Essentials of Modern Policing-Dixon

Essentials of Modern Policing

This course will cover essential elements for effective policing, including de‐escalation training, citizen

rights, proper use of force, community policing, and the ability to successfully police in a multiracial

society. Practical communication skills can assist law enforcement in preventing unnecessary injuries

to both officers and citizens while reducing liability exposure to agencies and units of government.

This training will include communication skills necessary to avoid escalation in potentially intensifying

circumstances. If events worsen, participants will learn verbal and non‐verbal skills for de‐escalating

potentially violent encounters. Based on current events, it is imperative that officers recognize the

rights of citizens to peacefully assemble and express their first amendment rights – versus situations

that would justify an arrest. Officers must respect the U.S. Constitution, have a strong understanding

of the proper use of force, and remain current on prevailing case law and U.S. Supreme Court

decisions. This training will also examine community policing initiatives and nationwide best practices

for building community trust. Instruction will include video examples of contemporary events.

Topics include:

 Non‐Escalation Skill Development

 De‐Escalation Skill Development

 Use of Force Strategies

 Reasonable Force Standards

 Civil Rights and Legal Issues

 First Amendment Gatherings

 Constitutional Limits on Police Authority

 The Intersection of Police and Race

 How Confirmation Biases Shape our World View

 The Role of Implicit Bias

 Research Based Community Policing Initiatives

 Building Community Trust

About the Instructor:

Dr. Michael Schlosser is Director of the Police Training Institute (PTI) at the University of Illinois. He

holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Governor’s State University, a Master’s Degree

in Legal Studies from the University of Illinois‐Springfield, and a Doctorate in Education from the

University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign (2011). He retired as a Lieutenant from the Rantoul Police

Department after 20 years of service. During that time, he held positions as field training officer and

supervisor, detective, juvenile officer, wellness director, control tactics instructor, and canine

supervisor. Dr. Schlosser has worked for PTI since 1998 and has been a full‐time instructor since his

retirement in 2004. His instructor certifications include 8th Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate‐Do,

Master Arrest and Control Tactics Instructor, Taser Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Verbal Defense

and Influence Instructor, and Certified Fitness Trainer.

Dr. Schlosser is credited for groundbreaking efforts toward police reform through implementation of

innovative curricula for improving police practices. These include courses on Policing in a Multiracial

Society, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questionable (LGBTQ) Ally Training, Understanding

Victims of Sexual Assault, Police Officer Wellness, and Wrongful Convictions. These courses were

implemented pre‐Ferguson. Post‐Ferguson brought about many recommended and required courses

for police training. These courses, combined with PTI’s overall emphasis on non‐escalation training,

de‐escalation training, and community policing, through intensive integrated scenario‐based training,

have put the Police Training Institute on the cutting edge of police reform and improving the practice

of law enforcement.

Dr. Schlosser, through PTI, has been involved in numerous research projects in collaboration with

various colleges at the University of Illinois. His research projects have included: Infusing Community

Policing Strategies into Hot Spots; Policing Practices: The Impacts on Police‐Community Relations in

a Mid‐Sized City (NIJ grant); Policing in a Multiracial Society; Officer Wellness: Police Recruit

Perspectives on Policing; and Recruit Officer Self‐efficacy in Defensive Tactics. Dr. Schlosser has

authored dozens of articles, made numerous radio and television appearances, and given over 100

presentations across the country on topics such as community policing, police tactics, police training,

use of force, de‐escalation techniques, control and arrest tactics, the intersection of police and race,

diversity, police officer wellness, police family wellness, and various other topics related to American

law enforcement.