"It was a great video."
"I had to look up proxemics but that definitely made sense."
"I truly appreciate all the videos. They are extremely helpful."
Wyatt From ok.
Dark Horse Law Enforcement Training LLC
We are the owners/partner/instructors of Dark Horse Law Enforcement Training LLC and Dark Horse Associates.
A small business based out of Morgantown Pennsylvania, that was founded October 2014. In that time, we have instructed 1000’s of officers, agents and deputies from Florida, north to Connecticut, to Texas and as far northwest as Montana.
Our Instructors come from both the Interstate Interdiction and the Small Town/Rural Interdiction Communities. We presently contract with some of the best instructors in PA, SC, NJ, GA, TN, WY, LA and TX, that are dedicated to providing Constitutionally sound training.
This all adds to the appeal that Dark Horse has to the Law Enforcement Community.
We have revolutionized Criminal Interception Training in the industry based on Cases that our instructors have cultivated from “Cold Stops”, using the same Interdiction techniques that we teach.
Dark Horse has not only delved into the Physiology of Nervousness beyond any other company in the industry, but we have been and continue to work in concert with the Forensic Science Department of George Mason University, to improve our program. We believe the joining of proven science and coupling it with proactive policing prepares both Small town/ Rural and Highway Interdiction Officers to safely execute their duties.
Dark Horse has taken proven Criminal Interception Training techniques and joined them with our “Alternative Blocks”. This has shown results, not only locally but Federally.
Our instructors work with the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, The Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations regularly.
Our Instructors and Students alike have interdicted confirmed Terrorists, Money Launderers, Drug Smugglers, Bank Robbers, Human Traffickers, Burglars, “Felony Lane Gang”, Credit Card Skimmers and those involved in large scale Identity Theft.
Below you will find a brief synopsis of our teaching points. Please explore if there is another company in the Continental United States that teaches our Course Catalog.
We were the Originators of bringing most of these Alternative Interdiction Blocks to the Main Stream, not to mention diving into the Physiology of Nervousness, like no other company.
We would hope you would consider utilizing Dark Horse in an Up Coming Training Workshop.
Comprehensive courses not seen anywhere
in the industry
A Conglomeration of Some of the Country's Best Pro-Active Officers, Deputies and Agents, Preparing YOU for Greatness!
"Physiology of Nervousness", Organized Fuel Theft, "The M.O. That is Felony Lane Gang", Cloned Credit Cards, ATM/Gas Pump Skimmers, Organized Retail Theft , "The Hybrid High" Synthetic Labs and Explosive Recognition for Patrol Officers : A Course Catalog made for Pro-Active Officers that has never been seen in the Training Industry!
2 day Course descriptions
Small town/rural criminal Interception/ Interdiction Course
Comprehensive 2 DAY Workshop for Small Town/ Rural Jurisdictions
Course Description: This course is to familiarize the Patrol Officer and Inline Supervisors,
with a working knowledge of a vast array of Criminal Interception, Interdiction Techniques and Criminal
Trends SPECIFICALLY for Small Town/Rural Officers.
This will be completed by comprehensive instruction and supported by case studies investigated
by the instructor or present instructors for Dark Horse Associates.
Course Topics:
Instruction will cover Physiology of the Human Body during Stress, Proxemics,Changes in Driving Behavior and
Behavioral Indicators. Verbal Indicators of 3 Phases of a Driver/ Pedestrian Contact will be covered. Rapid Vehicle Assessment to include passenger vehicles and rental vehicles (Cars). Students will develop
the knowledge to rapidly assess a vehicle on a stop and detect Items of Interest that may lead to
reasonable suspicion or probable cause.
Concealed Compartments will be covered utilizing, lecture,
photographs and or video of compartments. Roadside Interview will be discussed.
Day 2 will consist of 4 "Exotic Blocks" from the Course Catalog.
Roadside Interview Practical and Tactical
Approach to Vehicle, Executing a Systematic Search Pattern. Hotel/Motel Interdiction, Fuel Theft and
Human Trafficking Hands-on Professional search of Loaded vehicles.
