agency, that arise in force investigations. Using recent cases as examples to frame the conversation, we will discuss common issues that arise during and after use of force incidents and investigations, and how to anticipate, prevent, and remediate them. Time will be allotted for attendees to raise and discuss novel challenges that they have encountered. 

Force

Force Reporting and Force Investigation 101

Attorney Eric Daigle

This seminar will review the operational standards to identify an effective force reporting and investigation process. Developing an effective report form and collection of necessary data to identify risk. Identify a process to evaluate policy and training interpretation.

Force

Developing a Dedicated Use of Force Unit: Review, Analysis, Data Collection, and Training

Lieutenant Matthew Botterbusch, New Castle County Division of Police

This presentation delves into the creation of a cutting-edge Use of Force Review Unit, dedicated to thorough data collection, analysis, and training through a detailed review of all use of force incidents within an agency. It explores the complex relationship between human perception and video evidence, addressing common distortions often overlooked in investigations. By distinguishing between an officer’s subjective perspective and objective facts, the presentation offers insights into developing policies and evidence-based training to enhance officer performance.

Force

The Difference between Critique and Analysis in Force Investigations

Corporal Kevin Selverian - Pennsylvania State Police

Coming Soon

Force

Science Based Interviewing for Use of Force Investigations ​

Captain Christian Cory, Wichita Police Department/Project Aletheia – John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Effective use of force investigations hinge on collecting high-quality statement evidence. In this session, participants will learn science-based interviewing techniques designed to elicit more detailed and reliable information from officers, witnesses, and involved parties. These techniques are rooted in research and provide a structured approach to interviewing that minimizes biases and improves statement accuracy.

By understanding the shift to science-based interviewing, participants will see how these methods elevate and professionalize investigations, moving beyond outdated techniques to approaches that ensure greater accuracy, objectivity, and credibility. Science-based interviewing enhances case integrity, builds trust, and aligns investigative practices with the best available research, equipping investigators to handle complex cases with confidence. 

Training Track

Training

The Path to Reasonability; Outcomes Versus Process

Chief Liam Duggan

Coming Soon

Training

Systems Thinking 2.0; Context is Critical in Force Events

Chief Liam Duggan

Coming soon

Training

L.E.A.D.S. LE Active De-escalation Strategies - A Measurable Method

Lt. Kevin Dillon (Ret.)

The L.E. Active De-escalation Strategies program focuses on how to recognize aggression and how not to stimulate aggression. The program is based on the nationally recognized and award winning L.E.A.D.S. Law Enforcement active De-escalation Strategies Program. Lt. Dillon will discuss the importance and value of effective communications and de-escalation skills as they apply to all public services ranging from first interactions to continual service. We will also discuss the misrepresentation of de-escalation, how “De-escalation” is used illusion is used against law enforcement in litigation by attorney’s  and how to quantify and measure it. Attendees will discuss Active De-escalation Strategies that can avoid or resolve interactions by employing effective communications skills, tactical de-escalation, relocation methods and how to document the actions within the report. We will learn basic steps on how to validate what the officers are in fact doing in the street.

Training

NTOA Standards – Public Order Use of Force

Captain Spencer Fomby (Ret.)

Captain Spencer Fomby (Ret.) will cover the best practices for police use of force during a protest event. This session will address individual uses of force by officers, use of chemical agents and impact munitions, mass detentions/arrests, arrest team tactics, planning, and command and control.

Training

How We Train Matters as Much as What We Train: Teaching Use of Force Decision Making

Lieutenant Michael R. Creter - Form60; Hartford Police Dept; L.O.C.K.U.P.

How you present and share information during training is just as important as the material you are training. This course will discuss training methods and techniques to build better use of force decision makers.  Our goal is training new officers to retain, retrieve and transfer their knowledge to perform sound decision making in use of force situations where time is of the essence.

Training

Building a Complete Integrated Use of Force Program

Lieutenant Michael R. Creter - Form60; Hartford Police Dept; L.O.C.K.U.P.

This course is designed to help law enforcement officers move beyond traditional block training and embrace a fully integrated approach to use of force. By interleaving lessons of legal frameworks, hands-on techniques, less-lethal options, lethal force, and de-escalation strategies into one cohesive training environment, officers will learn how to seamlessly transition between tools and tactics. The focus is on developing the skills to assess and adapt in real-time, to evaluate the level of force needed to effectively manage a wide range of situations. This dynamic scenario-based training, prepares officers to respond with confidence, competence, and control in any use-of-force scenario.

