The annual International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA) Conference was held last month in the Chicago, Ill., area and drew more than 800 officers from around the world, including Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Training came in the form of hands-on and lecture format. Some of the most popular training was in the area of defensive tactics and baton training. Students learned from some of the best instructors in the country and had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a constructive environment. Many of the classes were designed to provide instructor certification. Several Law Officer columnists taught at the conference, including Jeff Chudwin, Ken Murray, Laura Scarry and Dave Spaulding.
Despite the intense schedule, there was time for some good fun, including the Flatfoot Five, a 5K run through the open areas surrounding the event hotel. Dozens of trainers participated, and when they reached the finish line, Ed Nowicki (director of ILEETA) was there to cheer them on.
If you re involved in law enforcement training, you owe it to yourself to be part of this organization, and you should make plans now to attend next year s conference. You can find out more about ILEETA and its training programs at www.ileeta.org.
Dale Stockton, editor