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The 2026 SHOT Show is coming up, and for the third year, AmericanCop.com is co-hosting the Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP).
For those not familiar, LEEP is focused on providing officers of all ranks with quality education through presentations during the first three days of the Show. While I was still a working deputy and sergeant, I attended several of them. One that still stands out was a presentation by NTOA’s Don Alwes on the implementation of a Tactical Patrol Officer program. An idea that looked something other than just SWAT.
Reasons To Go
There are several compelling reasons why attending SHOT and LEEP is beneficial for your agency.
You can meet directly with manufacturers and their staff. The opportunity to get hands-on with new products or ones you’ve only seen covered in various media.
As they have been for the past couple of years, at least, Daniel Defense is hosting the LEEP meet & greet on Monday evening
Networking with peers is another. Sometimes, you are crossing paths with them at a booth, or you can meet them at the Monday night’s meet and greet social gathering. This will be hosted by Daniel Defense in the Venetian Canal area.
You can add attendance at LEEP to your registration HERE.
Some of the sessions are still being fleshed out by the sponsors and presenters.
Tuesday
Von Kliem and Lon Bartle from Virta are addressing Expectations vs Training.
Force Science is partnered with Virtra at LEEP
Virtra and Force Science should not need an introduction. Nor quite frankly should Von and Lon. However, if you aren’t familiar with them, Von works in consulting and communicating with Force Science, while Lon is the principal researcher at Virta. They will address the gap between what our critics think we should be able to do and what our training is likely preparing officers for.
Virta is supporting Lon & Von in getting out good information
The session will address the need for training that is grounded in reality. The impact of psychological and physiological factors on how we learn and make decisions on the street. The goal: to better understand how effective training not only equips officers to perform in critical moments but also protects them in the aftermath when their actions are scrutinized.
Robert Cole and Trijicon present Low Variable Power Optics for Law Enforcement.
This explores the use and applications of Low Power Variable Optics (LVPO) in law enforcement roles. There are advantages and best practices that may differ by assignment. Both uniformed patrol and tactical officers need this tool; they may use it a bit differently. It will also cover best practices for adopting and implementing them.
Their lights have been a constant for decades.
Streamlight Instructor Development for Low Light Operations Bobby Cummings
Streamlight has supported the attendees previously. I attended this event last year, gaining insights that I applied to my low-light application and instructor development classes.
This delves into low-light fundamentals, providing an understanding of the environment and how to work within it. Attendees will leave with a variety of material for their classes.
Use-of-Force training facility design
Clark-Nexsen Designing & Building Training Facilities to Support UOF Training
Too many law enforcement instructors are making do with facilities developed by those who are neither practitioners nor trainers. Clark-Nexen’s focus is on purpose-built facilities for use-of-force training. Facilities that go from the classroom to the range and mat room before finishing with simulation training.
This block explores how to optimize your resources and maximize benefits while minimizing drawbacks. The goal is to help trainers and instructors better prepare officers for real-world scenarios.
Wednesday
Trijicon and Low Variable Power Optics for L/E
Robert Cole will repeat his Trijicon-sponsored session on LVPO.
FGM Architects Indoor Firing Range Design
An indoor firing range can be used for much more than firearms qualifying and calibration of small arms. Modern ranges are a vital component for any law enforcement training program. Specific topics include construction requirements, selecting components (such as targets and bullet traps), and maintenance.
How does noise affect training?
Troy Acoustics Listen up! Learn how range acoustics impact everything from the shooter’s health to OSHA compliance.
Troy CEO Bill Bergiadis and On-Target Safety Academy owner Dale Krupinski will discuss maintaining a healthy environment at your range. While improving hearing safety to minimize OSHA compliance risks.
Thursday
Jared Buchanan on Police Suicide: The threshold of Pain
This session addresses the critical issue of suicide within law enforcement. Buchanan draws on his experience as a Marine while honoring his father, Officer Paul S. Buchanan. Jared will discuss destigmatizing mental health struggles and fostering a culture of support.
Final sessions by Green Devil Targets and Daniel Defense are still in development.
One More
And, while not last on the calendar, I waited to put my session in until now. On Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 pm, I’ll give a presentation on selecting life-saving equipment using data and information from the NIJ, beyond just the Body Armor standard. We’ll compare actual testing with what most agencies can do and explore the benefits of existing documentation when choosing firearms.
Justification?
There are several reasons why agency instructors should make the journey to SHOT. Attending LEEP presentations is a solid selling point. If you need help with that, NSSF created THIS justification letter: The staff at NSSF and AmericanCop look forward to seeing you there.