Training

CDT 6240, A NEW STANDARD IN USE OF FORCE TRAINING

Kenneth E. Lott, NW Regional Use of Force/CDT Lead Instructor for the Washington State CJTC, - Bellingham Washington Police Department

The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission CDT 6240 Basic Use of Force / Control & Defensive Tactics Course is Washington’s basic law enforcement academy control and defensive tactics curriculum.  It was designed as a resource for law enforcement officers, trainers, and policymakers alike.  The information contained within the program was compiled using the Washington state Attorney General’s Model Use of Force Policy, the Washington Administrative Code, the Revised Code of Washington, as well as consulting a list of sworn and civilian subject matter experts.  CDT 6240 is not only the most comprehensive, legally defensible, and most current guide on use of force and defensive tactics but is also understood to be a living document that can and will be evaluated and adjusted in accordance with evolving case law, state legislation, and best practice standards.  Following a joint task analysis of the state’s basic training curriculum, both the new training standards brought on by Initiative 940 and the delivery model were amended to accommodate new legislation, as well as to develop a better way of creating learning transfer through the use of adult learning theory.  The program is currently going through accreditation with IADLEST and will be one of the, if not the only, fully accredited use of force/defensive tactics program in the country.   

Training

Addressing the Reluctant Officer: Is It Failure or Hesitancy

Chief of Police Sean Case - Anchorage Police Department

With calls for police reforms across the country, anti-law enforcement legislature, politicians, mainstream, social media all judging and scrutinizing every action of a law enforcement officer. All these factors play heavily on police officers’ reluctance to use force. There is a call from experts and trainers from across the county on how to deal with these issues.  There are multiple reasons why officers failed to act during a use of force incident. This workshop identifies an array of reasons why officers do not respond to use of force incidents. Discussions will be based upon use of force investigation, cognitive interviewing, non-disciplinary retraining, adaptive thinking under stress and quantifiable measurements.

Command Track

COMMAND

Impact of Unreasonable Use of Force

Chief Terri Wilfong (Ret.), Daigle Law Group

The session will discuss the effects of unreasonable force used by officers, ways in which legitimate use of force becomes the norm of agencies. 

COMMAND

Why Words Matter

Lawrence Terra, Esq.

This session will address how communication impacts human beings as well as police use of force situations. Here we explore how the erosion of basic communication skills has contributed to police use of force. So how do we regain these valuable tools, apply sound interpersonal communication, empathize with others and accomplish safe and effective resolutions to conflicts while reducing use of force situations? This training segment will identify the problems and provide sound strategies for application both in policing and in your personal life.   

COMMAND

Officer Involved Shooting Investigations: 2020 has now fully impacted our investigations

Chief of Police Sean Case - Anchorage Police Department

Failure to intervene, the use of grand jury, and granting immunity to officers has created new challenges while investigating Officer Involved Shootings.  This course is a new look at the tried-and-true process.  Concepts covered include: 

  • Increased use of grand juries to indict officers after an OIS. 
  • Witness officers or subjects of criminal failure to intervein investigations. 
  • The reluctance of prosecutors to grant immunity for any officer during an OIS investigation. 
  • Reenforcing the basics of Garrity. 

COMMAND

The Gold Standard: Flipping the Narrative on Police Use of Force

Chief of Police Sean Case - Anchorage Police Department

In 2020, approximately 53.8 million people aged 16 or older had one or more contacts with police.  Approximately 2% (or just over 1 million) result in some level of force.  The most dramatic change to policing, specifically use of police force, came after the events of 2020.  We now find a collision between the demand to use less force while increasing number of officers and their pay.  Police leaders need to create a gold standard to ensure the use of force culture within our departments do not react to the narrative but rather create the narrative.  Concepts covered include:

  • Awareness of the use of force culture
  • Knowledge of attitudes held by officers (patrol, specialty teams, & training)
  • Ensuring there is a high level of competency and knowledge surrounding use of force.
  • Professionalism increasing with experience.
  • Tabletop exercises with city managers, PIO’s, DOJ, elected officials, trusted partners within the media, and public interest groups.

