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Counter-Ambush: Integrated Close-Quarter Response Instructor Program

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Instructor:

Lieutenant Kevin Dillon, (Wethersfield, CT Police Department, Retired) is a twenty-six year veteran law enforcement officer, SWAT Commander and an internationally recognized use-of-force and communications expert, instructor and speaker. He is the founder and developer of two Internationally recognized training programs: The L.O.C.K.U.P. ® Police Training System (2000), and Law Enforcement Active De-escalation Strategies, (L.E.A.D.S., 2007). His training program recently received the 2022 FBI National Academy Associates Science and Innovation Award.

Course Description:

This intensive five-day instructor program is designed to prepare law enforcement officers to effectively respond to sudden, close-quarter deadly force encounters. The course integrates human performance, defensive tactics, and firearms deployment into a comprehensive system designed for the realities of spontaneous violent confrontations.

Participants develop the knowledge, judgment, and psychomotor skills necessary to rapidly transition between empty-hand control techniques and firearm deployment while operating under the physiological and psychological effects of stress. Emphasis is placed on decision-making, movement, positional advantage, threat assessment, and lawful force application in dynamic operational environments.

Training incorporates realistic, performance-based drills that reinforce officer survival principles while enhancing the ability to effectively respond to ambushes, assaults, and other rapidly evolving lethal-force incidents. Techniques are applicable to both solo officers and multi-officer responses.

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize threat indicators and conduct rapid risk assessments during close-quarter encounters.
  • Explain the physiological and psychological effects of high-stress engagements on perception, decision-making, and performance.
  • Apply evidence-informed strategies to manage fear, maintain cognitive performance, and improve decision-making under stress.
  • Demonstrate integrated defensive tactics and firearm deployment techniques designed for spontaneous violent encounters.
  • Develop efficient movement patterns, combat positioning, and natural body mechanics to maximize survivability.
  • Transition effectively between empty-hand control techniques and firearm deployment while maintaining tactical awareness.
  • Apply grounded mobility, positional recovery, and rapid return-to-standing techniques during physical engagements.
  • Utilize movement, positioning, and environmental considerations to create tactical advantage and maximize available cover.
  • Conduct realistic, scenario-based training that integrates physical control, close-quarter firearm deployment, and officer survival principles.
  • Accurately articulate deadly force encounters through effective report writing and post-incident documentation.

Required Equipment: 

  • BDU Type pants / short and long sleeve shirts
  • Duty boots or wrestling shoes with ankle support
  • Body armor
  • Duty Belt Issued sidearm and red gun
  • 3 Magazines
  • Groin Protection
  • Eye and Ear Protection and Baseball Cap 

Ammunition will be provided

Course Details:

- 302 Funds Eligible -