Dennis Fivecoat provides consultation and testimony on the reasonable use of force, self-defense, and defense of others. Private citizens may become involved in situations (shootings, brandishing, threats with weapons, excessive force, false arrest, false imprisonment) where the reasonableness and legality of their actions are challenged. Review of actions taken, firearm use, and the education of the expert provide the foundation for determining the reasonableness of each parties’ actions. We review the incident and opine based on local law, training standards, and the reasonableness of the use of force under the circumstances and conditions of the incident.

As an instructor-trainer (Master Instructor) in firearms and less lethal devices (pepper spray, expandable baton, defensive tactics, handcuffing), Mr. Fivecoat has a practical and academic basis in the use of deadly and less-lethal use of force by civilians. His experience teaching firearm use, defensive tactics, and use-of-force allow him to provide opinion on not only proper use of the tool or tactic utilized, but whether the actions were reasonable under the circumstances of the incident.

Mr. Fivecoat has over 25 years of use of force and firearm experience in the military and private sector including significant training in the area of civilian law enforcement. He has attended numerous firearm and use of force related training courses including instructor development with local and federal law enforcement agencies, tactical firearm, close quarters battle, concealed carry, force-on-force training, use-of-force, and legal updates.

Education: 

• Master of Arts in Legal Studies, 9/2016
  Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
• Master of Science, Family Practice – Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), 12/1999
  University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
• Bachelor of Science, Physician Assistant Studies, 5/1998
  University of Texas, Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
• Certificate, Basic Peace Officer Course (Police Academy), 11/2012
  Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), San Antonio, Texas

Certifications:

• Texas Armed Security Officer Levels III & IV Certificates, 11/2020
  Bexar County Protective Services (BCPS), Converse, Texas
• International Association of Law Enforcement Firearm Instructors (IALEFI):
  Master Instructor Development Course
• Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC):
  Firearm Instructor Training Program (FITP)
  FLETC Distinguished Weapons Expert
• Department of Energy (DOE):
  Firearm Instructor Course (PFT-401)
  Shooting on the Move (SOTM) Instructor Certification
• National Rifle Association (NRA) Law Enforcement Division (LED) Certifications:
  Pistol / Shotgun Instructor
  Patrol Rifle Instructor
  Tactical Shooting Instructor
  Precision Rifle Instructor
• NRA Civilian Training Counselor (Instructor Trainer) Certifications:
  Basic Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun
  Home Firearm Safety
  Personal Protection In the Home (PP)
  Personal Protection Outside the Home (PP2)
  Shotgun Shell and Metallic Cartridge Reloading
  Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO)
• Nationally Recognized Instructor Development Courses
  John Farnam: Defense Tactics International Affiliate Instructor – Pistol and Rifle
  Gabe Suarez: Combat Pistol Instructor School
  Gunsite: Military Firearm Instructor Development Course
  Surefire: Low Light Basic and Advanced Instructor (Level 1 & 2) Courses
  Tom Givens: Range Master Instructor Development Course

Law Enforcement Credentials and Certifications

• Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)
  Basic Firearm Instructor Course
  TCOLE Basic Instructor Course
  Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) Class 2012A
  BPOC Firearms Qualifications and Active Shooter Training
  AACOG BPOC Academy 2012A “TOP SHOT” Award
• Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT)
  Terrorism Response Tactics: Basic Active Shooter Level I & 2
  First Responder Breaching
  Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) Instructor
  Civilian Response and Casualty Care (CRCC) – Instructor
• Use of Force Training and Certifications
  Andrew Branca: Law of Self Defense Instructor Program
  Andrew Branca: Law of Self Defense Core Program
  Massad Ayoob Group: MAG 40 Armed Citizen’s Rules of Engagement

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