The International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA) continues to set the gold standard for law enforcement training with its annual conference, a six-day event that brings together instructors and experts from around the globe. The 2025 ILEETA Training Conference and Expo, held at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, offered over 100 specialized courses designed to enhance the skills and safety of criminal justice practitioners. This year, VirTra’s Lon Bartel and TJ Alioto stood out as key presenters, delivering impactful sessions that underscored ILEETA’s mission to reduce law enforcement risks through advanced training.
ILEETA: A Hub for Law Enforcement Excellence
Founded in 2003 by Ed Nowicki, ILEETA is dedicated to equipping law enforcement trainers with cutting-edge tools and techniques to improve officer performance and community safety. The annual conference is a cornerstone of this mission, offering an unparalleled opportunity for instructors to network, share knowledge, and refine their teaching methods. With training tracks ranging from use of force to instructor development and defensive tactics, the conference is a comprehensive resource for those committed to professional growth.
Beyond the formal instruction, the ILEETA Expo showcases the latest advancements in law enforcement technology and services, providing attendees with actionable insights they can bring back to their agencies. As Todd Fletcher, an ILEETA advisory board member, aptly put it, “The ILEETA conference is the single best training event of the year. It recharges my batteries year after year.”
Lon Bartel: Bridging Science and Practice
Lon Bartel, Principal Researcher at VirTra and a certified use-of-force analyst with over 20 years of law enforcement experience, brought his expertise to multiple sessions at this year’s conference. His course *Graham v. Connor: A New View* provided attendees with a high-fidelity re-enactment of the events leading to the landmark Supreme Court case. Participants analyzed legal precedents and tested their decision-making skills in simulated scenarios, gaining a deeper understanding of how Graham v. Connor continues to shape use-of-force policies today.
Bartel also taught *My Story: Kyle Dinkheller*, a sobering session that revisited the tragic 1998 shooting of Deputy Kyle Dinkheller. By dissecting tactical considerations and lessons learned from this incident, Bartel helped attendees strengthen their critical thinking skills for high-risk encounters. His ability to translate complex legal and tactical concepts into practical training underscores his reputation as a leader in simulation-based education.
In addition to his courses, Bartel participated in the highly anticipated Use of Force panel discussion alongside other industry experts. This panel delved into the challenges of contextualizing use-of-force training, emphasizing the need for realistic, scenario-based exercises that go beyond “check-the-box” approaches. Bartel’s insights highlighted the importance of connecting knowledge with physical action under stress—an approach he has championed throughout his career.
TJ Alioto: Championing Autism Awareness
Salvatore “TJ” Alioto, another standout presenter from VirTra, leveraged his 27 years of law enforcement experience to teach *Autism: A Guide for First Responders*. This course equipped attendees with practical strategies for identifying signs of autism and effectively communicating with individuals on the spectrum. Through immersive simulated scenarios, participants practiced de-escalation techniques tailored to this unique population.
Alioto’s session addressed a critical gap in law enforcement training by fostering empathy and understanding among officers who may encounter individuals with autism in high-stress situations. His commitment to bridging this gap reflects ILEETA’s broader goal of enhancing community relations through specialized instruction.
ILEETA’s Impact on Law Enforcement Training
The 2025 ILEETA conference exemplified why it remains a must-attend event for law enforcement trainers worldwide. By offering diverse courses that address both foundational skills and emerging challenges, ILEETA ensures its members are equipped to meet the evolving demands of their profession.
For presenters like Lon Bartel and TJ Alioto, ILEETA provides a platform to share their expertise while advancing innovative approaches to officer training. Whether analyzing landmark legal cases or fostering inclusivity through autism awareness, their contributions embody the spirit of continuous improvement that defines ILEETA.
As law enforcement agencies face increasing scrutiny and complex societal challenges, organizations like ILEETA play an essential role in preparing trainers—and by extension, officers—to navigate these dynamics effectively. The lessons learned at this year’s conference will undoubtedly ripple outward, shaping safer practices and stronger communities across the globe.
