Instructors

Det. Brian Martin been a police officer for 29 years, the last 13 as a lead homicide detective.  The last five years have been spent as the lead cold case detective within our department.  Det. Brian Martin has been a member of the F.B.I. Northeast Indiana Bank Robbery Task Force for the past 8 years as well.  Prior to his current assignment in the Homicide Division, Det. Brian Martin worked undercover narcotics for approximately 10 years.  Det. Brian Martin also helped form the Clandestine Laboratory team and led this team for two years.  Det. Brian Martin has been a member of the Fort Wayne Police Department Emergency Services Team for the past 21 years, serving several years as an Assistant Squad leader. Det. Brian Martin has also worked a temporary duty assignment with the F.B.I. Safe Streets Task Force, with a focus on narcotics and violent street gangs. 

Det. Brian Martin has also worked for the past 2 ½ years as the Law Enforcement Liaison for Parabon Nano Labs, specializing in Investigative Genetic Genealogy, familial, and whole genome sequencing.

Det. Brian Martin has been featured on several Crime Documentaries including DNA Detectives, The Nancy Grace show, 60 minutes, A&E channel’s “mean girls”, and Murder tapes. Just to name a few.

Det. Brian Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Indiana State University.

Bryan C. Sprankle was born and raised in Granite City, IL.  In 1988, Bryan joined the Marine Corps, and after completing various schools, he reported to Marine Corps Security Forces Company, Panama where he participated in Operation Just Cause.

In 1992 Bryan entered the Marine Corps Reserve and attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.  Upon graduation, Bryan was selected to attend the Marine Corps Officers Candidate School. In 1998, Bryan reported to 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, Cherry Point, NC for duty as a Platoon Commander. Ironically, Bryan’s first introduction to drones was their use as targets, and his task then was to shoot them down with Stinger missiles!

Bryan was ordered to Marine Tactical Air Control Squadron-28 Cherry Point, NC in 2005 for duty as an Aviation Close Battle Coordinator and deployed in this capacity to Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-06. In 2006 he was assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force to serve as the Airspace Planner in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08 where he personally managed the airspace for western Iraq.  In these roles, Bryan gained critical knowledge and insight into airspace, aviation systems and aviation command and control.  In 2008 he was ordered to Quantico, VA to serve as an operational planner and supported support numerous operations to include a deployment in this capacity in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

In 2014, Bryan retired from the Marine Corps at the rank of Major (O-4) after 24 years of service, and moved to the Shreveport, LA area where he was hired by the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office. He graduated his police academy class as the Class Honor Graduate and Class President.  Bryan was selected to join the Bossier Sheriff’s Office Drone Unit in 2017 and has served as a drone pilot flying numerous missions in support of law enforcement operations. In 2019 he was promoted and selected to lead the Bossier Sheriff’s Office Drone Unit.  In this role, he has made great strides in the development and training of his team of five pilots.  In 2020 he obtained his commercial 14CFR Part 107 Commercial Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) pilot license and began to fly commercial drone flights in his free time. 

Bryan has seen firsthand the usefulness of drones in a variety of applications in the military, public, and private sectors. With his extensive and unique background in aviation, planning, training, consultation, and law enforcement he created Insight Drone Services, LLC to bring these new cutting-edge technologies to government agencies.  Through Insight Drone Services Bryan has trained multiple public agencies in Louisiana and has become a regional subject matter expert in the field of UASs.  Additionally, Bryan recently completed a new publication, “Drones Operations for Public Agencies” which is positioned to be the gold standard publication for use in public agency drone operations nationwide.  

Charles N. Braun, II (JD, Indiana University School of Law — Indianapolis — 1977) is admitted to practice before all of the federal and state courts of Indiana as well as before the U. S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago, IL and the U.S. Supreme Court. A former Deputy Attorney General for the State of Indiana (where for nearly a decade he represented all of the state level criminal justice agencies), Mr. Braun has also worked for the American Bar Association , the U.S. Department of Justice, and he is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy for police legal advisors. Mr. Braun maintains a private law practice, is an author of criminal justice books, is a frequent speaker at seminars/programs for public/private sector groups and employees, and has personally trained the majority of all Indiana based law enforcement officers through his position for 29 years as the Staff Attorney and Law Instructor at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. Furthermore he serves as an expert witness in both federal and state court regarding a variety of criminal justice issues and has been an adjunct faculty member for a variety of colleges and universities over the years. Mr. Braun also enjoys producing and hosting the longest running (36 years plus) legal talk show on radio in America today, Legally Speaking which airs on radio station WICR (FM 88.7) out of Indianapolis. He also serves as the official re-enactor for Pres. Benjamin Harrison (Indiana’s only elected President) at his historic home here in Indianapolis. Mr. Braun and his wife, Elizabeth (an RN who serves as a legal nurse consultant) are avid travelers and photographers.   

