Force Encounters Analysis: Understanding Human Performance in Critical Incidents

Force Encounters Analysis is a dynamic, participant-centered 24-hour course designed to present the most current, unbiased scientific evidence about officer-involved use of force. Our curriculum helps law enforcement professionals apply ground-breaking concepts revealed through human performance research to the following areas:

- Performance under stress
- Body-worn cameras and other video evidence
- Effective de-escalation
- Naturalistic decision-making
- Neurophysiology of the stress response
- Consequences of fatigue
- Memory failures
- Understanding reaction time

This training offers an education in human performance derived from over 100 years of science and research. It provides the tools necessary for law enforcement professionals to improve performance and decrease agency liability through pre-incident risk management and post-incident forensic findings. Without question, our training can help save lives (officer and civilian) and reduce the risk of officers being exposed to criminal liability for simply trying to do their job in today’s environment!

The tangible results of our training include:

- Skills to enhance officer safety,
- Improved decision-making abilities in time-compressed situations,
- Effective, informed, and unbiased force investigations,
- Training programs informed by human factor science
- Enhanced officer wellness (short and long-term)

Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989), provides the evaluative standard for use of force. The court decided force should be judged, in part, on the perceptions of an objectively reasonable officer given the totality of the circumstances. Human factors science provides vital information concerning the capabilities and limitations of human beings in environments which are tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving. Given the fact Graham is under attack in many states, Force Encounters Analysis will add vital information to the discussion when answering the question – WHAT IS REASONABLE?