Writing Clear, Defensible Probable Cause Statements - FREE!
2026-07-29 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Webinar
A strong probable cause statement can make the difference between a case that moves forward and one that faces avoidable challenges in court. This practical webinar teaches officers, deputies, investigators, supervisors, and booking personnel how to write clear, factual, and legally defensible probable cause statements for reports, citations, affidavits, and related documentation.
Participants will learn how to clearly describe observations, organize key facts, explain reasonable inferences, and connect those facts to the action taken. The training focuses on avoiding vague or conclusory language, showing the factual basis for probable cause, and writing statements that can withstand review by prosecutors, judges, defense counsel, and supervisors.
This session is designed for personnel who want to improve report quality, reduce preventable legal challenges, and strengthen the overall integrity of their cases.
Topics Include:

Writing clear, legally defensible probable cause statements
Describing observations and facts with precision
Organizing information for stronger reports and review
Avoiding vague or conclusory language that invites challenge
Improving documentation to support arrests, charges, and booking decisions

This session is designed for personnel who want to improve report quality, reduce preventable legal challenges, and strengthen the overall integrity of their cases.
About the Presenter:
April Wood has practiced law for more than 21 years. She began her career as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in a large jurisdiction that allowed her to work with victims affected by violent crime. April’s experience includes serving as an elected Prosecuting Attorney in Scotland County & appointed to serve as Prosecuting Attorney in Clark County, Missouri. April graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Communication from William Jewell College and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia, School of Law.
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Critical Decision-Making for Modern Law Enforcement & Corrections
2026-07-30 08:00 - 17:00 | St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, 900 NE Hwy 13, Osceola, MO

Two-on-One Control Techniques: Effective Team-Based Subject Control for Law Enforcement & Corrections
2026-08-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Moniteau County Sheriff’s Office, 1221 Buchanan St., California, MO, 65018

Red Dot System (RDS) Instructor Course
2026-08-18 08:00 - 2026-08-20 17:00 | Missouri Sheriffs’ Association, 6605 Business 50 West, Jefferson City, MO, 65101, United States
3-DAY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
POST #29224

Course Overview:
Join the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association for a specialized 3-Day Red Dot System (RDS) Instructor Course tailored for law enforcement and corrections professionals. This comprehensive program provides instructors with the skills and knowledge to effectively transition officers from iron sights to red dot optics on duty handguns.

Topics Includes:

History and Evolution of Red Dot Sights in Law Enforcement
RDS Operation, Failures, Maintenance, and Battery Management
Mounting and Zeroing Techniques
Tactical Considerations for Duty Use
Instructional Methods and Student Drill Design
Firearms and Range Safety

Who Should Attend?

Firearms Instructors
Training Coordinators
Patrol and Corrections Training Officers

What Participants Will Walk Away With:

Expertise in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting red dot optics.
Practical skills in designing and executing effective RDS training scenarios.
Enhanced capability to instruct and mentor officers transitioning to red dot sight systems.

Location:
Missouri Sheriffs’ Association
6605 Business 50 West
Jefferson City, MO 65109

Date:
August 18-20, 2026
8am-5pm (With a night shoot)
Cost:
Contracted: $230
Non-contracted: $330

What to Bring:

Comfortable Clothing suitable for dynamic scenarios and movements.
Protective and Safety Equipment
Eye and Hearing Protection
Pistol equipped with a Red Dot System and 500 rounds of ammunition.
Duty belt and gear, flashlight, protective vest, and hydration system.
Note-Taking Material & Laptop.

Contact: Kevin Merritt by email at email or phone 573-301-7728
POST Credit: 24-Hours
4 Hours Legal Studies, 12 Hours Technical Studies, and 8 Hours Firearms
Click HERE to register.

Two-on-One Control Techniques: Effective Team-Based Subject Control for Law Enforcement & Corrections
2026-08-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Missouri Sheriffs’ Association, 6605 Business 50 West, Jefferson City, MO, 65101, United States

Fundamentals of Court Security
2026-08-20 08:00 - 2026-08-21 17:00 | Moniteau County Sheriff’s Office, 1221 Buchanan St., California, MO, 65018

Two-on-One Control Techniques: Effective Team-Based Subject Control for Law Enforcement & Corrections
2026-08-24 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Stoddard County Sheriff’s Office, 207 S. Prairie, Bloomfield, MO, 63825, United States

48-Hour Jail Officer Academy, Shelby County
2026-08-24 08:00 - 2026-09-02 17:00 | Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, 100 East Main St., Shelbyville, MO, 63469

Two-on-One Control Techniques: Effective Team-Based Subject Control for Law Enforcement & Corrections
2026-08-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Montgomery County Ambulance Base, 603 Stoddard Memorial Dr, New Florence, MO, 63363, United States

Fundamentals of Court Security
2026-08-27 08:00 - 2026-08-28 17:00 | Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, 107 S. 11th St., Lexington, Missouri, 64067, United States

Legal Considerations for Jail Staff - FREE!
2026-08-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
Working in a jail setting means navigating not only daily challenges but also a complex web of legal responsibilities. Understanding the laws and rules that govern jail operations is essential to protect both staff and inmates, ensure safety, and uphold justice.
This class, Legal Issues for Jail Staff, is designed to give you clear, practical knowledge about the most important statutes, court rules, and case law that directly affect your role. Whether it’s responding to medical emergencies or preventing harm, knowing your legal duties empowers you to perform your job confidently and responsibly.
Topics Include:

Key laws and rules that impact jail staff
Your legal duty to care for inmates’ serious medical needs
How to intervene and prevent self-harm or inmate violence
Important court decisions every jail officer should know
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Keep your facility safe and lawful.