Darryl L. Rivers is a national human behaviors, communication, and leadership speaker and trainer. To accompany his 24 years of government service in both the U.S. Military and as a Law Enforcement professional, he is a psychology major with multiple certifications in human behavioral analytics, emotional intelligence, neuro-linguistic programming, accelerated learning, and he is a communications and body language expert. He has extensive policing, street investigations, UC/Surveillance, and felony apprehension experience from his time with the Detroit Police Department. His law enforcement experience was extended in the State of Arizona were he functioned as a Detective, a Sergeant, a Lead Special Agent of the States Tobacco Enforcement Unit (Office of The Attorney General), and a Hostage Negotiator.

After his retirement from Law Enforcement, Darryl started his own speaking and training business called “The L.E.A.D. Company.” One of the assignments he has been revered for is his work with the Arizona Department of Economic Security. There Darryl was contracted to engineer the creation of an internal security unit. He was hired to recruit, interview, hire, train, create policy, and supervise the statewide unit covering over 200 individual locations, while maintaining his other clients from all across the nation. Darryl has established himself as a sought after public speaker and trainer in both government and business circles. He is an Executive Director with the worlds largest leadership training company, “The John Maxwell Team,” and is mentored by John Maxwell himself. He has a unique, humorous, yet intellectual delivery to his trainings that puts him in high demand across the nation.

He is a highly decorated professional with multiple award to include: Officer of the Year, Life Saving, multiple Meritorious Citations, Multiple Letters of Commendation, Chiefs Excellence Award, Spirit of Detroit Award, and The Police Cross for being injured in the line of duty. To top it off, he received the departments highest honor, The Medal of Valor for rescuing eleven hostages. He is a dynamic presenter, but most importantly he is a cop's cop! 

CFEI CEI KLEC Police Instructor 

David west is a retired Kentucky State Police detective with over 25 years in arson investigations and electrical fire analysis. He obtained an undergraduate degree in Criminal Law along with a KLEC Police Instructors Certification from Eastern Kentucky University.  He taught classes at the Kentucky State Police Academy specializing in arson investigations. Electrical fire analysis, fire related deaths and insurance fraud. He is a Nationally Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator and a member of NAFI and IAAI and has for decades assisted State and Federal agencies with scene examinations involving specialized skills and knowledge assessment. In April of 2023 he published a new book titled Electrical Fire Analysis Failure Mechanisms that cause fires a true asset for the fire scene analyst examining a power system. His expertise has been relied on in State and Federal proceedings for the past 35 years producing comprehensive credible reports and giving expert testimony. Several cases he has been involved with have been affirmed by the Kentucky Supreme Court the most recent in August of 2024.

David West career began with technical college and becoming a master electrician and contractor that evolved into fire causation analysis and law enforcement. He maintained his electrical Inspectors license credentials while working for the Kentucky State Police and used this skill to test alternative hypotheses examining fire scenes. Known for his expertise he has testified in some high -profile cases, provided detailed reports, and served as an expert witness. As a retired police/ fire investigator, he trains new investigators assigned the task of examining a fire scene and attorneys who weigh the probative value of the evidence in a legal proceeding.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Professor Don V. Haley runs the Criminal Justice program at Tidewater Community College’s Virginia Beach Campus. Professor Haley’s ability to combine theory with practicality arises from his vast educational and work experience in the areas of law enforcement. Professor Haley’s educational background consists of a BA in Criminology (Cum Laude) from Saint Leo College, an MPA in Justice Administration (4.0 GPA) from Troy State University, as well as other post graduate research methods courses. Don Haley is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He also served as a correctional officer at Saint Brides Correctional Institute, a Virginia Beach deputy sheriff, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach police officer, and Virginia Beach police detective. In 1995, Don received the “Detective of the Year Award” for the 4th precinct, with the Virginia Beach Police Department. Don served as an adjunct professor at Virginia Wesleyan College from 1997-2008 in their criminal justice program. Don was “Voir dired” as an expert witness on a capital murder case in the 34th Judicial District Court in El Paso, Texas in 2008. Professor Haley’s law enforcement recognitions include the “Chamber of Commerce” award, Drug Enforcement Incentive Award, two Class Act awards, two Star Performer awards, and others. Professor Haley works contractually with the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, serving as a subject matter expert in criminal justice.
Professor Haley has researched and taught college students, law enforcement agencies, military personnel, business corporations, NCAA college athletes, and medical personnel in the latest advancements in the areas of neuroscience, brain chemistry, and psychology. Professor Haley reveals significant insight into the brain and its impact on behavior and cognitive functions in human beings. 

