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Force Encounters Analysis is a dynamic, participant-centered 24-hour course designed to present the most current, unbiased scientific evidence about officer-involved use of force. Our curriculum helps law enforcement professionals apply ground-breaking concepts revealed through human performance research to the following areas:

Performance under stress
Body worn cameras and other video evidence
Effective de-escalation
Naturalistic decision-making
Neurophysiology of the stress response
Consequences of fatigue
Memory failures
Understanding reaction time

This training offers an education in human performance derived from over 100 years of science and research. It provides the tools necessary for law enforcement professionals to improve performance and decrease agency liability through pre-incident risk management and post-incident forensic findings. Without question, our training can help save lives (officer and civilian) and reduce the risk of officers being exposed to criminal liability for simply trying to do their job in today’s environment!

The tangible results of our training include:

Skills to enhance officer safety,
Improved decision-making abilities in time compressed situations,
Effective, informed, and unbiased force investigations,
Training programs informed by human factor science
Enhanced officer wellness (short and long-term)

Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989), provides the evaluative standard for use of force. The court decided force should be judged, in part, on the perceptions of an objectively reasonable officer given the totality of the circumstances. Human factors science provides vital information[1] concerning the capabilities and limitations of human beings in environments which are tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving. Given the fact Graham is under attack in many states, Force Encounters Analysis will add vital information to the discussion when answering the question – WHAT IS REASONABLE?

Target Audience

Force Encounters Analysis is ideal for sworn and professional law enforcement personnel assigned to Patrol, Corrections, SWAT, Investigations, Professional Standards, or Training (firearms, defensive tactics, force options, etc.) as well as Supervisors and Command Staff at all levels. This course is appropriate for attendees from law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal level to include Investigators from agencies such as the District Attorney, Attorney General, Inspector General, etc.

The course will also greatly benefit those outside of law enforcement whose work includes:

Prosecutors
Civil attorneys for city, county, state, or federal agencies
Risk managers
Critical Incident Teams
Police psychologists
Union representatives
Civilian Review Boards
Law Enforcement Oversight Committees

[1] Reaction time, perception & attention, biomechanics, memory, video interpretation, decision-making and more.

Force Encounters Analysis: Understanding Human Performance in Critical Incidents - Hosted by CU Boulder (CO) PD