The ILEETA Learning Lab

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Host: Brian Willis, Deputy Executive Director, ILEETA

Guest: Nick Daugherty, Founder of "Building Financial Strength in First Responder Families" and "The Financial Cop"

Episode Overview: In this episode of the ILEETA Learning Lab podcast, Nick Daugherty, known as "The Financial Cop," shares his journey from financial mismanagement to becoming a financial wellness educator. The discussion centers on the financial challenges unique to first responders and the strategies for building financial resilience.

Key Points:

• Nick's Financial Journey: Nick recounts how he accrued significant debt early in his career, reaching $80,000, and how he turned his situation around using Dave Ramsey’s financial principles, paying off his debt in 24 months.
• Financial Wellness Training: In 2011, Nick launched a financial wellness class tailored for first responders. The program has reached over 10,000 individuals across 2,000 agencies and emphasizes the connection between financial literacy, stress, and overall well-being.
• Budgeting as a Core Skill: Nick emphasizes that budgeting is the most crucial financial skill, comparing it to planning and debriefing in a SWAT operation. He advocates for an "every dollar budget" to ensure financial control.
• Phases of Financial Training:
  1. Budgeting: Establish a clear budget as the foundation.
  2. Emergency Fund: Build a $2,000 emergency fund for small crises.
  3. Debt Repayment: Use the debt snowball method to eliminate consumer debt.
  4. Full Emergency Fund: Expand the emergency fund to cover 3-6 months of expenses.
  5. Retirement Planning: Start investing in retirement accounts after becoming debt-free.
  6. Saving for Big Purchases: Plan for large expenses like cars or college tuition.
  7. Paying Off the Mortgage: Focus on paying off the mortgage to achieve financial freedom.
  8. Building Wealth: After becoming debt-free, concentrate on wealth accumulation and giving back.
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Nick warns against over-reliance on pensions and living paycheck to paycheck. He stresses the importance of financial planning and working with a fiduciary advisor.
• Long-Term Financial Success: Nick discusses the importance of staying disciplined, avoiding lifestyle inflation, and focusing on long-term goals. He believes that financial freedom allows for greater personal fulfillment and generosity.

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: Financial Cop
• Books:
  • "Good to Great" by Jim Collins
  • "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey
• Podcasts and Audiobooks: Nick recommends using time in the squad car to listen to leadership books and podcasts for personal development.

Final Thoughts: Nick’s eight-phase financial training program is designed to help first responders achieve financial security and peace of mind. Listeners are encouraged to take actionable steps based on the insights shared in this episode.

Call to Action: Join the ILEETA community to access more resources like this interview and invest in your professional development. Visit ILEETA for more information.

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Episode Title: Kevin Davis - Critical Issues Related to Use of Force Training and Investigations

Host: Brian Willis, Deputy Executive Director, ILEETA

Guest: Kevin Davis, Retired Detective from Akron, Ohio Police Department, Founder of KD Training and Consulting, Author of Use of Force Investigations: A Manual for Law Enforcement

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Brian Willis interviews Kevin Davis about the critical issues surrounding use of force training and investigations in law enforcement. Kevin, with nearly four decades of law enforcement experience, shares his insights on the importance of developing comprehensive systems for investigating use of force incidents, educating stakeholders, and preparing officers for the complex challenges they face.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Current Challenges in Use of Force Investigations:
   • The shifting legal and societal landscape post-George Floyd.
   • The impact of political pressure on use of force investigations.
2. The Importance of Systemic Approaches:
   • Developing organized frameworks involving all stakeholders: investigators, legal teams, unions, and political figures.
   • Ensuring that all parties are properly trained and aware of their roles.
3. Training and Education for Stakeholders:
   • The need for comprehensive training for officers, investigators, and legal personnel.
   • Addressing the knowledge gaps in use of force law, human factors, and investigative procedures.
4. Developing Effective Systems:
   • Key elements of a successful use of force investigation system.
   • The importance of pre-planning, stakeholder involvement, and continuous training.
5. Challenges with Training Resources:
   • The impact of budget cuts and the elimination of advanced training programs.
   • Creative solutions for hosting and accessing high-quality training.
6. Legal Representation and Officer Support:
   • The critical need for officers to have proper legal representation post-incident.
   • The importance of police unions and legal insurance in protecting officers' rights.
7. Officer Preparedness and Education:
   • Training officers on public safety statements, legal rights, and post-incident procedures.
   • Encouraging officers to invest in their own training and development.