"Exotic Blocks can be chosen by the Host agency to formulate a Taylor made course for the Department's need"
Advanced Criminal Interception/ Interdiction course
A Comprehensive 2 Day Workshop for Highway and Interstate Officers, working on minor and major Trafficking Routes.
This course is to familiarize the Patrol Officer and Inline Supervisors,
with a working knowledge of a vast array of Criminal Interception, Interdiction Techniques and Criminal
Trends, Geared SPECIFICALLY to Interstate and Highway Areas.
This will be completed by comprehensive instruction and supported by case studies investigated
by the instructor or present instructors for Dark Horse Associates.
Course Topics:
Instruction will cover Physiology of the Human Body during Stress, Proxemics, Changes in Driving Behavior and
Behavioral Indicators. Verbal Indicators of 3 Phases of a Driver/ Pedestrian Contact will be covered. Rapid Vehicle Assessment to include passenger vehicles and rental vehicles (Cars and Trucks). Commercial Motor Vehicles will be discussed, along with Deep Concealments on these large conveniences. Students will develop
the knowledge to rapidly assess a vehicle, both Passenger and CMV, on a stop and detect Items of Interest that may lead to
reasonable suspicion or probable cause.
Concealed Compartments will be covered utilizing, lecture,
photographs and or video of compartments. Roadside Interview will be discussed.
Day 2 will consist of 4 "Exotic Blocks" from the Course Catalog.
Roadside Interview Practical and Tactical
Approach to Vehicle, Executing a Systematic Search Pattern. Prior to
the completion of the Course, a hands-on Professional search of Loaded Passenger Vehicles will be
executed.
"Exotic Blocks can be chosen by the Host agency to formulate a Taylor made course for the Department's need"
Basic Criminal Interception/ Interdiction Course
1 Day Basic Course: Course Topics:
Instruction will cover Physiology of the Human Body during Stress, Proxemics, Changes in Driving Behavior and
Behavioral Indicators. Verbal Indicators of 3 Phases of a Driver/ Pedestrian Contact will be covered.
Rural and Small-Town Changes in driving behavior will be discussed and video of actually stops based upon Changes in Drive will round out the morning session.
Rapid Vehicle Assessment to include passenger vehicles and rental vehicles (Cars). Students will develop
the knowledge to rapidly assess a vehicle on a stop and detect Items of Interest that may lead to
reasonable suspicion or probable cause.
Vehicle approach, Officer Safety and Passenger side approach of vehicles will be addressed.
Concealed Compartments will be covered utilizing, lecture,
photographs and or video of compartments. Roadside Interview will be discussed and a Student Lead exercise will be conducted, as students interview 2 suspected Traffickers.
Exotic Criminal Interdiction Course
1 Day Exotic Course: Parcel Interdiction which will prepare the Patrol Officer, Deputy or Agent to investigate and intercept Currency and Drugs in the mail stream. This will also cover etiquette in the facilities along with items of interest in packaging.
Choice of 4 Exotic Blocks :Cloned Credit Cards, Skimmers, Human Trafficking, "The M.O. that is Felony Lane Gang",Organized Retail Theft, "The Hybrid High": Synthetic Drugs, Hotel/ Motel Interdiction and Explosive Recognition will be covered in this block. (See Block descriptions below)
Human trafficking "an interdiction officer's perspective"
Providing an Officer with the ability to detect, apprehend and prosecute those that participate and facilitate the travesty that is Human Trafficking.
This block breaks down language, behavior, items connected with Human Trafficking along with Videoed Case Studies.
The majority of the Dark Horse Instructors have successfully Interdicted Human Traffickers and Victims and have been paramount in the prosecution and convictions of these modern day Monsters!
"Out of the Shadows"
Alternative Interdiction Course
1 day
This course is a must for a Seasoned Criminal Interdiction Officer! The crimes that hide in the shadows will be covered!
Course Topics: Instruction will cover Physiology of the Human Body during Stress, Proxemics, Changes in Driving Behavior and Behavioral Indicators.
Four to Five Alternative Interdiction Blocks will be covered.
