Brian Mckenna, author

Brian Mckenna, authorBrian Mckenna, authorBrian Mckenna, author

Brian Mckenna, author

Brian Mckenna, authorBrian Mckenna, authorBrian Mckenna, author
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Welcome to Winning Edge Training

Mission Statement

Winning Edge Training is committed to providing police officers with the best possible officer safety information and training, with a major emphasis on tactics and mental preparation for controlling violent encounters. This commitment is based on the principle that proper tactics and mental preparation enable officers to do more than just survive violent encounters. They prepare them to control these encounters with a strong command presence that often discourages resistance and, if resistance cannot be avoided, to overcome it in a controlled manner that significantly enhances their own safety while also reducing the possibility of using unnecessary force.

Biography

Brian is a retired police lieutenant with over 32 years’ police experience and an extensive background in police training at both the academy and in-service level. He is a state-certified police instructor, a former lead firearms instructor for his department, Certified Force Science Analyst, and Realistic De-Escalation Instructor. Brian holds a master’s degree in human resource development, has written extensively on officer safety topics, and for 22 years authored Police Marksman Magazine’s “Officer Down” column, a regular feature that analyzed officer-involved shootings for key learning points. The column was the magazine’s most popular feature because of the compelling stories it told and the impact of real-life case studies on learning. This experience gave Brian the opportunity to conduct in-depth research into the dynamics of armed encounters and the most effective ways to control them. Winning Edge Training is the culmination of this research, packed into training that uses the power of case studies, proven adult learning principles, and a dynamic presentation style to teach officers how to control violent encounters with the proper level of force.

Law Enforcement training (law enforcement personnel only)

Mental Preparation for Controlling Violent Encounters I – 8 Hours

Course description

Through extensive use of case studies and class participation, this interactive course examines and discusses armed police encounters for key learning points. It uses the lessons learned from officers who have “been there” to prepare attendees to control violent encounters on the street, with a special focus on the winning attitude and other essential mental skills needed to win. These mental skills prepare officers to approach violent encounters in a manner that often discourages resistance and, if resistance can’t be avoided, to overcome it in a controlled manner that significantly reduces the risk of inappropriate force. Participants also learn ways to improve their performance when learning and practicing firearms and other officer safety skills. Finally, common threats that are seldom addressed elsewhere are presented, and participants are provided with practical tactics for dealing with them.  


Topics addressed include:

  • How to develop a positive attitude
  • Situational awareness
  • Tactical thinking and mental flexibility
  • Planning for violent encounters
  • Overcoming common mental and tactical pitfalls
  • Renewing your commitment to train hard and often
  • How to use mental imagery to prepare for violent encounters.
  • Improving performance when learning/practicing firearms and other officer safety skills
  • Five principles for responding to a close-quarters armed attack
  • Practical countermeasures for preventing and responding to an ambush

Please contact Winning Edge Training for pricing, to schedule a class, or make other inquiries at:

Email

Mental Preparation for Controlling Violent Encounters II – Two Days

Course description

This course expands on the one-day Mental Preparation course (see above). Several more cases are analyzed and discussed in depth for key learning points, each of which addresses issues not discussed in the one-day course. Additional officer safety concerns and tactics are also addressed, with an expanded focus on mental preparation for armed encounters.


Topics addressed include:

  • How to develop a positive attitude
  • Situational awareness
  • Tactical thinking and mental flexibility
  • Planning for violent encounters
  • Overcoming common mental and tactical pitfalls
  • Renewing your commitment to train hard and often
  • How to use mental imagery to win violent encounters
  • Understanding how violent offenders think and behave
  • Improving performance when learning/practicing firearms and other officer safety skills
  • Five principles for responding to a close-quarters armed attack
  • Responding to violent off-duty encounters
  • Practical weapon retention techniques
  • How to respond if taken hostage
  • Practical countermeasures for preventing and responding to an ambush
  • Responding to terrorist and other mass casualty attacks when off duty
  • Dealing with the aftermath of a lethal confrontation