About the Presenter:
Kevin Merritt
Kevin Merritt is currently the executive director of the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association. Kevin brings decades of law enforcement, corrections, training, and legal-research experience to the instruction of legal considerations for jail staff. He began his career working five years in the jail and has spent years researching and reviewing statutes, court cases, policy requirements, and liability issues affecting sheriffs, deputies, detention officers, and jail operations. He has worked closely with attorneys on legal compliance, risk management, policy development, and best-practice guidance, and has provided legal education seminars for sheriffs, command staff, jail administrators, and line personnel. His background allows him to connect legal principles to real-world jail operations, including inmate supervision, use of force, documentation, court security, constitutional duties, and professional accountability.
Click HERE to register
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Critical Decision-Making for Modern Law Enforcement & Corrections
2026-09-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office, 216 North Missouri St., Jackson, 63755, United States

48-Hour Jail Officer Academy, Ripley County
2026-09-02 08:00 - 2026-09-18 17:00 | Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, 301 Lafayette, Doniphan, 63935, United States

Use of Force Instructor Course
2026-09-08 08:00 - 2026-09-10 17:00 | Turn-Key Mobile, 4510 Country Club Drive, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States

Cell Extraction Instructor Course
2026-09-15 08:00 - 2026-09-17 17:00 | Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, 1 Bruns Ln., Union, MO, 63084, United States

Instructor Development Course, Henry County
2026-09-15 08:00 - 2026-09-24 17:00 | Henry County Sheriff’s Office, 200 N. Main St., Clinton, MO, 64735, United States

Less-Lethal Impact Munitions Instructor
2026-09-16 08:00 - 2026-09-17 17:00 | Missouri Sheriffs’ Association, 6605 Business 50 West, Jefferson City, MO, 65101, United States

Fundamentals of Court Security
2026-09-16 08:00 - 2026-09-17 17:00 | Buchanan County, 501 Faraon St., St. Joseph, MO, 64501

OC Pepper Spray Instructor & Instructor Re-Certification Registration
2026-09-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Missouri Sheriffs’ Association, 6605 Business 50 West, Jefferson City, MO, 65101, United States

Patrol Rifle Instructor Course
2026-09-22 08:00 - 2026-09-24 17:00 | Missouri Sheriffs’ Association, 6605 Business 50 West, Jefferson City, MO, 65101, United States

CIVIL PROCESS FOR DEPUTIES: Webster Co
2026-09-25 13:00 - 17:00 | Webster County Sheriff’s Office, 203 E. Jefferson, Marshfield, MO, 65706, United States
COURSE SUMMARY
Civil process is a critical responsibility of the sheriff’s office. Deputies must understand proper service requirements, accurately document their actions, and carry out court orders while maintaining safety, professionalism, and neutrality. This practical course will help deputies better understand common civil process assignments, recognize potential problems, and confidently handle situations they may encounter in the field.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL TAKE AWAY
Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of proper service procedures, documentation requirements, enforcement of court orders, and the deputy’s authority and responsibilities. The course will also provide practical guidance for avoiding common errors, reducing liability, communicating professionally, and safely handling difficult civil process assignments.
TOPICS INCLUDE:

Serving summonses, subpoenas, and notices
Personal, substitute, and abode service
Locating and identifying the proper person
Completing returns of service
Dealing with evasive or uncooperative individuals
Writs of execution and property seizures
Writs of replevin and recovery of property
Evictions and possession orders
Officer safety and liability concerns
Professional communication during civil disputes
Common mistakes that may invalidate service

Click here to register

DEADLINE: September 21,2026

CIVIL PROCESS FOR DEPUTIES: Taney Co
2026-09-29 13:00 - 17:00 | Taney County Sheriff’s Office, 266 Main St., Forsyth, 65653, United States
COURSE SUMMARY
Civil process is a critical responsibility of the sheriff’s office. Deputies must understand proper service requirements, accurately document their actions, and carry out court orders while maintaining safety, professionalism, and neutrality. This practical course will help deputies better understand common civil process assignments, recognize potential problems, and confidently handle situations they may encounter in the field.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL TAKE AWAY
Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of proper service procedures, documentation requirements, enforcement of court orders, and the deputy’s authority and responsibilities. The course will also provide practical guidance for avoiding common errors, reducing liability, communicating professionally, and safely handling difficult civil process assignments.
TOPICS INCLUDE:

Serving summonses, subpoenas, and notices
Personal, substitute, and abode service
Locating and identifying the proper person
Completing returns of service
Dealing with evasive or uncooperative individuals
Writs of execution and property seizures
Writs of replevin and recovery of property
Evictions and possession orders
Officer safety and liability concerns
Professional communication during civil disputes
Common mistakes that may invalidate service

Click here to register

DEADLINE: September 23, 2026

Critical Decision-Making for Modern Law Enforcement & Corrections
2026-10-01 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-10-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Henry County Sheriff’s Office, 200 N. Main St., Clinton, MO, 64735, United States

Critical Decision-Making for Modern Law Enforcement & Corrections
2026-10-07 08:00 - 17:00 | Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 113 East Jefferson, Bolivar, MO, 65613

Critical Decision-Making for Modern Law Enforcement & Corrections
2026-10-07 08:00 - 17:00 | Phelps County Sheriff’s Office, 500 W. Second St., Rolla, 65401
DEADLINE: October 1, 2026

Field Training Officer, Adair County
2026-10-12 08:00 - 2026-10-15 17:00 | Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, 204 S. Poplar, Buffalo, 65622, United States
FTO Adair Co Training Academy Flyer 02_v2
