Refining Your Compass

We are bombarded with information at every level in every direction. We are surrounded by every topic, within our interests and outside of them. Our personal imperfect map and compass, which guide us, are shaped by our own desires, knowledge, and experience. When we find worthwhile mentors and peers, our path can become much more … Read more

Expertise Explains; Insecurity Repeats Phrases

How many genuinely knowledgeable people rely on catchphrases? Most explain concepts instead. That is precisely what makes them valuable sources of information. Is there a time for a phrase? Absolutely. But it is less effective because it requires the other side to understand both the application and the message. Two is one. Tueller drill. (Partially … Read more

P&S ModCast 449 — Priority of Life & Emotional Intelligence

P&S ModCast 449 examines priority of life and emotional intelligence across several use-of-force applications. Chris Cypert, Doug Deaton, Erick Gelhaus, Michael V., Claude Werner, and Matt Landfair discuss how sound judgment, communication, self-awareness, and a clearly understood hierarchy of concerns shape better decisions under pressure. Released: March 14, 2026Runtime: 3 hours, 4 minutesHost: Matt LandfairPanel: … Read more

Muzzle Discipline and Judgment in Modern Policing

There is a troubling mindset issue in law enforcement regarding muzzle orientation during room clearing and encounters with unknowns. Officers point guns at people far too often. Pointing firearms at unknowns is an unacceptable practice. Even pointing a muzzle at a suspect is not always justified or prudent. This is a rule 2 violation. Those … Read more

Informal Leadership

One of my favorite topics is leadership, more specifically, informal leadership. It can be a powerful means of strengthening an organization, and it might be more common than you think. My interest in this topic grew as I had multiple discussions about it on my podcast with Chuck Haggard. He was able to define what … Read more

Police Use of Force and the 4th Amendment

There are some common concerns expressed about the Pretti shooting, one being that it was an “execution.” Additional concerns include officers having no justification in shooting because there is a belief Pretti was completely unarmed and harmless, and he being shot in the back is exceptionally egregious. Let’s review the standard and then delve into … Read more

Understanding LE Use of Sprays

Law-enforcement vehicle deploying an orange chemical-agent cloud during a street disturbance

If you have had some form of training with the use of defensive sprays, you know there are tactics used with them as well as specific distances for the products to be effective as well as ranges where they become potentially dangerous. Within these guidelines are minimum safe distances. Using the products too close to … Read more

Application of the Firearms Rules

I don’t understand how the idea of the four firearms rules being universal for all environments and situations is so misunderstood. Those rules aren’t restricted to the sterile, square range – they even apply in combat. Finger off the trigger unless you have decided to shoot seems to be near universally accepted, but treating firearms … Read more

Switching to Manual Focus

Many times, people mistake rational and reasoning for guidance. I sometimes may carry a 22LR revolver for defensive purposes. I do this because it fits the needs of a specific situation – it is not me telling you that you need to carry a 22LR revolver for defensive purposes. A missing variable to this equation … Read more