Please contact Winning Edge Training for pricing, to schedule a class, or make other inquiries at:

Email

Training for private citizens

Personal Safety for Private Citizens:

Course description

 Everyone has the right to be free of fear of personal attack, and to defend him/herself in the event that such an attack should occur. Using many of the same methods used to train police officers, this course helps private citizens develop the mental skills and tactical options they need to avoid, and if necessary, defend against personal attacks. Unlike common self-defense training, this course does not require physical activity (anyone can attend, regardless of age, size, or physical fitness level). Instead, attendees are taught how to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations, confidently plan how to respond if attacked, and then, if necessary, fend off attacks of even the most violent nature. This program is based upon years of research on the dynamics of violent police encounters and teaches attendees how to develop and use the same mental skills police officers use to protect themselves from the dangers they may encounter at any time. 


Topics addressed include:

  • Four basic personal safety rules
  • How to avoid danger
  • How to effectively plan for danger 
  • Practical home defense measures
  • Effective responses to potentially dangerous situations
  • Simple, effective and lawful self-defense measures
  • When and how to respond to lethal attacks
  • Practical and lawful choice of lethal and nonlethal weapons for personal and home defense
  • Concerns and options for armed citizens (involves NO firearms training) 

Please contact Winning Edge Training for pricing, to schedule a class, or make other inquiries at:

Email

Workplace Safety

Course description:

Workplace violence is a valid concern for all businesses and employees. Although this especially tragic form of violence is still relatively uncommon, it is becoming increasingly more common. Therefore, employers owe it to their employees, and the employees owe it to themselves, to take steps to prevent it, and if it cannot be avoided, to mitigate the human costs incurred. Fortunately, by applying some of the same principles police officers use to protect themselves from the dangers they face on a daily basis, businesses and employees alike can do a great deal to make their work environment safer and more secure. This course presents these principles and explains how they can be applied to the workplace. 


Topics addressed include:

  • How to make your workplace less vulnerable to workplace violence
  • The crucial role of safety awareness in preventing and mitigating workplace violence
  • Safety planning
  • The critical importance of workplace violence drills
  • Dealing with hostile individuals
  • Personal safety in the workplace

Please contact Winning Edge Training for pricing, to schedule a class, or make other inquiries

Email

Training Testimonials

"The course enforces how important tactical training/preparation is for officers. I think this can be taught as instructor course for training officers.… This would allow the trainer to return to their police department and incorporate training with emphasis on the mental preparation for the gunfight. I plan on incorporating the information in our defensive tactics courses…. One of the most informative and inspirational trainings that I have attended."


            Investigator John Bucci, Algonquin PD


"I have been with the sheriff's department for twenty years, and have always considered myself to be a safety conscious officer; however … since attending your course, I have found myself with a renewed sense of commitment to myself, but Most Importantly, to those who depend on me -- my family and friends, my co-workers, and my public."


            Det. Ross Bishop, St. Charles (MO) Sheriff’s Department


"I just wanted to write and express to you, again, my appreciation for the course you instructed. It was very informative and well put together. It's very apparent that you have devoted a lot of time and effort to gain … knowledge and experience regarding violent encounters for police officers, and I just wanted to say, thanks again."


            David Kinley, US Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Police Division


"McKenna is very passionate and truly believes in this material. That alone makes it easy and fun to be a part of the class."


            Officer Rob Martel, McHenry (Illinois) Police Department


"I enjoyed your class extremely, I think it is a must have for all law enforcement officers. I would recommend it to anyone. GREAT CLASS."


            Steve Conover, Canadian National Railroad Police 


"Very good class. Good material, excellent presentation. This class should be taught at all police academies."


            Officer Donald R Ward, Lombard Police Department


"Thank you for your wonderful presentation, I really enjoyed the class and learned a great deal. I began to pay more attention to my surroundings, and began carrying a back up firearm…. This class brought a new perspective to my thinking, and I decided never to let my guard down."


            Officer David Barajas, Canadian National Railroad Police

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