Key Takeaways:

• Developing a systemic approach to use of force investigations is crucial for ensuring fairness and consistency.
• Comprehensive training and education for all stakeholders, including officers and legal teams, are vital for effective use of force investigations.
• Officers should be well-prepared with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities to protect themselves post-incident.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Use of Force Investigations: A Manual for Law Enforcement by Kevin Davis
• Book: Guidelines for Investigating Officer-Involved Shootings, Arrest-Related Deaths, and Deaths in Custody by Daryl Ross
• Podcast: Various motivational and law enforcement-related podcasts including those by Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson

Contact Information:

• Kevin Davis: [email protected]
• KD Training and Consulting Website: kd-force.com
• ILEETA Membership Information: ILEETA Membership
• Director of Operations, Jenny Merlin: [email protected]

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Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to Police Culture:
   • Importance and definition of police culture.
   • Need for transformation within law enforcement.
2. Five Major Obstacles in Police Culture:
   • Void of Quality Leadership: Impact of poor leadership and the need for servant leadership.
   • Anti-Intellectualism: Importance of continuous professional development and creating learning organizations.
   • Discourtesy: Addressing respect and communication issues both internally and externally.
   • Overreliance on Tactics: Balancing tactical training with problem-solving, decision-making, and communication.
   • Corruption of the Heart: Maintaining officers' purpose and passion for their work.
3. Creating a Culture of Leadership:
   • John Maxwell’s Five Levels of Leadership.
   • Importance of relationships, competence, and people development in leadership.
4. Developing Learning Organizations:
   • Continuous, lifelong learning beyond mandatory training.
   • Investing in officers’ education and training to improve performance and community relations.
5. Addressing Discourtesy and Building Respect:
   • Hiring motivated individuals who value service.
   • Implementing internal practices of police legitimacy and procedural justice.
6. Investing in Training and Development:
   • Significance of field training officers (FTOs) and trainers in shaping organizational culture.
   • Providing leadership training throughout officers' careers, starting from the academy.

Key Takeaways:

• Transforming police culture requires a shift in leadership practices, continuous learning, and respect within the organization and the community.
• Leadership training should start at the academy and continue throughout an officer's career.
• Investing in motivated individuals and providing proper training can foster a positive police culture.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Arrested Development by David Cooper
• Book: Dying for a Paycheck by Jeffrey Pfeffer
• Book: It’s the Manager by Gallup
• Book: Leadership Lessons from a UPS Driver by Ron Wallace
• Book: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
• Program: Guardians Path by Guardian Leadership

Contact Information:

• Frank Trammer: [email protected]
• Guardian Leadership Website: guardianleadership.com
• ILEETA Membership Information: ILEETA Membership
• Director of Operations, Jenny Merlin: [email protected]

Join thousands of trainers committed to advancing law enforcement training. Visit ILEETA for more information.

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Host: Brian Willis, Deputy Executive Director, ILEETA

Guest: John Warin, Sergeant, Calgary Police Service

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the ILEETA Learning Lab podcast, Brian Willis interviews John Warin, a 20-year member of the Calgary Police Service and sergeant of the Skills and Procedures Team. John shares his experience and innovative approaches to transforming the Incident Command Training Program for the Calgary Police Service, emphasizing experiential learning, effective feedback, and continuous improvement through mentorship.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to the Topic:
   • The importance of adapting training programs to reflect real-world scenarios.
   • John Warin’s extensive experience in various roles.
2. Transforming the Incident Command Training Program:
   • Challenges faced with the traditional 40-hour lecture-based training.
   • Experiential learning and scenarios over theoretical lectures.
3. Program Design and Structure:
   • Breaking the course into two phases with practical application in the field.
   • Importance of incremental learning and spaced practice for better retention and application.
4. Role of Sergeant Mentors:
   • Identifying and training district sergeant mentors to provide consistent and engaged mentorship.
   • Benefits of having experienced mentors assess and provide feedback during training scenarios.
5. Experiential Learning and Scenario-Based Training:
   • Implementing short, focused scenarios to practice decision-making and critical thinking.
   • The value of asking guiding questions to facilitate self-discovery and cognitive development in trainees.
6. Feedback and Assessment:
   • The shift from complex, unrealistic scenarios to more manageable and relevant ones.
   • Using consistent scenarios for all trainees to ensure fairness and accurate assessment of skills.
7. Continuous Improvement and Real-World Application:
   • Gathering and integrating feedback from field practicums to refine and improve training.
   • Emphasizing the importance of adapting training methods to align with the evolving needs of law enforcement.

