The Use of Force Trilogy: Building Competence, Confidence & Credibility
$249 per person (Early Sign Up Special is $189 pp)
UPCOMING DATES/LOCATIONS
Flexible Enrollment – No Prerequisites
Each level in the Use of Force Trilogy is a complete, stand-alone training experience.
You may attend any course individually, or combine multiple levels for the most comprehensive understanding of force management and leadership.
Whether you’re an officer seeking to strengthen your tactical decision-making, a supervisor refining your oversight skills, or a command-level leader shaping agency policy, this trilogy has a place for you.
Executive Summary
The J. Harris Academy Use of Force Trilogy delivers modern, evidence-based instruction that goes far beyond compliance. It’s about building confidence, accountability, and credibility — one level, one leader, and one agency at a time.
The use of force in law enforcement is one of the most critical — and scrutinized — aspects of modern policing. It requires quick thinking, sound judgment, and a deep understanding of both the law and human behavior.
This comprehensive training series was designed to strengthen every level of your organization — from the newest officer to the highest-ranking executive. Each session stands alone, allowing participants to select the course that best fits their role and experience, or attend all three for the full continuum of learning.
Whether your focus is tactical application, supervisory oversight, or organizational accountability, this program provides practical, real-world strategies to ensure your agency is prepared, professional, and trusted.
Target Audience
- All Law Enforcement Officers / All Ranks (Police, Sheriff, Corrections, etc.)
- Union Leadership
- Firearms & Defensive Tactics Instructors
- First-Line Supervisors and Mid-Level Leaders
- Internal Affairs / Professional Standards Personnel
- Command Staff & Executive Officers
- Policy Developers & Accreditation Managers
- Legal Advisors
- Community Review Boards & Oversight Members
Course Times (All Levels): 0830 – 1630 hours
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Use of Force (Level 1): Law Enforcement Essentials
A must-attend foundation course for every officer. This one-day program goes beyond policy and state mandates to explore why force is applied, when it is justified, and how decisions in the moment impact officers, agencies, and communities. Participants will gain clarity on the legal and tactical principles that drive proper decision-making under stress.
Topics Include:
- Core case law and legal standards
- Threat recognition and tactical judgment
- Identifying escalation and de-escalation opportunities
- Duty to Intervene: proactive strategies
- After-incident medical and officer care
- “Next Level” documentation and report writing
Use of Force (Level 2): Leadership, Oversight & Training
Designed for supervisors, trainers, and command-level personnel, this course focuses on leadership responsibilities before, during, and after use-of-force incidents. Attendees learn how to manage real-world critical incidents, ensure effective training and oversight, and maintain public trust through transparency and consistency.
Topics Include:
- Supervisory and training case law
- Preparing personnel through policy-based training
- National case reviews and lessons learned
- Real-world, scenario-based leadership exercises
- Field supervision and scene management
- Building and maintaining community trust
Use of Force (Level 3): Meaningful Reviews & Organizational Best Practices
This course brings a strategic focus to the review and improvement process following force incidents. It equips leaders with the tools to turn each event into an opportunity for organizational learning, risk reduction, and cultural improvement.
Topics Include:
- Conducting “meaningful” post-incident reviews
- Officer debriefs and developmental feedback
- Turning lessons learned into actionable training
- Updating policy and retraining for improvement
- Managing litigation and liability
- Building a forward-thinking, learning organization
