Human Factors & the Science of Force

Use-of-force incidents are high-stakes, fast-paced events. Are you equipped to truly understand the human factors at play? This in-depth course provides law enforcement professionals with critical insights to conduct more accurate, factual, and objective investigations grounded in science rather than speculation.

Master Performance Dynamics: Understand the impact of attention, vision, cognition, stress response, memory, and bias.
Analyze Human Error: Gain essential knowledge and understanding for evaluating and training on the use of force.
Decipher Memory & Recall: Understand discrepancies between memory and forensic evidence.
Optimize Interview Timing: Apply research-backed best practices for post-incident interviews after a traumatic event.
Recognize Stress-Related Perceptions: Identify visual and auditory distortions and their impact on interviews and recollections.
Employ Effective Interview Techniques: Learn methods to maximize accurate recall.
Evaluate Visual Perception: Investigate the complexities of officer perspectives.
Avoid Post-Incident Mistakes: Prevent critical errors in interview processes.
Understand Use-of-Force Timelines: Grasp the reality of action, initiation, and cessation during use-of-force encounters.
Improve Decision-Making: Enhance officer skills through targeted training.
Master Human Performance: Understand the critical human factors shaping use-of-force events.
Enhance Video Literacy: Analyze video effectively for accurate incident review.
Boost Investigative Confidence: Strengthen your process and minimize liability.
Optimize Training Strategies: Equip officers with evidence-based survival skills.

BLENDED COURSE FORMAT: Class will start in Moodle on October 5, 2026. Please note: completing the initial registration quiz is required to be formally enrolled in the Human Factors course. Failure to do so will result in loss of course credit. This portion is self-paced, with mandatory assignments, and you are encouraged to review all resource materials before the start of class. Starting on October 20, 2026, is the traditional (in-person) portion of class. This will be held at the LET building on campus from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM, with a 1-hour lunch break, and is required. Failure to attend will result in a failing grade. Following the traditional portion of class, you will have additional mandatory coursework online in Moodle, including your final exam.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

ONLINE (MOODLE, SELF-PACED): 10/05/2026 - 10/30/2026

IN-PERSON (LET BUILDING, ROOM 101): 10/20/2026 - 10/22/2026 (8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 1-hour lunch break)

READY TO RESERVE A SEAT IN CLASS?

For an individual student sign-up, please submit a training interest form using the "Sign Up Here" button below. Multiple courses can be selected when completing the form. We look forward to having you in class!

Group Sign-Ups

We are happy to assist with larger groups. Please email our office with:

A list of all officers, including their first/last names and date of birth, and/or last four digits of social, employed with your department who will be enrolling in courses. The last four of their social is NOT required; however, extremely helpful when locating and selecting the correct student in our college database. If your officer has never attended Pitt Community College courses, please complete a Student Data Form for each officer that needs to be enrolled and submit it with your request. This is required to issue a PCC student ID number.
A list of desired courses. If you are enrolling the same group in multiple courses, you are welcome to include them in the same request. If you are attempting to enroll singular students in courses, it is much easier to utilize our training interest form. You will be able to select one or more courses for each person.

Submit all requests to our front desk via email. For large groups, please allow at least 48 hours to confirm and complete your request.

PLEASE NOTE: During high-volume times, it may take longer, but we will always try to accommodate your agency as quickly as possible. We will send a confirmation once all officers have a reserved seat.

NEED TO CANCEL?

Schedules change - we understand! Simply complete our cancellation form, and we'll take care of the rest. We hope that you'll join us for another course in the future.

Please note: many courses have additional dates throughout the year, and there are many other available courses that you may be interested in. Take advantage of other training opportunities that may fit into your schedule!

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