Policing Forward Training Calendar
SOLD OUT - Defensive Tactics Transition Course (WI-DOJ Instructor Course)
Date: March 20, 2026
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm
Cost: $100.00
Location: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Unified Tactics update: WI DOJ has adopted changes to its curriculum that will require all current Defensive Tactics (including DAAT and POSC) Instructors to attend an in-person update in 2026 to maintain their certification. Candidates must bring their duty belt with a training gun, mouthguard, ballistic vest/chest guard, groin protection and appropriate attire for physical skills practice including, but not limited to: escort holds, decentralizations, handcuffing, ground stabilization and ground defense.
Prerequisites:
Students must already be currently certified as a Defensive and Arrest Tactics (DAAT) Instructor, Principles of Subject Control (POSC) Instructor, or Defensive Tactics (DT) Instructor in order to attend.
Additional dates of instruction offered (all 8am-4pm):
April 22, 2026
May 13, 2026
September 28, 2026
October 7, 2026
Scroll down to find and register for the date you wish to attend.
International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) Training
Dates: April 7-11, 2026
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm (One night ride scheduled for Thursday, April 9th from 2pm-10pm. Rain date scheduled for Wednesday, April 8th)
Cost: FREE
Location: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Description:
This essential training combines Emergency Vehicle Operations for bike officers with patrol procedures, tactics, night operations, mock scenes, and basic bike maintenance and on-the-road repairs. Learn to ride like a pro, avoid crashes, and use your bike to foil the bad guys every time. Off-road riding and bike-specific live-fire exercises may be added at the instructor’s discretion (IPMBA.org).
Crisis Negotiations for Patrol
Date: April 7-8, 2026
Time: 8:00am-5:00pm
Cost: $349.00
Location: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Patrol officers and deputies are the very first negotiators on scene—long before a specialized team arrives. This 2-day course equips frontline officers with practical, proven tools to manage crises, de-escalate volatile encounters, and build rapport under pressure. Through scenario-based learning and interactive exercises, officers will gain confidence in handling critical incidents where words can make all the difference.
- This class is a must for future negotiators
- Dealing with crisis and understanding first responder roles
- Simulated callout to practice real-time skills
- One-way communication for loud hailing and barricaded subjects
- Baseline negotiation strategies every patrol officer should know
- Applying the Behavior Change Stairway Model
- Active Listening & Beyond—building communication that works under stress
- Building & Spending Rapport effectively in the field
- Labeling and other advanced communication techniques
- Prepare and brief incoming specialty teams and commanders safely and confidently
This training gives patrol officers the skills to stabilize scenes, protect lives, and set the stage for successful resolutions.
Taught by current and former hostage negotiators and negotiation commanders.
Use of Force: Leadership, Decision Making and Review for Police Leaders
Date: April 8-9, 2026 (Rescheduled from December 9-10, 2025)
Time: 8:00am-4:30pm
Cost: $495.00
Location: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Today every use of force incident is scrutinized frame by frame on a video and judged by untrained individuals creating distrust and false narratives. Use of force analysis, investigation and training is a complex continually evolving issue. This training workshop is designed for Police Leaders who reviews, reports, instructs or investigates police use of force incidents and trainers who develop curriculum and training and practices. The training will examine the most recent and up to date issues that specifically impact management, training units, front line supervisors and internal affairs investigators concerning police use of force incidents. This course breaks down multiple issues ranging from daily officer citizen complaints, failure to engage issues, development of quantifiable evidence, curriculum design, use of force reporting, and tracking and trending or investigating incidents. Instruction uses lectures, demonstrations and case studies. Just one improper technique changed the country!
This course will also focus on areas including:
- Addressing investigations, reporting, and supervision through real-world case studies and evolving standards
- Equipping trainers with tools to design effective, evidence-based use of force programs
- Supporting police leaders in managing citizen complaints, failure-to-engage cases, and tracking use of force trends
Recommended for all officers, ranks, and command staff. Law Enforcement only.
Register
Foundations for Criminal Investigations
Dates: April 15-17, 2026 8:00am-4:00pm
Cost: $350.00
Location: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Course Description:
Participants will learn how to transition from reactive call takers to proactive case builders, using proven techniques and legally sound strategies to initiate and support criminal investigations from the moment they arrive on scene. Through a structured series of real-world modules, students will gain confidence and competence in evidence collection, scene management, report writing, legal articulation, follow-up tactics, and courtroom preparation. Whether you're handling property crimes, domestic violence, or suspicious deaths, this course will give you the skills to build cases that stand up in court.
