Skip to main content

Log in links for this page

Defensive Tactics Instructor Certification

This Guide outlines the qualifications and training requirements potential instructor candidates must meet. Certified Defensive Tactics Instructors must attend re-certification training every year.

Skip table of contents

Table of Contents

You skipped the table of contents section.

Defensive Tactics Instructor

INSTRUCTOR

The Defensive Tactics INSTRUCTOR certification allows officers to conduct Defensive Tactics training within their own Law Enforcement agency and neighboring Law Enforcement agencies.

To attain INSTRUCTOR certification:

  • Must have five years Law Enforcement experience
  • Attend a 12 day MPTC Defensive Tactics Instructor Certification Course

  • INSTRUCTORS may assist a “LEAD INSTRUCTOR” with MPTC Defensive Tactics Programs  (Recruit Officer Defensive Tactics Program and Veteran Officer In-Service training) after attending an MPTC authorized Instructor Development Program.

To maintain INSTRUCTOR certification:

  • Must attend annual MPTC Defensive Tactics Recertification without lapse.
  • If there is a lapse in annual recertification, that individual’s INSTRUCTOR certification will then be inactive (de-certified) to instruct any MPTC Defensive Tactics/Use of Force Training programs until such time that individual attends a Defensive Tactics Instructor Recertification and their certification is made current, and approved by the MPTC Defensive Tactics Instructor Committee.
  • Any MPTC Defensive Tactics Instructor Certification that has been expired five (5) years or more will require that individual to attend a twelve (12) day Defensive Tactics Certification Course.

Defensive Tactics Lead Instructor

LEAD INSTRUCTOR

A LEAD INSTRUCTOR has a working knowledge of the entire MPTC Defensive Tactics Program. Ability to lead the Recruit Officer Defensive Tactics Program and Veteran Officer In-Service training. Responsibilities include working with Academy Directors on proper administration of various DT Programs and mentoring INSTRUCTORS to work towards upgrading their certification. 

To attain LEAD INSTRUCTOR certification:

  • Must have five years full-time Law Enforcement experience
  • Two years of documented teaching as an INSTRUCTOR under the mentorship of a Lead Instructor or Instructor Trainer at Recruit and In-Service Programs
  • During that time, INSTRUCTORS will have a minimum of 160 documented hours of assisting a Lead Instructor or Instructor Trainer
  • Must have completed an MPTC authorized Instructor Development Program
  • Individuals must maintain a current Defensive Tactics Certification without lapse in recertification

To maintain LEAD INSTRUCTOR certification

  • LEAD INSTRUCTORS must continue to teach at MPTC Recruit Officer and/or Veteran Officer In-Service Programs
  • LEAD INSTRUCTORS must attend annual Defensive Tactics Instructor Recertification without lapse
  • If there is a lapse in annual recertification, a LEAD INSTRUCTOR will then be re-graded to INSTRUCTOR level pending review by the MPTC Defensive Tactics Use of Force Committee and attendance at a one day MPTC Defensive Tactics Instructor Recertification
  • Any MPTC Defensive Tactics Lead Instructor certification that has been expired five (5) years or more will require that individual to attend a twelve (12) day Defensive Tactics Certification Course. 

Defensive Tactics Instructor Trainer

INSTRUCTOR TRAINER

An INSTRUCTOR TRAINER attends quarterly Defensive Tactics/Use of Force Committee meetings and assists with the DT program’s development and improvements.  Coordinates, hosts and assists with DT Instructor Recertifications, the 12 day DT Instructor Certification Course and various DT Instructor Development Courses.  Assists Commonwealth law enforcement agencies with issues concerning DT or Use of Force if they arise.   

To attain INSTRUCTOR TRAINER certification:

  • Has successfully maintained INSTRUCTOR and LEAD INSTRUCTOR requirements as outlined above 
  • Be nominated by a current MPTC DT Use of Force Committee Instructor Trainer
  • Have two years documented experience as a Lead Instructor with the MPTC Recruit and/or In-Service programs under the mentorship of a current MPTC Instructor Trainer. 
  • Demonstrate acceptable proficiency with all MPTC Defensive Tactics Program Techniques within the MPTC Defensive Tactics Curriculum as prescribed by the Defensive Tactics Use of Force Committee Instructor Trainers
  • Pass a comprehensive Defensive Tactics exam and score no less than 90%
  • Demonstrate the ability to teach/lecture classroom subject matters that are selected by the Use of Force Committee Instructor Trainers and are outlined in the MPTC Recruit Officer Program
  • Must be approved by the MPTC Statewide Defensive Tactics Coordinator to obtain Instructor Trainer status

To Maintain INSTRUCTOR TRAINER certification:

INSTRUCTOR-TRAINERS must continue to teach at MPTC Recruit Officer and/or Veteran Officer In-Service Programs.

  • INSTRUCTOR-TRAINERS must attend annual Defensive Tactics Instructor Recertification without lapse
  • If there is a lapse in annual recertification, INSTRUCTOR-TRAINERS will then be re-graded to Lead Instructor level pending review by the MPTC Defensive Tactics Instructor Recertification.
  • Any MPTC Defensive Tactics INSTRUCTOR-TRAINER certification that has been expired five (5) years or more will require that individual to attend a twelve (12) day Defensive Tactics Certification Course.

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback