Dirigo Safety

De-Escalation in Public Safety
2026-11-16 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Dirigo Safety, LLC, 95 Main Street, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
Instructor:
Kyle Tilsley

De-Escalation in Public Safety

AM SESSION: November 16 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
PM SESSION: November 16 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Learn how to handle aggressive behavior, negative attitudes, excessive sarcasm, hidden agendas, and other sources of conflict safely and productively. Discover techniques to defuse “hot button” situations, calm explosive personalities, and exercise damage control without losing confidence and composure.
Course Objectives:

Identify physiological changes that occur when individuals become hostile or angry.
Learn communication skills to de-escalate and defuse hostile encounters.
Learn methods to re-direct the thought process for de-escalation.
Learn the cognitive limitations when people become hostile or angry and how to address it.
Alleviate volatile situations before they escalate into full-scale confrontations.

Equipment Needed:

None

FTO Refresher
2026-11-18 08:00 - 16:00 | Dirigo Safety, LLC, 95 Main Street, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
Instructor:
Kyle Tilsley

FTO Refresher
November 18 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
This one-day refresher course is designed for current or returning Field Training Officers who want to sharpen their skills and stay current with evolving best practices. Whether you’re updating an expired certification or enhancing what you learned in a Basic FTO course, this class provides practical tools for effective training and evaluating today’s recruits. With a focus on leadership, teaching strategies, and ethical accountability, the course reinforces key FTO responsibilities through real-world application. Participants will review Standardized Evaluation Guidelines (SEGs), refine their use of Daily Observation Reports (DORs), and engage in scenario-based learning activities.
Course Objectives:

Reinforce leadership principles and understand liability issues in the FTO role.
Apply ethical standards and professional conduct in all aspects of field training.
Update teaching techniques to align with current training methodologies and adult learning styles.
Review and properly apply the Standardized Evaluation Guidelines when completing DORs.
Practice evaluation and remediation skills through DOR video analysis and hands-on activities.

Equipment Needed:

None

First-Line Supervisors
2026-11-24 08:00 - 16:00 | Dirigo Safety, LLC, 95 Main Street, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
Instructor:
Adam Gormely

First-Line Supervisors
November 24 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
This progressive course explores the core principles of responsible supervision, emphasizing accountability over authority in decision-making. Designed for current and aspiring frontline leaders—including sergeants, corporals, shift leaders, and crew leaders—this class provides practical insights for those seeking to lead with integrity and long-term impact.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of how poor supervisory practices can compromise a department’s mission and create long-lasting inefficiencies. Through real-world examples and interactive instruction, students will leave better equipped to lead their teams effectively and ethically.
Course Objectives:

Understand the value and influence of empathy in leadership.
Develop the ability to effectively manage oneself before managing others.
Identify and apply practical, uncommon-sense leadership tools.
Distinguish the characteristics of effective versus ineffective supervisors.
Interpret organizational cues (“what the system is telling you”) and leverage them in decision-making.
Define appropriate use of discipline—when, why, and how to apply it.
Recognize the supervisor’s critical role in shaping team morale.
Understand vicarious liability and the risks of failing to supervise properly.

Equipment Needed:

None

MLEAP Accreditation Standard:

This course meets MLEAP Standard 3.08 – Supervisor Training

Cannabis Impairment Detection Lab
2026-12-10 08:00 - 17:00 | Dirigo Safety, LLC, 95 Main Street, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
Instructors:
Scot Mattox, Esq
Seth Allen

Cannabis Impairment Detection Lab
December 10 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
With today’s cannabis products reaching much higher THC levels and appearing in various forms—such as edibles, concentrates, and traditional flower— officers face increasing challenges in detecting impairment. This two-phase training provides officers with both classroom instruction and hands-on experience to better recognize cannabis-related impairment in drivers. Attendees will learn about current cannabis trends, legal considerations, behavioral indicators, and enhanced field sobriety test protocols specific to cannabis use. The course culminates in a controlled “Green Lab” where officers evaluate individuals under the influence, reinforcing classroom learning through real-time observation.
*Attendees will not be exposed to cannabis or any other substances during the training.
Course Objectives:

Identify various forms of modern cannabis and understand their effects on impairment.
Apply an enhanced SFST protocol tailored to detecting cannabis impairment.
Recognize key behavioral indicators and physical signs associated with THC-related impairment.
Understand best practices for documenting cannabis-impaired driving investigations and building a strong court case.
Conduct real-time impairment assessments during the hands-on Green Lab experience, evaluating reliability and technique.

Equipment Needed:

None – please note that duty weapons are prohibited for the duration of this course.

FTO School for Rural Agencies
2026-12-14 08:00 - 2026-12-16 16:00 | Dirigo Safety, LLC, 95 Main Street, Auburn, ME, 04210, United States
Instructor:
Kyle Tilsley

FTO School for Rural Agencies
December 14 @ 8:00 am – December 16 @ 4:00 pm
*Note: Day 3 (December 16) of class will run from 8:00-12:00pm!
Step into the pivotal role of shaping the next generation of law enforcement professionals. The Field Training Officer (FTO) Course is designed for experienced officers ready to lead, mentor, and mold recruits into confident, competent public servants. This immersive training goes beyond basic instruction—it’s about cultivating leadership, accountability, and real-world decision-making.
Through dynamic classroom instruction, participants will master proven FTO models, learn how to deliver effective feedback, document trainee performance, and navigate the challenges of adult learning styles. Whether you’re preparing to take on your first trainee or refining your mentoring approach, this course equips you with the tools to succeed.
Course Objectives:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of a Field Training program framework and structure.
Learn how to develop effective coaching and mentoring skills.
Learn the importance of trainee performance evaluation and documentation.
Explore legal responsibilities and ethical standards required of the Field Training Officer.
Refine and enhance communication skills and leadership abilities.

Equipment Needed:

None

MLEAP Accreditation Standard:

This course meets MLEAP Standard 3.12 – Field Training Officer Training

Download MLEAP Training Proof

First-Line Supervisors
2026-12-15 08:00 - 16:00 | Nashua, NH Police Department, 28 Officer James Roche Drive, Nashua, NH, 03062, United States
Instructor:
Adam Gormely

First-Line Supervisors
December 15 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
This progressive course explores the core principles of responsible supervision, emphasizing accountability over authority in decision-making. Designed for current and aspiring frontline leaders—including sergeants, corporals, shift leaders, and crew leaders—this class provides practical insights for those seeking to lead with integrity and long-term impact.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of how poor supervisory practices can compromise a department’s mission and create long-lasting inefficiencies. Through real-world examples and interactive instruction, students will leave better equipped to lead their teams effectively and ethically.
Course Objectives:

Understand the value and influence of empathy in leadership.
Develop the ability to effectively manage oneself before managing others.
Identify and apply practical, uncommon-sense leadership tools.
Distinguish the characteristics of effective versus ineffective supervisors.
Interpret organizational cues (“what the system is telling you”) and leverage them in decision-making.
Define appropriate use of discipline—when, why, and how to apply it.
Recognize the supervisor’s critical role in shaping team morale.
Understand vicarious liability and the risks of failing to supervise properly.

Equipment Needed:

None

MLEAP Accreditation Standard:

This course meets MLEAP Standard 3.08 – Supervisor Training