Don Moore has been in law enforcement for 35 years starting as a U.S. Marine Military Police Officer where he helped design and implement the MCAS Yuma Special Reaction Team as team trainer and rear defenseman. He received specialized training and certification as a military police investigator and in counter/anti-terrorism operations as well. After proudly serving his country, Don transitioned to civilian law enforcement.

Don graduated at the top of his police academy class and served as an airport police officer before moving to a community-based police department. Don found a home for the past 20 years at the Washington University in St. Louis Police Department where he has held billets as a crisis intervention officer/trainer, special reaction team trainer, evidence technician unit coordinator, investigator, field training officer, department training coordinator, and CALEA accreditation coordinator.  Don designed and implemented his department’s evidence technician unit and crisis intervention team concept. He has been a department trainer since 2003 in over twenty disciplines. 

An offender nearly murdered Don in the line of duty in 1996 which started him on the path as a law enforcement trainer. He credits his previous training for surviving the incident, but also saw the need for increased quality training not only in tactics but employee well-being as well. His critical incident is showcased at the International Law Enforcement Educator and Trainers Association conference in a course titled, “The Devil Comes at Midnight: One Officer’s Real Struggle with PTSD.”

Don is certified as a law enforcement de-escalation and implicit bias instructor by the Force Science Institute and L.E.A.D.S (Law Enforcement Active Diffusion Strategies) Program and has extensive training in Human Terrain Mapping which addresses human behavior factors. He specializes in interpersonal skills, technical skills, skill development training, management and leadership, and policy development. 

Don holds hold a Bachelor of Arts in Management, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice (both summa cum laude), and a Certificate in the Administration of Criminal Justice from Webster University in St. Louis as well as a Certificate in Forensic Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. He is completing the Webster University Certificate Program for On-Line Teaching certification. 

Trace has a PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in criminal justice. She specializes in missing person cases, behavioral analysis, criminal profiling and victimology. She is a forensic criminologist, crime scene analyst, law enforcement officer, canine handler and public safety trainer. Additional credentials include (partial list): POST certified instructor, world protective services certified, secret security clearance, canine search specialist, master trainer and evaluator, canine medic, search, rescue and recovery expert, forensic sketch artist, psychological first aid certification, firefighter, emergency medical technician, structural collapse technician, emergency program manager, tactical combat casualty care certification, and NIMS certified.

Trace has been requested to assist in over 2,000 missing person cases, and has searched for and located lost and missing persons that have involved fugitives, runaways, Alzheimer’s, suicide, children, hunters, homicide victims, disasters, airplane crashes, etc. She has also been requested in numerous high-profile cases that have included the following (partial list): BTK/Dennis Radar (serial killer); Natalee Holloway, The Runaway Bride, Eric Rudolph, Tara Grinstead, Todd Kohlhepp (serial killer); Tom Brown, Lauren Giddings, The Dixie Mafia, Chase Massner, Hurricane Katrina, Theresa Parker, Justin Gaines, Gary Hilton (serial killer), Tiffany Foster, Sugar Plant Explosion, Tuscaloosa, Alabama F5 Tornado Disaster, Military Plane Crash, and Civil War and Revolutionary Battlefield Sites.

Trace has conducted complex behavioral analysis of crimes that have involved rape, homicide, staged events, linkage (serial killers), suspicious deaths, and sexual harassment and assaults. Additionally, she has provided forensic profiles as well as provided consultations related to interrogation assessments and tactics, and trial preparations.

Trace is currently a member of the “BTK” (serial killer) National Task Force and a member of a Federal Task Force Team (body recovery) as well as the Director of Forensic Investigations and Analysis, Inc. She is co-author of an internationally recognized canine detection training book, as well as an author of research journals related to missing persons and predator profiling. She is also an adjunct professor, teaching criminal justice at a local University. Her previous team affiliations include local and national investigative committees and agencies.