*Human Trafficking
*Hotel/Motel Investigations
*"The M.O. that is Felony Lane Gang"
*Cloned Credit Cards
*Gas Pump Skimmers
*Organized Retail Theft
*Synthetic Drugs
*Explosive Recognition
*Improvised Explosive Devices
*Terrorist Interception
The Physiology of Nervousness
During this block of instruction Students will be instructed on the Body’s Natural Stress response. This will be broken down to the chemical releases and how they affect the body during stress. The Body’s systems will be incorporated into this block to better prepare the Student in articulation in both reports and on the stand. The Student will be shown examples and video evidence covering posture, rigidity, philo erectus, sweating, shaking hands, rapid pulse, etc.
Proxemics
This block will explain the natural and accepted distances for communication and how Space Relations play a part in Changes in Driving Behavior. It will be then interjected into an approach of a suspect and during the roadside interview. This Block will be supported by case studies and video evidence showing how proximal lane changes and how lane violations can alert an officer to a suspect vehicle.
Changes in Driving Behavior
During this block, the students will be provided information about High Volume Traffic stops in comparison to Targeted Enforcement using Changes in Driving Behavior. Vehicle position on the roadway will also be discussed. Multiple examples will be provided reference changes in driving behavior, to assist the student in selecting the correct vehicle to stop, reference criminal activity.
Behavioral indicators
This will be covering the 4 phases of the stop. The approach, The initiation of the stop, the initial approach and the roadside interview. These behaviors will be shown via case study videos to reinforce the instruction.
verbal indicators
This block will address how during a police contact; a criminal violator uses verbiage to dissuade the officer and eliminate his/her suspicions. These signs are heard during the initial contact and the roadside interview. Many catch phrases will be provided including stalling techniques used by criminal violators. Lack of Fluency will be discussed and a case study will be show, that resulted in a $81,000 seizure.
vehicle rapid assessment
During this block we will discuss the ability and the skill set needed to rapidly assess any vehicle, to make a determination as to search or release. In this block, items of interest that can be used during a criminal event will be discussed. Also, it will be stressed that an item does not assist in the presumption of guilt, but only confirms or denies possible suspicion of criminal activity. The totality of the circumstances will always be the bench mark as to whether to search or release. We strive to have the student to a time frame goal of 45 seconds upon initial contact with an operator, as to ask for consent, deploy a K9 or perform a probable cause search. This also will be supported by case studies and video evidence.
Rental vehicle use in Criminal activity
A look from that of an interdiction officer’s perspective, reference the use of rental vehicles for nefarious reasons. The purpose, advantage and prevalence of rental vehicles being used in not only smuggling, but numerous crimes across a broad spectrum, will be discussed. The standards of the rental vehicle industry will be noted and ways those policies can be used to further a criminal stop or investigation.
Systematic search pattern/ hands on searching
An officer safety approach to a search of a vehicle along with developing a systematic approach will be stressed. Instructors will attempt to change the mindset of the searching officer, from years of “Police Academy Style” or “We have Always Done it this Way” searching. During the searching portion, this will become evident to the student, as they locate areas to conceal contraband that they have never been exposed to .
vehicle concealments
Vehicle Concealments: An overview of concealments ranging from mechanical/ hidden compartments to natural voids will be covered via video and photographic evidence. Main points stressed will be fitting of panels, striation marks, discoloring of plastic, bondo, aftermarket fasteners and “The Box”. This in the totality will improve location and prosecution of the criminal violator.
roadside interview techniques
During this block multiple interview techniques and tactics will be discussed and demonstrated for the students. Along with this Instructors will concentrate on suspects answers, behavioral and verbal cues of deception. This will be supported via video evidence of Interdiction stops performed by the Dark Horse Instructors, using these techniques. At the near completion of this block, a roadside interview will be conducted by the students of 2 suspected smugglers (Student Participants), to provide the students the ability to see how the process works and to observe the physical manifestations of nervousness, behavioral and verbal cues.
