Justin Atherton — Instructor Profile

Proactive Leadership · 20 year LEO
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Teaches:
Body Language Civilian Staff Leadership Communication Conferences Critical Incidents Defensive Tactics Domestic Violence Field Training Officer Internal Affairs Interviews Investigations Language Leadership Management Mental Health Patrol Peer Support Promotional Testing Stress Management Supervision

About Justin Atherton

Justin Atherton is a 20-year law enforcement veteran, nationally recognized instructor, leadership speaker, and author with extensive experience in patrol operations, criminal investigations, tactical operations, supervision, and executive leadership.

Throughout his career, Atherton served in positions ranging from Gang Intelligence Sergeant and Criminal Investigator to SWAT Assistant Commander, Patrol Sergeant, and Police Lieutenant. During his final years in law enforcement, he served on the executive command staff of a Texas police department, overseeing patrol operations, training, officer development, and organizational leadership. His responsibilities included supervising approximately 95 officers and managing critical training programs involving field training, defensive tactics, active threat response, and leadership development.

Atherton currently serves as President of Training and Operations for Proactive Leadership Academy, where he delivers specialized law enforcement training nationwide. His primary instructional areas include Cognitive Interviewing, Detecting Deception, Advanced Leadership, Field Training Officer development, and critical incident command. His instructional philosophy emphasizes practical, research-informed techniques and real-world applications rather than theory alone.

Atherton holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Organizational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Commerce. His professional credentials include TCOLE Advanced Instructor, ALERRT Active Attack Integrated Response Instructor, Force Science certification, FBI-LEEDA Trilogy, and the LEMIT Command Staff Leadership Series.

He is also the founder of The Damn Point, an executive leadership and communication training company, and author of the bestselling book 'How to Get to the Damn Point'. Known for his direct, engaging, and practical teaching style, Atherton challenges law enforcement professionals to improve their investigative skills, strengthen their leadership, and leave the classroom with tools they can immediately apply in the field.

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