Key Takeaways:

• Effective incident command training requires a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
• Consistent mentorship and constructive feedback are crucial for developing competent incident commanders.
• Continuous improvement and adaptation based on real-world experiences enhance the relevance and effectiveness of training programs.

Contact Information:

• ILEETA Membership Information: www.ileeta.org/members/
• Director of Operations, Jenny Merlin: [email protected]

Join the community of thousands of trainers committed to advancing law enforcement training. Visit ILEETA for more information.

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Host: Brian Wills, Deputy Executive Director of ILEETA

Guest: Graham Tinius, Officer with the Sandy Police Department in Utah

Episode Summary: In this episode of the ILEETA Learning Lab podcast, host Brian Wills interviews Graham Tinius, an experienced officer and executive board member of the National Association of Field Training Officers (NAFTO). They discuss the top 10 case laws every Field Training Officer (FTO) should know, focusing on how these legal precedents impact daily control activities and the importance of integrating case law knowledge into police report writing and training.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Introduction to Graham Tinius:
   • 18 years of law enforcement experience, primarily in field training.
   • Executive board member of NAFTO since 2006.
   • Experienced in writing and teaching various classes including adult learning, leadership, motivation, and influence.
2. Importance of Understanding Case Law:
   • The necessity for officers to relate their actions to specific case laws for defensibility.
   • Integration of legal knowledge into report writing to ensure accurate documentation and defense in court.
3. Key Case Laws Discussed:
   • Graham v. Connor: Focuses on the use of force and the three prongs that justify its use: severity of the crime, immediate threat, and active resistance or escape attempts.
   • Arizona v. Gant: Limits the ability to search a vehicle incident to arrest unless specific conditions are met.
   • Rodriguez v. United States: Prohibits extending a traffic stop beyond the time needed to handle the initial violation without reasonable suspicion of another crime.
   • Illinois v. Wardlow: Establishes that unprovoked flight in a high crime area can contribute to reasonable suspicion for a stop.
   • Florida v. Bostick: Determines that consent searches on buses do not constitute a seizure if a reasonable person feels free to deny the search.
   • Pennsylvania v. Mimms: Grants officers the authority to order drivers out of their vehicles during traffic stops.
4. Report Writing and Training:
   • Emphasizing the need for detailed and consistent report writing that references specific case laws.
   • The role of FTOs in training new officers to understand and apply legal principles in their documentation.
5. Researching Case Laws:
   • Recommendations for officers to use resources like Google Scholar, Justia, and FindLaw to stay updated on relevant case laws.
   • Importance of discussing interpretations with legal advisors to ensure accurate understanding and application.
6. Advice for Trainers:
   • Focus on the trainee’s needs and background.
   • Customize training based on the unique concerns and experiences of the trainees.

Contact Information:

• Graham Tinius: Training Coordinator at NAFTO, email: [email protected]
• ILEETA Membership Information: Visit ILEETA.org or contact Jenny Merlin at [email protected] for bundle memberships.

Closing Remarks:

• Brian Wills emphasizes the importance of being an effective trainer and encourages listeners to take actionable steps based on the interview.
• Thanks to Graham Tinius for his contributions to law enforcement training and the ILEETA community.

Call to Action:

• Join the ILEETA community to gain full access to professional development resources and connect with fellow trainers dedicated to advancing law enforcement training. Visit ILEETA.org for more information.

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 In this episode of the ILEETA Learning Lab podcast, host Brian Willis interviews Laura Scarry, a former police officer and partner at DeAno & Scarry LLC, about understanding Section 1983 and training for defense against civil rights violation claims. They discuss the complexities of qualified immunity, the importance of accurate documentation, and the role of trainers in educating officers on legal concepts. Laura emphasizes the need for integrated training that includes report writing and scenario-based exercises, and she highlights the financial and legal reasons behind the frequent settlement of civil cases. She also shares advice on shifting mindsets from obligation to privilege in training roles.