Maine – Use of Force: Leadership, Decision Making and Review for Police and Correctional Leaders

 Skowhegan Maine
Hosting
Use of Force:
Leadership, Decision Making and Review for Police and Correctional Leaders
With Lt. Kevin F. Dillon (ret)
July 21-22, 2026
0830-1630

Course Synopsis:

In today’s environment, every use of force incident is scrutinized frame by frame, often by untrained individuals, leading to misinterpretations, public distrust, and false narratives. The complexity of use of force analysis, investigations, and training continues to evolve, requiring law enforcement leaders to stay ahead of emerging challenges.
This two-day intensive training is specifically designed for law enforcement, correctional leaders that include, supervisors, internal affairs investigators, and training personnel responsible for reviewing, reporting, instructing, or investigating police use of force incidents. Participants will explore the latest legal, tactical, and investigative considerations, equipping them with the critical knowledge and strategies needed to ensure proper analysis and defensibility of force-related decisions.

Presenter: Lt. Dillon (ret) is a 26 year law enforcement veteran, internationally recognized speaker and trainer on police practices  primarily in use of force. He is certified by the Force Science Institute,  FBI National Academy Graduate, Litigation Specialist through A.E.L.E. I.C.I.P.D. Perceived Unusual Behavior and Graduate and 

Lt. Dillon is also the founder of the L.E.A.D.S. Active De-escalation Program and L.O.C.K.U.P. Police Training  Systems instructed throughout the Unites States and  Europe.
He had a series on Police Magazine.com and was a contributing expert for Policeone.com. and In the line of duty.com Recent keynote speaker for the the past conferences: Daigle DLG Use of Force Summit, FBI National Academy , IACP Legal Officers Conference, Mississippi and Missouri and will be appearing at the National Sheriff’s Association Conference in June 2026. Recipient of the 2022 FBI National Academy Associates Science and Innovation Award

Key topics include:
? Investigating and analyzing use of force incidents
? Data driven practices for reporting, tracking, and trending force applications
? Addressing citizen complaints and managing public perception
? Legal and policy considerations for force encounters? Methodologies to defend your investigative steps
? Curriculum design and training methodologies for force-related instruction

Through lectures, demonstrations, and case studies, participants will gain practical, real-world insights to enhance decision-making and investigative processes. One improper technique changed the country—understanding and articulating force decisions has never been more critical.

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES:

Apply legal standards to use-of-force reporting and ensure clear, defensible documentation
Implement early intervention systems to track and analyze use-of-force patterns
Reduce liability through effective de-escalation and documentation of force mitigation
Quantify use-of-force and de-escalation performance to improve training / accountability
Utilize a structured framework for reviewing use-of-force incidents
Identify foreseeable risks and implement strategies to prevent adverse outcomes
Apply investigative methodologies beyond video review, incorporating context and human performance
Integrate human performance factors (stress, perception, decision-making) into force analysis
Recognize limitations of video evidence and develop appropriate communication following critical incidents
Focused on measurable performance, defensible decision-making, and leadership accountability agencies cannot manage what they do not measure.

Assess ? Design ? Train ? Deploy ? Measure ? Analyze ? Refine ? Repeat

ONLY $495.00
Course Flier
REGISTER HERE

Skowhegan Police Dept. – 51 East Madison Rd Skowhegan, ME
Deputy Chief Scott Christiansen
Schristiansen@skowhegan.gov / Phone# 207-474-6908