Tag Archive for: Law Enforcement

A group of 20 law enforcement officers, including two K9 officers, pose for a photo in front of the Williston Police Department's white Mobile Command Center trailer.

NDIRF Sponsors Law Enforcement Drone Training Course

Bismarck, N.D. – The North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund (NDIRF) sponsored a recent three-day drone training course from May 7-9 in Williston (N.D.) to help North Dakota law enforcement unmanned aerial systems (UAS) teams learn how to maximize drone usage and best relay information to ground officers. The course was led by Jack Schonely, a retired 36-year law enforcement officer who is “nationally recognized expert in the area of suspect tactics and perimeter containment” (accessed from www.OfficerTactics.com on May 20, 2024).

Schonely’s training helps UAS teams improve their communication, search techniques and tactics, K9 handler and officer coordination, and drone positioning. A UAS team includes a drone pilot, a spotter, and ground officers these teams The training’s goal is to help UAS teams effectively track, locate, and safely pursue a suspect by establishing a perimeter and providing clear direction to ground officers.

A total of 20 North Dakota law enforcement officers attended the training and represented the Bismarck Police Department, Minot Police Department, Williston Police Department, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Williams County Sheriff’s Office, and North Dakota Highway Patrol.

“On behalf of the North Dakota Law Enforcement Canine Association, I would like to thank the NDIRF for its support of this training,” NDLECA President Lyle D. Sinclair said. “When law enforcement gets new tools, there is a learning curve, and this training has helped us understand how to maximize drones to help keep the public safe.”

Photo: 20 North Dakota law enforcement officers attend a three-day UAS team training from May 7-9, 2024, in Williston, N.D. Photo credit: NDLECA

Director of Member Services Corey Olson stands at the front of a large classroom in filled with people sitting in chars at tables placed throughout the room.

NDIRF Sponsors Blue to Gold Law Enforcement Training

Bismarck, N.D. – The North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund (NDIRF) provided sponsorships for North Dakota law enforcement to attend a five-day Blue to Gold POST certified training conference from April 29-May 3 at the Public Works Facility in Dickinson (N.D.). The conference was hosted by the Southwest Crime Conference (Dickinson, N.D.), a North Dakota law enforcement training organization, and offered courses in advanced search and seizure, advanced traffic stops, advanced criminal investigations, report writing, and courtroom testimony.

Blue to Gold is a nationally recognized law enforcement training provider that offers “high-energy training that is relevant and relatable to every street officer” (accessed May 13, 2024, from www.BluetoGold.com). The training provider strives to “translate essential doctrines into language that officers can easily understand and apply in their daily work” (accessed May 13, 2024, from www.BluetoGold.com) and to support effective decision-making and reduce costly legal errors (www.BluetoGold, 2024).

The conference attracted 102 local government law enforcement officers.

“All officers who attended felt they learned numerous things that could help them do their jobs better and reduce and prevent liability in the course of their duties,” Dickinson Police Department Detective and Southwest Crime Conference Secretary/Treasurer Tiffany Whinery said. “We appreciate the NDIRF’s support. We would not have been able to host this event without their help.”

The NDIRF offers liability, auto, and public assets coverages to North Dakota’s local governments, including cities and counties that provide law enforcement services. As the source of risk services for its local government members, the NDIRF seeks partnerships with training associations and organizations to help its members continually enhance their risk management operations.

“Providing law enforcement training helps to foster a culture of safety, accountability, and preparedness, ensuring both the protection of its members and the community they serve,” NDIRF Director of Member Services Corey Olson said.

Photo: NDIRF Director of Member Services Corey Olson addresses day-one attendees at the Southwest Crime Conference’s Blue to Gold Training, held April 29-May 3, 2024, at the Public Safety Center in Dickinson (N.D.).