Requirements to instruct Law enforcement programs.

[rhilllakefield]

I was wondering if any of you have any idea on the credentials required to instruct at a law enforcement level?

I've been training most of my life in Karate, Judo, and now Jeet kune do. I hold a black belt I traditional Karate, and have begun looking at tailoring my training towards this goal.

Does anyone know, other than proper marketing, what programs would catch the eye of a potential employer?

Would it be time in the service, that would be first and foremost?

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Kuma]

Admittedly most places are looking for instructors with LE experience, so if you don't it'll be tough to get any organization to consider you in most cases.

[Harkon72]

I agree, training in the Dojo is not enough, students of a Law Enforcement background will not respect you if you don't have years of experience in the job.

[rhilllakefield]

I was wondering that, and it makes sense. That may be a commitment that's harder to make.

I have a number of friends in LE, and have the utmost respect for their efforts. Well see what the future brings.

[sensei8]

I'd imagine that any LEO administration would be quite selective across the board when searching for qualified instructors, and in that, not every qualified MAist will even pass the most basic mustard.

Prove yourself credible beyond any doubt, and you'll have a chance. Lineage is important, but not to any LEO administration because most LEO administrations don't understand or know about lineage.

Recommendations from other LEO administrations, and/or from other LEO's themselves, that one has already trained with will surely go along way in getting the approval nod.

Not 100% sure, but I'd also imagine that one had better pass some type of a background check, especially criminal and the like.

Being well known already in the LEO world through instructions, books, videos and the like surely will give one the edge. Networking will, and does go a long way in getting a foot in the door.

Bushido_man96 and tallgeese, as well as other KF members who are LEO's as well, will give you much better pointers than I just did because they ARE LEO's.

I've been teaching LEO's for quite along time at the Hombu and at my dojo but I've never gone to instruct at an LEO academy or station. No, the LEO's I've taught have come to me seeking MA training, and I never have charged them one penny because they "protect and serve".

Good luck!!

[bushido_man96]

You would need to likely start looking at the National Law Enforecment Training Center, because any training that LEO take is going to have to be accredited through this national organization, and then not to mention the individual state Law Enforcement Training Centers. Getting your proposed curriculum to the NLETC would probably be your best starting place.

You are going to want to provide a curriculum that includes your approaches to cuffing, control, etc. At any rate, that is probably where I would start.

[tallgeese]

Another path might be your State Training Board which certifies the courses taught by your regional training bodies. We call them MTU's here in IL, but I'm sure you have some sort of state certification process. This requires a lesson plan in a specific format that address not only the subject matter but also the legal framework for what you're teaching.

We're actually looking at the process for our department's own control tactics program. There are substantial hoops.

Be prepared for some uphill work though. As sensei 8 stated, it's a field dominated by former LEO or military instructors. Most of these guys bring a martial arts background AND an extensive resume in a gun carrying field of experience.

For example, Roy Harris, one of the best cop hand to hand instructors I've ever seen he has an extensive MA resume. However, when my agency brought him in they were far more concerned with his time as a LEO. I talked up all his background but what got them to sign off was his status as a former copper.

Maybe a partnership with a LEO in your area would be a helpful start. Gook luck and keep us posted. Lastly, training is kinda my niche at the department so I'd be curious to see what you're looking at doing from a professional standpoint. Always on the look out.