What makes this course especially critical is that it goes beyond what's traditionally taught in basic police academies and field training programs. It dives into practical, day-to-day challenges that officers face once they hit the streets - bridging the gap between classroom theory and field realities. From articulating probable cause to navigating courtroom testimony, this training equips officers with tools that are often overlooked but essential to real-world investigative success.
Defensive Tactics Transition Course (WI-DOJ Instructor Course)
Date: April 22, 2026
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm
Cost: $100.00
Location: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Unified Tactics update: WI DOJ has adopted changes to its curriculum that will require all current Defensive Tactics (including DAAT and POSC) Instructors to attend an in-person update in 2026 to maintain their certification. Candidates must bring their duty belt with a training gun, mouthguard, ballistic vest/chest guard, groin protection and appropriate attire for physical skills practice including, but not limited to: escort holds, decentralizations, handcuffing, ground stabilization and ground defense.
Prerequisites:
Students must already be currently certified as a Defensive and Arrest Tactics (DAAT) Instructor, Principles of Subject Control (POSC) Instructor, or Defensive Tactics (DT) Instructor in order to attend.
SOLD OUT - Red Dot Pistol Course
Dates: May 7, 2026 8:00am-4:00pm
Cost: $150.00
Location: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Course Description:
This Red Dot Pistol Course will teach shooters to transition from iron sights to Miniature Red Dot Sights (MRDS). Topics include:
- Care and maintenance of pistol-mounted optic systems
- Review of basic fundamentals of pistol shooting
- Pistol-mounted optic system weapon manipulation
- Developing repeatable processes to improve and maintain pistol-mounted optic shooting skills
- Obstructed holster fix
- Zeroing procedures for pistol-mounted optic systems
- Threat focus/identification with pistol-mounted optic system
- Alternate sight methods to occluded objective lens
- Back up iron sights familiarization
- Dot acquisition from the draw stroke
- Dot acquisition during multiple shots
- Clearing malfunctions or stoppages
- Experience shooting pistol-mounted optic in various lighting conditions
- Strong hand and support hand only shooting techniques
- Distance shooting
- WI DOJ LESB State Qualification course of fire
Registrants must bring their own optic mounted pistol and 500 rounds of ammo.
Open to LE Only.
Defense Technology 4-Day Less Lethal ICP Instructor Course
Date: May 12-15, 2026 8:00am-5:00pm
Cost Options:
- OC Aerosol Instructor - $375 (May 12, 2026, 8:00AM-5:00PM)
- Impact Munitions Instructor - $375 (May 13, 2026, 8:00AM-5:00PM)
- Chemical Munitions Instructor - $395 (May 14, 2026, 8:00AM-5:00PM)
- Distraction Device Instructor - $395 (May 15, 2026, 8:00AM-5:00PM)
- 4-Day Less Lethal ICP Instructor - $1,050 (May 12-15, 2026, 8:00AM-5:00PM)
Location 1: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Location 2: Dane County Law Enforcement Training Center - 5184 WI-19, Waunakee, WI 53597
Day 1: Location 1 all day
Day 2: Morning - Location 1, Afternoon - Location 2
Day 3: Morning - Location 1, Afternoon - Location 2
Day 4: Morning - Location 1, Afternoon - Location 2
(There will be time allowed on Days 2-4 to grab lunch and commute from Madison PD Training Center to Dane County Training Center)
The hallmark ICP Instructor Program provides the necessary training for a changing world. This course is comprised of four 8-hour instructor-level classes covering OC Aerosols, Impact Munitions, Chemical Munitions and Distraction Device® Munitions. The student will acquire instructor-level knowledge of Defense Technology® products, both technically and tactically, along with the skills necessary to conduct in-service training.
More Information or to Register
Wisconsin C.A.R.E.S.: Animal Cruelty Investigations and Response Workshop
Date: May 12-13, 2026
Time: 9:00am-4:45pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
This free, two-day hands-on workshop is open to law enforcement, prosecutors, veterinarians and rescue and sheltering organizations. It aims to raise awareness about animal cruelty, forge key partnerships and empower participants to mitigate and prevent cruelty within their communities.
As an attendee, you will engage in a comprehensive case study from start to finish, developing and practicing essential skills for investigation, seizure, evidence documentation, testimony, legal disposition, sheltering, care and animal placement. You will also learn strategies for effectively managing the complexities of animal-related cases.
- Law enforcement, animal control officers and prosecutors: This is a two-day training.
- Sheltering professionals, veterinarians and other attendees: You may choose to attend both days (May 12 and 13) or just the second day (May 13), which features role-specific breakout sessions.
Continuing education (CE) credits will be available.
