Seminar FAQ




Do you teach officers to shoot anyone with a knife, if they are within 21 feet of them?

During the past several years an urban legend has grown that Calibre Press and the Street Survival Seminar teach officers to shoot any subject with a knife within 21 ft.  We are not sure how this legend developed, but it has been something I have heard for seven years as both general manager and more recently as lead instructor for Calibre.  Perhaps it comes from the expert witness work we have conducted defending officers in cases where they ended up using deadly force or a lack of understanding of the rule.  It is almost needless say, but we don’t teach to draw and shoot anyone with a knife within 21 ft…that would make every lunch you have at a restaurant a bloodbath. 

 

I’ll bet 99% of the academies in America show the 21 ft rule in officer survival training.  The lesson is: don’t stand there with your hands at your side facing an edged weapon; put an obstacle between you and it, and draw your weapon, because this is a deadly threat and you must reduce your reaction time! 

 



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Do officers come out of the Street Survival Seminar paranoid and overly concerned about threats to their safety?

Another urban legend is how paranoid all our attendees are after a seminar. I still get comments from attendees who remark that they were expecting to be scared into dragging little old ladies out of their vehicles at gunpoint.  That is not the case.  We routinely have chiefs and sheriffs remark how their awareness was refreshed after the SSS.

 

Instead of being scared, they are more prepared for their own safety, and the safety of others. If you haven’t attended a seminar in years, rest assured that the focus of the Calibre Press program is winning: on the job, off duty – winning in every aspect of our lives! You can’t live in fear and have a happy life, and a healthy, happy and long life is our goal for everyone who attends our seminar.



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Is the Street Survival Seminar only for young patrol officers?

Not at all.  We find some of our most powerful feedback is from 30-year veterans and dispatchers!  In fact, statistically, the most dangerous years in a career are between eight and twelve years when the effects of routine have put us at greatest risk. Go to www.odmp.org to see the average age and tenure of our brothers and sisters killed.  All we do is remind attendees of the threats they knew about and practiced before, but have been eroded away by routine.

 



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Are you going to rewrite the book that started Calibre Press - Street Survival: Tactics for Armed Encounters?

When asked this I always think back to the day in 1980 when the Arizona DPS library bought several copies and Steve Trethewy and I got a copy. We were the Fitness and Survival Instructors for the State and the Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy and made lesson plans out of every chapter. It was the finest of its genre and started a flurry of survival research and training that extends to this day. While the photos may be of cars in the late 70’s and officers usually carrying revolvers, I still don’t know which part of the tactics in this book aren’t relevant today?  Combined with The Tactical Edge and Tactics for Criminal Patrol, Street Survival forms a valuable trilogy of strategies and tactics to win deadly encounters and critical incidents of all kinds. In fact, if there is some tactic or technique in any of the trilogy you think is antiquated or wrong, we would like to hear about it. Our goal is to obtain an edge for everyone who wears the badge, and that dedication has been the root of our success.

 



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Can anyone attend besides law enforcement personnel?

Your spouse or other adult family members may attend one or both days of the seminar. They register at a discount because of the importance of their understanding your unique stresses from law enforcement. Many officers combine Seminar attendance with family vacations. Click to register yourself and/or a spouse for the seminar of your choice.

For the normal registration fee, prosecutors, city/county attorneys, police legal advisors, law enforcement administrators and police psychologists and chaplains are also encouraged to register.

Media representatives, plaintiffs' attorneys and other civilians with no connection to law enforcement are not admitted unless given authorization by Calibre Press management. Call 800-323-0037 for authorization or e-mail calibreinfo@calibrepress.com



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What are my registration options?

What are my registration options?