COMMAND

Tactical and Operational Decision-Making Frameworks

Commander Jeffrey S Selleg (Ret.) - National Tactical Officer's Association

This seminar aims to expose the students to high-level, tactical decision-making from the perspective of a law enforcement leader. Research has shown that the best decision-makers possess a problem-solving methodology. This course exposes students to a systematic decision-making model for tactical (happening right now) incidents and a framework for problem-solving at operational level courses of action during more complex incidents. The concepts are supplemented with video decision-making exercises to reinforce the models.

COMMAND

The Implementation of Social Workers into Law Enforcement Operations

Attorney Joseph Race

In the ever-evolving landscape of law enforcement/community relations, the integration of social workers into law enforcement operations has emerged as one approach for addressing complex societal issues with empathy, compassion, and a focus on community well-being.  The role of law enforcement in our society has expanded greatly beyond our core functions of patrol operations and criminal investigations.  Today, our officers’ calls for service consist of a myriad of non-criminal “investigations” and other community welfare situations. To address these ever-expanding responsibilities, while adhering to our core functions and upholding our duty of care to our communities, some agencies have implemented social workers in various capacities, into their operations.  This presentation will examine the various administrative structures for implementing social workers into your law enforcement operations including challenges presented by each administrative model.

COMMAND

Chiefs Perspective: What’s After a Significant Use of Force

Chief Vernon Riddick

Chief Vernon Riddick provides a glimpse through the lens of a police chief how policy, training, and supervision can impact what will occur after an incident involving a significant use of force. Moreover, he will focus on what the “book” does not tell you and delve into the real world applications of being a police chief and the considerations that must be contemplated during these types of incidents. Conversations will include: leading and managing – the art of decision making; fairness vs equality; chief’s counsel; internal and external relationships; trauma; “doing the right thing.”

COMMAND

(ALL NEW) CALEA Accreditation Standards for Use of Force

Attorney Joseph Race

This course will explore the use of force accreditation standards that are part of every law enforcement accreditation process, whether CALEA or state accreditation.  However, rather than focusing on the incident itself, we will focus on the issues following the incident itself.  We will examine accreditation standards and reporting requirements – including how we document de-escalation, the administrative review process and the annual analysis.  Additionally, we will discuss new use of force technologies and how these fit into the accreditation standards, even if the standards haven’t yet caught up to the technology.

Corrections Track

CORRECTIONS

Use of Force in Corrections: Legal Update

Attorney Carrie HIll

Now more than ever, the discussion surrounding the use of force is critical for all commanders and staff.   This seminar will discuss the legal developments in the use of force including an extensive review of the Kingsley case.  Discussions will include how the public’s perception of the use of force has changed over the years with an emphasis on legal based report writing, the duty to intervene and de-escalation efforts.  The impact of video will also be a focal point as well as the importance of consistency in training throughout the entire agency.

CORRECTIONS

Use of Force – Are We Seeing it Clearly?

Primary CAPTAIN JOSEPH CELETTI

The focus of this class will provide an overview on how we view a use of force in the 2020’s with an emphasis on the officer’s perception. These officer’s perceptions drive our decision-making process while focusing on the facts and totality of circumstances at hand. Some key topics of discussion are “Use of Force and today’s Optics”, “Perception and the Use of Force” and “Use of Force and Trauma”.

CORRECTIONS

Navigating through Corrections in the 21st Century

Primary Captain Joseph Celetti

The focus of this class will provide an overview on how law enforcement has changed due to correctional and police reforms in the way we operate today. These changes and operational overhauls have impacted both our staff and the inmate population we serve. Some key topics of discussion are the “seasoned” officer vs. the “new” officer, bridging the generational gap in a post COVID atmosphere, training in the 2020’s, and the “New Normal” of today.

CORRECTIONS

Our Duty to Protect Inmates from Us!

Donald L. Leach, Ph.D.

Who polices the police, especially right there in the moment when force is being used? Is force being used appropriately? Is there an appropriate rationale for using force? De-escalation and the duty to intervene are huge in the minds of the media/public. But do we bring this scrutiny on ourselves by our own misbehavior? Let’s talk about this!

CORRECTIONS

Duty to Intervene: Where to from Here?

Attorney Carrie Hill

The Duty to intervene involves the obligation of deputies and officers to intervene when force is inappropriately applied or no longer required. Join Carrie Hill as she shares with you the standard for use of force and the theory of bystander liability in the correctional setting.  Understanding the law and having legal based policies and procedures can protect you, your colleagues and those persons under your care.

