Articles, Features & Expert Commentary
IADLEST Standards & Training Director Magazine: September 2025
Everything Comes Down to Communication
When things go wrong in law enforcement, whether during use-of-force incidents, failed investigations, or community interactions, after-action reviews often highlight training gaps, policy failures, or poor judgment. Beneath these visible breakdowns often lies a quieter, pervasive issue: communication. Although less apparent than tactical maneuvers or technological resources, communication has a profound influence on every decision, interaction, and outcome. Yet, it remains one of the most undertrained and undervalued skills in our profession...
The ILEETA Journal: June 2025
Teach to Talk: Turning Communication Skills into Operational Tactics
Most instructors would agree that communication is critical. But in many law enforcement training programs, it's still treated as a standalone skill, boxed into a few classroom hours and then forgotten in the field. If we want to improve safety, reduce complaints, and elevate performance, we must rethink how we teach communication, not as a soft skill but as a tactical one...
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IADLEST Standards & Training Director Magazine: March 2025
Beyond Words: Advanced Interview Skills for Law Enforcement
Communication is more than a necessary skill in law enforcement; it is a survival tool. Whether conducting a traffic stop, interviewing a victim, witness, or suspect, or managing a volatile confrontation, an officer’s ability to connect, interpret, and respond effectively is critical for achieving safe and successful outcomes. Yet, traditional police training often overlooks the basic and nuanced art of communication, leaving officers ill-prepared for their roles' unpredictable and high-stakes demands...
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Law Enforcement Today: February 2024
The Balance of Truth: Evaluating the Use of Polygraph Exams in Law-Enforcement Pre-Employment Screening
Polygraph exams, or lie detector tests, are key components of the pre-employment screening process for many law enforcement agencies. These tests measure physiological reactions to questions, aiming to gauge the examinee's truthfulness.
In the high-stakes environment of law enforcement, it is vital to ensure that candidates possess the necessary skills and uphold the integrity and ethical standards required for the job. Thus, polygraphs have become integral tools for vetting potential applicants....