Calibre Press Customer Care takes registrations. You can register on-line here or by mail, e-mail, telephone, or fax:

   Mail
   Calibre Press
   PO Box 115003
   Carrollton, TX 75011

   Email
   calibreinfo@calibrepress.com

   Phone
   Toll free phone: 800-323-0037

   Fax
   Toll free fax: 866-225-4273

   Methods of payments accepted:

 
  • Credit Cards Accepted - American Express, Visa, Master Card, Discover
  • Invoice - request must be on Dept. Letterhead and faxed or mailed. Must include names of all attendees.
  • Purchase Order - must be faxed or mailed. Must include names of all attendees. Cash is accepted if registering at the seminar.



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    What are the Seminar hours?

    Day 1:

    7 AM - Registration. Check-in to receive your admittance card, seminar workbook and other handout materials. YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT ID AT THIS TIME.

    The seminar begins at 8 AM and ends at 5 PM on Day 1 and Day 2. One hour is allowed for lunch each day. Fifteen-minute breaks are scheduled between each seminar topic session.

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    Can I get in-service training hours for attending the seminar?

    Yes, in some states you can. Check with your training director to find out how you might qualify.

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    What is the policy on Seminar payment and cancellations?

    Cancellations received 30 days or more before a seminar will be levied a $15 cancellation fee, after which a refund for the remaining amount of the price paid will be issued.

    Cancellations less than 30 days prior to a seminar will not be accepted except in serious situations which, subject to evaluation by Calibre Press management, include death or serious illness in the immediate family, a court appearance, a major departmental emergency or a call-up to military duty.

    All cancellations must be requested in writing.


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    Does the Seminar fee include meals and lodging?

    No, those are your separate responsibilities. Overnight accommodations must be made directly with the hotel. Click on the seminar location of your choice for hotel information. The earlier you confirm hotel reservations the better.


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    Are lodging discounts available?

    We do make pre-arranged discounts at the hotels at which the seminar will be held. Attendees must make reservations at the hotel before the cut-off date for the special discounted rate. For more information, visit the seminar page and click on "hotel information" for the location you want to attend.


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    Am I responsible for my own travel arrangements?

    Yes.

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    Can I register at the door?

    Yes, only if space is available. If possible it is best to register in advance.

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    Are certificates awarded?

    Each attendee will be presented with a certificate of completion at the end of Day 2.

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    Is the Seminar fee tax deductible?

    It may be deductible as a professional education expense. Consult your personal tax advisor for details.

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    What should I wear?

    Comfortable, casual clothing.

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    Do I need a firearm or other equipment?

    The nature of the program does not require your firearm, nor are you required to participate in any stage demonstrations or hands-on exercises. The only equipment needed is a pen for taking notes, which is provided for you at the seminar.


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    Is it permissible to tape record or videotape the Seminar?

    No, but you may take notes.

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    Can I purchase any of Calibre Press' products at the Seminar?

    Yes, copies of Calibre Press' best-selling books, videos, audios and other selected survival items from our catalog will be available at special reduced prices.

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    How often should I attend?

    The seminar is updated annually to stay on the cutting edge of tactical and legal developments. Many officers attend once every year to keep their training current. Certainly you should consider attending at least every other year.

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    Is the Street Survival Seminar like other police seminars I've attended?

    No way! Street Survival is a unique, unforgettable experience. It saves lives and advances careers. Regardless of how long you've been in law enforcement, it will keep you stimulated and learning from start to finish.

    Click here for what officers who've attended have to say.

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    Where should I send tactical ideas, photographs, videotapes, news clippings and other research materials that might be appropriate to include in the Seminar?

    Such materials are always welcome, and we will safely return your contributions back to you at your request.

    Send any training materials to:
    Calibre Press Street Survival Seminar
    c/o PoliceOne.com
    200 Green Street, Ste. 200
    San Francisco, CA 94111



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    My agency is interested in sponsoring a seminar. Who do I contact for details?

    You can call Slavka Younger at 800-323-0037 ext. 5314 or e-mail: Slavka.younger@praetoriangroup.com

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    I have other questions. How can I reach the Calibre Press office directly?

    Calibre Press, Inc.
    4101 International Parkway
    Carrollton, TX 75007
    (800)323-0037
    Seminar@calibrepress.com


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