Trace has received numerous awards for her service. These include Living Your Legacy Award Winner, Outstanding Spotlight Achiever Award Winner, Nominated for the Governor’s Public Safety Awards, Georgia Magazine Pet Hero Award Winning Story, DAR America 250! Commendation, Golden Rule Award Finalist, and John Herbert Phillips Award for Promoting and Teaching Kindness and Compassion to Animals. She developed and is an instructor for a SAR program that was recognized as an Outstanding Innovative Adult Training Program for the State of Georgia. Her canine partner was inducted into the Georgia Animal Hall of Fame. Her canine partners were also the first licensed search and rescue dogs in the State of Georgia as well as the first cadaver/HRD dog teams for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation - Georgia Body Recovery Team. Additionally, her canine partners were the first disaster recovery dog teams fully trained, tested and certified for disaster operations in the State of Georgia (over 1,000 hours of training and certification).

Trace has conducted presentations and workshops ranging from small groups to large audiences. She is recognized as a subject matter expert and has been featured in high-profile cases and various media outlets. Such media outlets have included Up and Vanished, CNN Headline News, In Session, Partners in True Crime, World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer, Crime Watch Daily, HLN and HLN After Dark, The Nancy Grace Show, The Fall Line, 48 Hours: Hard Evidence, Beastie Bonds, Disappeared, Body to Burial, Chris Hansen, In the Red Clay, Good Day Atlanta, Associated Press, USA Today, Zone 7, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and LA Times. She has also been featured in the Atlanta Dog Life Magazine, the Southern Living Magazine, and the West Georgia Women’s Magazine as well as other various newspapers, magazines and radio shows.

She currently has search dogs that specialize in missing person cases, and she assists law enforcement agencies and families throughout the United States. Additionally, she provides specialized consultations that include behavioral analysis and criminal profiling evaluations, as well as crime scene analysis and victimology assessment services, and courtroom testimony.

Dr. Virginia Braden is a Criminologist, Licensed Private Investigator, Behavioral Analyst, Certified Hostage Negotiator, Chaplain, Owner of Braden Investigations and Consulting, and Founder of the Braden Institute for Leadership and Community Engagement. She is also an author and a part time professor at the University of Louisville. Dr. Braden is a skilled lecturer and conference presenter, serving both the non-profit, for profit, and law enforcement community. Dr. Braden holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville.

Dr. Braden has been working and studying in the field of violent crimes for more than two decades. She has served the private sector as well as law enforcement and government officials both in the United States and abroad. Her areas of expertise include cold case investigative research procedures, procuring historical records, crime and criminal behavior analysis, non-verbal communication, interview and interrogation strategies, wrongful convictions, and grief and loss support for victims, first responders, and other community support personnel. 

Dr. Braden is also mother to five beautiful and amazing children, all of whom are now allegedly adults. She is based out of Newport, Kentucky, right across the Ohio River from Cincinnati and within walking distance of both the Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds stadiums.

Dr. E. Beverly Young (DocEbevy) is an Adult Learning Strategies Consultant specializing in designing curriculum for police, law enforcement, instructor, and professional development courses with human and interpersonal relations skills as the principal emphasis. Her development approach introduces learners to evidence-based practices on policing and community engagement in the 21^st century. She is retired from the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission, overseen by the Pennsylvania State Police. Following retirement, DocEbevy assisted with a team project to overhaul the police academy curriculum for the Massachusetts Police Training Commission. An additional project effort found DocEbevy serving as a consulting team member contracted to look at issues stemming from community concerns about profiling, diversity, and policy.

She is a certified Content Reviewer for the International Association of Directors for Law Enforcement Standards and Training, National Certification Program.

Dr. Young earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Adult Education Leadership from Walden University and continues research related activities to stay current as an adult education practitioner, consultant, and social change agent.

She moderates a podcast, Help Me Change the Narrative as well as being an author and blogger.

Her experience repertoire includes:

• More than two decades of service as a municipal police officer and commander for the Temple University Police Department (Philadelphia, PA) to include certification under the Municipal Police Education and Training Act (Act 120) as a police officer and instructor.
• Police Training Education Specialist for the Municipal Police Officers’ Education & Training Commission (MPOETC) in Harrisburg
• Administrative Officer for MPOETC
• Right-to-Know Law Liaison and Subpoena Coordinator for the Commission
• Adjunct faculty teaching experience
• Course development and content reviewer
• Mentoring, advisory board membership and public speaking