Volume 16, Edition 1Conference Edition
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ILEETA Journal Archive
2026
Volume 16 | Training knowledge in motion
Volume 16 of The ILEETA Journal reflects ILEETA’s continued focus on law enforcement training, instructor development, officer safety, use of force, artificial intelligence, adult learning, decision-making, training transfer, wellness, leadership, and the evolving law enforcement environment.
The 2026 editions capture a profession actively refining how it prepares officers for uncertainty, stress, human complexity, and public accountability. These articles are especially useful for police trainers, academy instructors, firearms instructors, defensive tactics instructors, field training officers, supervisors, and training managers.
A note for today’s reader: These articles are preserved in their original historical setting. Law, policy, technology, terminology, medical knowledge, and training practice may have changed. Read the complete article, then compare it with current authority before applying its recommendations.
Volume 16, Edition 1Conference Edition
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Volume 16, Edition 2Spring 2026
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Volume 16, Edition 1
Conference Edition 2026
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The 2026 Conference Edition highlights the depth and range of #ILEETA2026, with articles focused on officer safety, use of force, firearms training, combatives, active shooter preparedness, AI-powered training design, adult learning, training evaluation, recruitment, wellness, school safety, and law enforcement leadership.
Featured reading
Training Scars: Ninjas, Zombies and Smart Watches
Abstract: This article examines how poorly designed training, self-directed habits, administrative culture, and unrealistic practice can create dangerous training scars. For police trainers, the discussion offers a valuable framework for identifying unintended habits before they appear under stress in the field. It is especially relevant for use-of-force instructors, firearms instructors, scenario designers, and training managers concerned with transfer, realism, accountability, and officer safety.
Topics: Training Scars; Human Factors; Scenario-Based Training; Officer Safety; Training Transfer
Citation: Bloodgood, M., Suss, J., & Arsal, G. (2026). Training scars: Ninjas, zombies and smart watches. The ILEETA Journal, 16(1).
Why Tool Integration and a Realistic, Scalable, and Principle-Based Approach to Combatives Are the Way Forward
Abstract: Dahlen-Lervåg argues that less-lethal tools, combatives, communication, movement, and decision-making must be trained as an integrated system rather than isolated blocks. Drawing from Norway’s national implementation of TASER energy weapons and combatives training, the article offers trainers a strong case for principle-based, scalable, stress-tested instruction that reflects the non-linear reality of police encounters.
Topics: Combatives; Less-Lethal Tools; Integrated Training; Ecological Dynamics; Use of Force
Citation: Dahlen-Lervåg, E. (2026). Why tool integration and a realistic, scalable, and principle-based approach to combatives are the way forward. The ILEETA Journal, 16(1).
AI-Powered Training: From Course Design to Delivery
Abstract: Avery presents artificial intelligence as a high-speed assistant for law enforcement training design, not a replacement for instructor expertise. The article shows how AI can support lesson plans, learning objectives, slide decks, participant manuals, and course materials while emphasizing the need for subject matter expert review. It is a practical starting point for trainers exploring responsible AI use in police training and instructional design.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Course Design; Lesson Plans; Training Documentation; Instructor Development
Citation: Avery, K. (2026). AI-powered training: From course design to delivery. The ILEETA Journal, 16(1).
Volume 16, Edition 2
Spring 2026
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The Spring 2026 edition continues the conversation after #ILEETA2026, with strong emphasis on instructor development, decision-making, virtual reality, AI productivity, scenario-based training, red dot pistol programs, evidence-based law enforcement training, instructor certification, corrections, emotional intelligence, recruit training, and training culture.
Featured reading
Virtual Reality as a Targeted Tool: Promise, Limits, and Judgment in Law Enforcement Training
Abstract: Bartel offers a balanced look at virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality in law enforcement training. Rather than treating XR as a replacement for traditional training, the article explains where immersive technology may support decision-making, stress exposure, and scenario repetition, while also cautioning trainers about limitations in motor performance, tactile realism, cognitive load, cybersickness, and negative transfer.
Topics: Virtual Reality; XR Training; Decision-Making; Simulation Training; Police Technology
Citation: Bartel, L. (2026). Virtual reality as a targeted tool: Promise, limits, and judgment in law enforcement training. The ILEETA Journal, 16(2).
The Learning Loop: A Practical Framework for Training That Transfers
Abstract: Johnsgaard introduces the Learning Loop as a coaching framework for observing how officers perceive, interpret, decide, act, and adapt under pressure. The article helps trainers move beyond mechanics-only feedback by focusing on sense-making, expectation, timing, and error correction. It is highly useful for scenario-based training, use-of-force instruction, firearms coaching, and any program designed to improve transfer to real encounters.
Topics: Learning Transfer; Scenario-Based Training; Decision-Making; Coaching; Use of Force
Citation: Johnsgaard, J. (2026). The learning loop: A practical framework for training that transfers. The ILEETA Journal, 16(2).
Certification Is Not Mastery: Why Instructor Development Is Broken
Abstract: Logan challenges the assumption that instructor certification equals instructor readiness. The article argues that mastery requires technical skill, teaching ability, and diagnostic coaching skill developed over time through mentorship, practice, feedback, and measurable performance standards. This is essential reading for agencies that certify instructors quickly but expect them to build defensible, high-quality law enforcement training programs.
Topics: Instructor Certification; Instructor Development; Coaching; Performance-Based Training; Training Liability
Citation: Logan, J. (2026). Certification is not mastery: Why instructor development is broken. The ILEETA Journal, 16(2).