These are a few of the many police, firearms, and training resources available on the Internet. Online video conferencing, podcasts, and voice-over-internet communication have revolutionized the way many people offer training. Here are a few of the sites I have found to be useful and informative.
Massad Ayoob Group – The home page for Massad Ayoob, one of the world’s most prominent trainers for law enforcement and citizens in the use of small arms for self defense. Ayoob has trained thousands of officers and free citizens for more than three decades and has been instrumental in the officer safety movement that has significantly reduced the number of officers killed in the line of duty each year.
Force Science – Force Science Research Center. The Force Science Research Center scientifically studies the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers. For example, on one study. they proved how an offender shot in the back does not mean the officers made poor decisions. FSRC offers an e-journal, seminars, and conferences for law enforcement officer, trainers, and administrators. This is a great resource!
Safety Solutions Academy – Safety Solutions Academy. Paul Carlson offers firearms and personal defense training. Paul’s training is focused on what works in the real world. Make sure you check out his daily podcast.
IALEFI – International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors. This is an international organization of and for firearms instructors. Membership costs are reasonable and it offers a lot of resources for trainers.
ILEETA – The International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association. The Association is dedicated to reducing the risk to officers through better training. ILEETA is made up of law enforcement trainers from all over the world. Ed Nowiki is the executive director and the advisory board is made up of prominent instructors including Massad Ayoob, Dave Grossman, Phil Messina, and Brian Willis.
NAFTO – National Association of Field Training Officers. NAFTO is an organization offering resources to law enforcement field training officers. Membership is reasonably priced. NAFTO has an annual conference and numerous local chapters.
Grant Cunningham – Grant is a top-notch instructor for concealed carry/off duty firearms. If you carry a revolver, he is the first instructor you should seek out for the best wheelgun training in the nation.
ODMP – The Officers Down Memorial Page. This site was created many years ago as a tribute to a few local officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their community. The page quickly expanded and is now a very valuable resource for information on law enforcement officers killed in the United States. On the front page is information about the most recent officers that have fallen. The search function allows a visitor to check by year, state, or agency for the officers who have died.
StoppingPower.net – This is the website created by Evan P. Marshall. Marshall is a retired Detroit police officer with many years of experience in most aspects of police work. Marshall is an author and trainer and is probably best known for co-authoring a series of books on handgun stopping power. Marshall’s site links to his gun store, but the most valuable aspect of the web site is the discussion forum. Many prominent trainers and authors participate in the forum and everyone is welcome. As long as you follow the rules of the site (mostly meaning: be polite), everyone is free to join in.
The PPSC – The Police Policy Studies Council. There are a lot of very good research papers here on topics from firearms to interviews. This site is often a first stop for me when I start researching a new topic.
Tactical Flashlight Reviews – If you are looking for a tactical flashlight for duty use, you should check out my reviews at GunsHolstersAndGear.com. I cover -real- runtimes, drop tests and more.