In law enforcement, officers sometimes face situations where they have to make quick decisions about how to respond. Use of force training helps prepare law enforcement professionals for those moments by teaching them how to act safely, legally and with control.
Behind that training are use of force instructors. These are skilled professionals who instruct others in how to handle difficult situations or force incidents. These instructors play a vital role in helping law enforcement agencies keep both officers and communities safe.
What does a use of force instructor do?
A use of force instructor is a specialized teacher who trains law enforcement officers on how to respond during high-pressure situations. These instructors focus on more than just physical skills — they also help officers understand the legal, ethical and safety standards behind each decision.
While many instructors teach general law enforcement topics, use of force instructors are focused on one critical area: when, how and why force should be used.2 An instructor course in force should help officers stay prepared and make choices that protect both themselves and others.
What does a use of force instructor teach?
Use of force instructors teach students and experienced officers how to respond with skill, control and good judgment during high-stress situations. Their lessons go beyond physical tactics to cover legal standards, communication and real-world decision making.1
De-escalation and voluntary compliance
Instructors help law enforcement professionals learn how to calm situations down when the possibility of violence looms.1 This includes using tone of voice, body language and clear communication to avoid force when possible.
Adherence to legal standards
Officers need to understand when the use of force is allowed by law and how to explain their decisions, an important part of any curriculum in this instruction.2 Instructors teach the laws behind use of force and how to write reports that clearly describe what happened.
This knowledge base is a critical part of protecting civilian population and ensuring law enforcement professionals use force only when doing so is legal and necessary.
Physical control tactics
This tends to be the part most people think of when they hear "use of force instructor." If force is needed, you must do it in a safe and controlled way. Instructors teach techniques that help officers stay in control and to avoid causing unnecessary harm.3
Evaluating real-world situations
Instructors also walk officers through past force incidents to show what went right, what went wrong and how choices made in the moment can shape outcomes.3
These lessons help law enforcement officers build the skills and confidence to make smart decisions and keep everyone safer.
Training environments and methods
Use of force instructors train officers in a mix of hands-on and classroom settings. The goal is to prepare them for real situations through a balance of physical tactics, discussion, building knowledge and gaining practice making decisions.3
- Scenario-based training: Officers often participate in dynamic simulations that mimic force events they may face in the field. These scenarios help them practice skills in a safe but realistic environment.
- Classroom instruction: Instructors lead courses that cover legal rules, department policies and the principles behind when and how force should be used. Officers learn to think through choices and apply the right tactics based on the situation.
- Video review and after-action analysis: Some sessions include reviewing footage from past encounters. Officers evaluate what happened, what worked and what could have gone differently. This kind of training gives officers a better understanding of how force is used and judged.
This kind of intensive training helps law enforcement agencies train officers to act with clarity and control in high-pressure moments.
Where do use of force instructors work?
Use of force instructors are needed in many law enforcement environments. They support both new recruits and experienced officers, helping agencies keep up with evolving training standards.
Police departments
Many instructors work directly in local or state police departments, where they lead regular force training for patrol officers and supervisors. They also help departments evaluate past incidents and improve response tactics.
Law enforcement academies
Instructors at law enforcement academies focus on training new recruits during their initial preparation for duty. These programs include classroom learning, scenario simulations and physical control techniques.
Government agencies and training programs
Some instructors work with state or federal agencies, such as departments of corrections or public safety. Others may partner with regional training programs to teach specialized courses or certify new instructors.
How use of force instructors support agencies
Use of force instructors do more than just teach. They help law enforcement agencies build better training programs, guide officers through complex decisions and create safer outcomes for both officers and the public. Their work plays a key role in shaping how departments handle high-stress moments.
Develop and update training programs
Use of force instructors help agencies create and refine programs that reflect current laws, department policies and real-world needs. They ensure that training keeps pace with evolving standards and tactics.
Implement a consistent curriculum
When different teams or departments follow the same curriculum, it creates consistency across the agency. Instructors help standardize lessons so officers are trained with the same principles in mind, no matter their rank or assignment.
Evaluate performance in real and simulated encounters
Instructors observe how officers respond during both training exercises and actual force events. They provide feedback to help officers improve their judgment and techniques, promoting safer outcomes.
Build a culture of duty and control
Beyond skills, instructors help shape agency culture. They emphasize the importance of duty, voluntary compliance and control—not just physical tactics. This helps foster decision-making that protects both officers and the public.
Why use of force training matters
Use of force training plays a vital part in helping law enforcement officers navigate high-pressure situations.
Through careful training and guidance, use of force instructors help ensure that force is used responsibly, lawfully and only when truly necessary.
If law enforcement training interests you, how much do you understand about the police academy? Check out How Does the Police Academy Work? to get a clearer picture.
Rasmussen University’s Law Enforcement Associate’s degree program meets the educational standards established by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (MN POST) for person who intend to seek employment in Minnesota as a peace officer. Rasmussen University’s Law Enforcement Associate’s degree program does not meet standards of states other than Minnesota. Rasmussen University’s Law Enforcement Associate’s degree program is only open to residents of Minnesota, or those willing to sign an attestation of their intent to seek employment in Minnesota as a peace officer.
1Georgia Public Safety Training Center Instructional Services Division, Use of Force and De-escalation Options for Gaining Compliance GPSTC Police Legitimacy, Procedural Justice, and Community Relations Curricula Online Training Course, (February 2017), https://gapost.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Use_Force_De-escal_POI_021717.pdf
2Use of Force Instructor, Council on Law Enforcement Training and Education (2025). https://oklahoma.gov/cleet/training/cleet-training/2024-central-region-classroom-courses/norman/use-of-force-instructor.html
3Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, Intermediate Use of Force Course ID#2107, (September 2025), https://www.tcole.texas.gov/document/2107_intermediate_use_of_force_2024.pdf
