Dr. Brett Bennett has worked in law enforcement in the California San Francisco Bay area for over twenty years. Brett started out serving in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve as a boarding team member, prior to being hired in a local metropolitan agency. Throughout his career, Brett was afforded many opportunities such as being a Force Options Instructor, Canine Handler, and Field Training Officer (FTO).
As an FTO, he studied decision-making in law enforcement, namely amongst different generations, and how many modern officers are much more analytical in their thinking. He found that while such thinking is beneficial in some cases, it is far too slow for rapidly evolving force events. Likewise, trainers and instructors must look into training officers with these thoughts in mind, rather than sticking to the traditional learning styles.
Following several critical incidents, Brett also became motivated to delve into the psychological and physiological effects of police use of force. He went on to become a Certified Force Science Analyst and obtained a Master’s degree in Performance Psychology. He uses the main mental training concepts, such as breathwork, visualization, goal-setting, and positive self-talk, to design better training in every aspect of the job.
Brett is also an Adjunct Professor in the field of Criminal Justice and has published the following books and articles on the international level.
• “It’s Not All Warm and Fuzzy,” International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors (IALEFI) magazine
• “Like I Do, An Honest Look At Contemporary Law Enforcement Decision-Making,” book.
• “Dispelling Boyd’s OODA Loop with the Speed/Accuracy Trade-Off,” International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST) magazine
• “Micro Learning,” International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST) magazine
• “Why The OODA Loop Should Not Be the Standard,” International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST) magazine
• “Black Box Thinking,” Performance Psychology Blog
• Moneyball for Law Enforcement book
After losing several family members and friends to the job, he believes one can never stop learning. He holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Criminal Justice Administration, as well as a doctorate degree in Education with a focus on Performance Improvement Leadership. Dr. Bennett has a passion for learning and training cops. He hopes more officers will be better prepared before, during and after that critical incident that will come.