Defensive Tactics Transition Course (WI-DOJ Instructor Course)
Date: May 13, 2026
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm
Cost: $100.00
Location: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Unified Tactics update: WI DOJ has adopted changes to its curriculum that will require all current Defensive Tactics (including DAAT and POSC) Instructors to attend an in-person update in 2026 to maintain their certification. Candidates must bring their duty belt with a training gun, mouthguard, ballistic vest/chest guard, groin protection and appropriate attire for physical skills practice including, but not limited to: escort holds, decentralizations, handcuffing, ground stabilization and ground defense.
Prerequisites:
Students must already be currently certified as a Defensive and Arrest Tactics (DAAT) Instructor, Principles of Subject Control (POSC) Instructor, or Defensive Tactics (DT) Instructor in order to attend.
Advanced Patrol Tactics
Dates: June 1-3, 2026, 2026 8:00am-4:00pm
Cost: $375
Location: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Course Description:
It is no longer an option for patrol officers to not be tactically sound in today’s policing environment. Our goal in this three-day class is to increase your
patrol tactics knowledge and skills through classroom presentation and
scenario-based training. Students will also build their tactical leadership skills
and knowledge through classroom presentation, debriefs, and table-top
scenarios. By the end of the course the student should have a basic
understanding of the following:
- Manual Breaching
- Containment/Perimeter Deployments
- Less Lethal Deployments
- Room entry and clearing techniques
- Barricaded Subject Operations
- Hostage Rescue Basics
- K9 Use and Operations
- Decentralized Command
- Getting the most out of your team on a tactical call
- Advanced Tactical Concepts
- Debriefing
Register
Patrol Drug Investigations and Confidential Informant Development
Date: June 30, 2026 8:00am-4:00pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Course Description:
This 8-hour course is hosted by members of the Dane County Narcotics Task Force and is specifically geared toward the newer patrol officer who wants to be pro-active and build confidence in street-level drug interdiction. Course material will cover the basics of making drug stops and provide guidance on how to take investigations to the next level by turning suspects into informants. Students will receive classroom instruction from veteran DCNTF personnel, supplemented by realistic scenarios, to provide an engaging learning experience.
LE Only
Dane County Advanced CIT: Officer Wellness
Date: August 5, 2026 8:00am-4:00pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Course Description:
Advanced Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) is a one-day training that enhances the skills and knowledge of officers already certified in the basic 40-hour CIT program. These advanced courses focus on specific areas or scenarios within mental health crises, building upon the foundation laid in the initial training. They offer more in-depth knowledge and practical experience related to topics like mental health first aid, psychological first aid, CIT for youth, and de-escalation techniques.
CIT Training Goals:
- Ensure the safety of officers and civilians
- Refine and expand upon existing CIT skills
- Improve relationships with the community, particularly with mental health professionals, people with mental illness, and family members
- Equip officers with specialized knowledge for specific crisis
- Improve the effectiveness of CIT responses in complex scenarios
Increase confidence and expertise in handling mental health crises.
Defensive Tactics Transition Course (WI-DOJ Instructor Course)
Date: September 28, 2026
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm
Cost: $100.00
Location: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Unified Tactics update: WI DOJ has adopted changes to its curriculum that will require all current Defensive Tactics (including DAAT and POSC) Instructors to attend an in-person update in 2026 to maintain their certification. Candidates must bring their duty belt with a training gun, mouthguard, ballistic vest/chest guard, groin protection and appropriate attire for physical skills practice including, but not limited to: escort holds, decentralizations, handcuffing, ground stabilization and ground defense.
Prerequisites:
Students must already be currently certified as a Defensive and Arrest Tactics (DAAT) Instructor, Principles of Subject Control (POSC) Instructor, or Defensive Tactics (DT) Instructor in order to attend.
Defensive Tactics Transition Course (WI-DOJ Instructor Course)
Date: October 7, 2026
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm
Cost: $100.00
Location: Madison Police Training Center - 5702 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Unified Tactics update: WI DOJ has adopted changes to its curriculum that will require all current Defensive Tactics (including DAAT and POSC) Instructors to attend an in-person update in 2026 to maintain their certification. Candidates must bring their duty belt with a training gun, mouthguard, ballistic vest/chest guard, groin protection and appropriate attire for physical skills practice including, but not limited to: escort holds, decentralizations, handcuffing, ground stabilization and ground defense.
Prerequisites:
Students must already be currently certified as a Defensive and Arrest Tactics (DAAT) Instructor, Principles of Subject Control (POSC) Instructor, or Defensive Tactics (DT) Instructor in order to attend.