CORRECTIONS

Correctional Use of Force Investigations

Captain Brian Zawilinski (Ret.)

An in-depth look at investigating UOF incidents behind the walls to include the dynamics between administrative investigations vs. criminal investigations, as well as  dealing with Weingarten/Garrity Rights. We will also look at the role and extent of the investigator – to include whether or not they should be determining whether policy was violated vs. fact finding. 

CORRECTIONS

Civil Liability Avoiding a Pattern or Practice Finding

Attorney Carrie Hill

The Duty to intervene involves the obligation of deputies and officers to intervene when force is inappropriately applied or no longer required. Join Carrie Hill as she shares with you the standard for use of force and the theory of bystander liability in the correctional setting.  Understanding the law and having legal based policies and procedures can protect you, your colleagues and those persons under your care.

CORRECTIONS

Applying Kingsley v. Hendrickson to a UOF Report

Captain Brian Zawilinski (Ret.)

Taking the eight principles of this landmark case and implementing them in line staff UOF reports. Report out with the same standards that staff will encounter years later in potential litigation.

Legal Track

LEGAL

You have just been involved in an OIS, now what? A Union Perspective

Attorney Ronald J. Pugliese Jr. - Law Office of Eric R. Brown/ Nutmeg Independent Labor Unions

This program will walk officers through the immediate steps after being involved in a shooting or serious use of force incident. The program will cover securing the scene, giving a public safety statement, handling evidence, removing the officer from the scene, and the importance of time and administrative leave. Also covered will be the different types of investigations an officer can expect and when and how interviews and reports are handled. Lastly, this program will touch on the short and long-term effects of involvement in a critical incident and what it takes to get to work.

LEGAL

Use of Force Review Boards

Attorney Eric Daigle

This seminar will identify recommended practices to ensure an effective force review board. From policy to guide its process and the use of subject matter experts to analyze the daily force operations.

LEGAL

Tag: You’re It! The Duty to Intervene & Bystander Liability

Attorney Eric Atstupenas

This seminar will discuss how the duty to intervene, and bystander liability have suddenly become household terms across the country, with many civilians touting such concepts as innovative and revolutionary to the law enforcement profession.  These terms are not new, however, and those actually in the profession know as much.  This session will cover the concepts of the duty to intervene, applicable legal and policy standards, and modern approaches to these concepts.

LEGAL

Training Officer Liability

Attorney Eric Daigle

The role of a Training Officer is pivotal in shaping the practices and behavior of staff, directly influencing their readiness and performance. This session will address legal responsibilities and emerging trends affecting training officers, emphasizing the critical nature of their duties in a legal context. As law enforcement practices evolve and public scrutiny intensifies, Training Officers must stay informed about legal standards and effective training methodologies. The session covers recent case laws, liability issues, and best practices to ensure Training Officers are well-equipped to provide effective and legally sound training. 

LEGAL

Tactical Operation Legal Update

Attorney Eric Daigle

This seminar will review the standards and case law applicable to the use of a tactical team and tactical-related issues. The purpose is to identify the current legal challenges and successes directly related to tactical operations and tactical-related equipment. These cases are reviewed for operators and commanders to understand the basis of force decisions and how to meet the constitutional requirements of the Fourth Amendment.

LEGAL

Officer Involved Shooting: Different Perspectives

Attorney Eric Daigle

This seminar will examine the investigative best practices for providing a standardized and systematic approach to deadly force and in-custody death investigations.

LEGAL

Crowd Control First Amendment Protection

Attorney Eric Daigle

This seminar examines the who, what, when, where, and why of interviews for force investigations. From the unique aspects and challenges of interviewing a law enforcement officer, to when an interview should be conducted after a critical incident, this seminar cuts through the controversy with a science-based approach for maximizing memory retrieval and communication.

LEGAL

Don't Get Emplawyered: Practical Employment Law Guidance for Dealing with Injured Officers

Attorney Eric Atstupenas

Officers and deputies will get injured.  That is well established and understood as a risk inherent in the law enforcement profession.  However, agencies must be poised to respond to those injuries and to take certain precautions to protect officers from injuries, consistent with state and federal law.  This seminar will examine Workers’ Compensation issues, contemporary trends in disability discrimination law, a discussion on defective training, and best practices in agency training protocols.
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