Page 37 - July August 2019 TPA Journal

members listening to your testimony have to keep their driver’s licenses, plumber’s or electrician’s
licenses, etc., current in order to operate legally. They will have an expectation that you as a law
enforcement professional will be operating within the same rules.

2. When it comes to the “qualified” issue, the answer is simple, but requires a personal investment
on your part. In short, practice your craft, and keep a record. If the question to you as an instructor
is how often do you practice the skills you teach, you should have an answer. How often are you
practicing? How often are you researching new material? How much training do you do on your
own, when the purpose is development of your ability to deliver a valid product? Whether you use
any of the many apps available or an old-school training journal, keep a record of your practice in
the areas you are teaching.

The question you should ask yourself now: Are you satisfied being “certified,” or do you want to be
“qualified?” The answer should always be to maintain both.

Ask yourself the question before an attorney asks it for you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chief James Pierson (Ret) is a law enforcement veteran of 30 years and served as Chief of Police from
2014 until his retirement in July of 2017 to focus on training. He currently holds a commission as
an investigator for the District Attorney’s Office.

Chief Pierson holds an advanced instructor certification through TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law
Enforcement), and remains active in the Texas Police Chiefs Association, the Texas District and
County Attorneys Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Pierson has a passion for training, and serves as an adjunct instructor, as well as sitting on the
Advisory Board of the East Texas Regional Police Academy. Pierson has served on multiple
committees with TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement), and serves as an expert witness
in use of force cases, both in state and federal courts nationwide, testifying in both criminal and civil
cases.

Pierson currently operates JP law Enforcement & Safety Training, as well as serving as a mobile
training team member for Blauer Tactical Systems delivering instructor level training to law
enforcement and military throughout the United States.

July/August 2019 www.texaspoliceassociation.com • 866-997-8282 33