WPSO Hosts Defensive Tactics Training / Certifying Officers Statewide

The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office recently hosted a five-day Monadnock Defensive Tactics Instructor Course. WPSO Master Instructor Lee Davis certified 12 officers from all over the state. 

Dedicated officers from the Minden Police Department, Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office, Kentwood Police Department, Amite Police Department, Bogalusa Police Department, and, of course, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office were in attendance. 

These law enforcement professionals put their bodies on the line each day to learn these tactics and techniques. The officers were trained in both self-defense and baton techniques, tactical handcuffing, along with OC (oleoresin capsicum or pepper spray) exposure and tactics. 

Five of these officers either became or were re-certified as Instructor Trainers. One of these Instructor Trainers was WPSO's own Capt. Raymond Myers, III. Instructor Trainers can certify instructors and students, while instructors can certify students. WPSO DFC Randall Garcia was among the new instructors and was reportedly highly motivated throughout the week, often the first to volunteer. These Instructors and Instructor Trainers can now return to their respective agencies and train their officers.

Missing from the photo is the Amite Police Department Instructor Trainer who had to leave immediately prior to graduation.