If you're a first responder, you've likely faced moments that stay with you long after the call ends. Over time, stress can show up in ways you may not even realize-frustration, anger, or an "us vs. them" mindset. This powerful and practical course is designed specifically for law enforcement and first responders who want to better understand and manage the impact of job-related stress. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned professional, this course offers valuable tools to help you stay sharp, resilient, and in control.

Have you recently noticed any of the following thoughts or behaviors?

·         Speaking loudly to others just to get their attention

·         Yelling at someone you perceive as "just plain dumb"

·         Feeling shaky or unsettled after an irritating encounter

·         Believing your anger is justified in most situations

·         Assuming certain groups of people are dishonest

·         Viewing the world as "us vs. them"

·         Feeling an urge to punish others

If any of these resonate with you, this course is designed to help.

·         Through guided discussions and self-assessment exercises, participants will:

·         Identify common work-related stressors faced by first responders

·         Recognize how trauma can influence thoughts and behavior

·         Learn practical strategies to prevent, reduce, and cope with stress reactions

·         Develop healthier responses both on and off duty

Frank Higginbotham brings decades of law enforcement and instructional experience:

·         Retired Lieutenant, Alabama Bureau of Investigations

·         19 years in Patrol, including 17 years on a SWAT Team

·         Former full-time instructor at the Alabama Criminal Justice Training Center

·         4 years with the Alabama Bureau of Investigations

·         Current Financial Crimes Investigator, Escambia County Sheriff's Office (Pensacola, FL)

·         Instructor at the University of West Florida, teaching:

·         Forensic Accounting

·         Personal Financial Planning

·         Introduction to White Collar Criminal Investigations

Certifications:

·         Certified Fraud Examiner

·         Certified Firearms Instructor

Sponsors: This seminar is sponsored by AUM's Alabama Crime Prevention Clearinghouse & Training Institute, the Institute for Criminal Justice Education, Inc., Alabama Peace Officers' Association, U.S. Attorney's Office, MDA, and ADECA Law Enforcement Planning/Traffic Safety Division. This training is funded by an ADECA Law Enforcement Planning subgrant #2026-DJ-02-15 awarded to AUM and its Alabama Crime Prevention Clearinghouse