human trafficking "how to catch a trafficker"
As this crime affects a larger portion of Americans than was previously believed, tactics and techniques for intercepting these crimes, on the roadways was needed desperately. We will cover the prevalence of human trafficking here in the United States. The process of facilitation, grooming and the nature of the human trafficking industry, both sex trade and labor will be discussed. Language used by both the victim and trafficker will be provided along with the meanings of these terms. (Dark Horse Original)
Credit card cloning
Cloning of cards and interception of these cards being trafficked and intercepted by road officers is common place. Through our travels, we have seen that officers were uniformed, ill prepared and unaware of the crimes that were occurring in front of them. This block covers the cloner, the movement, the purpose and the items associated with the cards. We also provide geographical information about international groups that are prevalent and participate this type of crime. Roadside interview techniques involving this crime will be discussed along with follow up investigation contacts. (Dark Horse Original)
skimmers (Atm/gas pumps)
The majority of officers, agents and deputies are unaware of what a skimmer looks like, how it functions, the placement and types used. This block will inform the officer of all the skimmer configurations, demonstrate the installation of the skimmer devices and provide them information on how they can determine if a skimmer is located in an ATM or Gas Pump. Several items of interest will be shown in relation to skimmer operations in transit. (Dark Horse Original)
“The M.O. that is Felony Lane”
No modus operandi has been more miss characterized then “Felony Lane”. We have removed the misstatements, misnomers and myths about this M.O. and those involved in it. Students will be informed as to the M.O., the techniques of those involved, from surveillance, to action, to the use of the stolen cards, identities and fiduciary items. The basis of the name and how subjects involved in this M.O. got the name “Felony Lane Gang”. Along with this information, we will instruct our students on a more effective way of prosecuting these subjects, as a form of deterrent. (Dark Horse Original)
Organized Retail Theft
Although many officers, agents and deputies involved in criminal interdiction, don’t view retail theft as a serious issue, Dark Horse provides statistics and case studies by instructors that hopefully changes that mentality. All the tools of the trade are covered. A hands on practical of the use of a Rack Master 3000 (hook) and magnets, used to remove all mater of security tags, will be performed. Items of interest will be provided to the students, along with common concealments of tools, ledgers and gift cards (Returns). This crime has different m.o.'s but the end result is the same, billions of dollars in losses every year for retailers. We train officers to stop it. (Dark Horse Original)
Hotel/Motel Interdiction
Hot beds for all types of criminal activity, hotels and motels are covered from multiple approaches. From high end Hotels use to cover narcotic sales, to the use of small, inexpensive motels to cover for human trafficking and the sex trade. Dark Horse wrote it from our perspective! Officers that work the interstate, to our Instructors that work smaller towns, the case studies are covered and work in concert with our Human Trafficking block. A local motel or hotel might be a student’s next big case. (Dark Horse Original)
“The Hybrid High” Synthetics
This block formulated by our own Lab Certified Instructor covers all that is needed for an officer, agent of deputy to move amongst synthetic drugs and possibly a lab or lab equipment, with safety and confidence. Multiple synthetic drugs, that are prevalent presently and present a significant hazard to road officers will be discussed. The dangers, manufacturing and handling procedures will be stressed. Video evidence and case studies will be provided, to reinforce the block. (Dark Horse Original, Authored by Cecil Brownfield, Lafayette County, FL)
Explosive Recognition
This block concentrates on explosive types with video demonstrations of the detonation of these explosives. A block on the mindset of both “suicide bombers” and those that install devices will be discussed. Improvised Explosive device construction is covered along with 3 types of inert IEDs that will be on site for instruction purposes. The block is concluded with a demonstration of the items of interest that may be found in a bomb maker’s or bomber’s vehicle, while in transit. (Dark Horse Original, Authored by Steve Burmeister FBI (ret) )
Parcel Interdiction
This Block of instruction will prepare students to detect criminal activity within the mail stream. The class focuses on topics from how to gain access into facilities and what is acceptable and not in mail facilities. Items of interest, to include the type of packaging and manner of packing, will be covered extensively. Search warrant preparation and controlled delivers will be addressed. Photographs will be presented for all topics taught, so the student can articulate what they have observed at a mail or package sorting facility. (Authored by Billy Jones, Augusta GA)
Dark horse's blocks of
instruction
Mitch from PA
"Fuel Theft Webinar"
"Me personally, I have yet to run into any fuel thefts or even possible stolen credit cards, but I would like to have some type of prior knowledge before encountering these things. Awesome class and I am looking forward to future ones."
Thanks again,
Mitch
Business Hours
Business Hours
- Monday - SaturdayNon-stop
- SundayClosed