In this episode of Defenders LIVE, Lora Thorson sits down with Lee Weems—career peace officer, trainer, and adjunct professor—to talk about what most people miss when they judge high-stakes incidents from a single camera angle. Lee breaks down why “objectively reasonable” is the legal standard (even when it’s emotionally unpopular), how media narratives form, and why good tactics don’t always look good on video.

They also go deeper into what makes training actually work: adult learning, asking better questions, and coaching the individual instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all method. Lee shares the moment bureaucracy rerouted his path, why he still can’t walk away from the profession, and how cognitive load exposes the gaps in our “square range” confidence. This is a conversation about truth, accountability, and becoming the kind of protector who can think clearly under pressure.

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In this Defenders LIVE conversation with Lee Weems, we go deep on what really matters when pressure is high:

Why video clips can distort the truth (and inflame the public)

What “objectively reasonable” actually means in use-of-force decisions

How bureaucracy reshaped his life—and pushed him toward purpose

Why coaching beats commanding when you’re training adults

The difference between technical skill… and real-world application

Learn more about Lee at: www.thatweemsguy.com and www.firstpersonsafety.com

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