Questions chiefs ask.
Short answers. If yours is not here, the Contact page is one click away.
What is the difference between the Fourth Amendment and Article 2, Section 10 of the New Mexico Constitution?
The Fourth Amendment is the floor. New Mexico courts read Article 2, Section 10 to give more protection than the federal rule in several areas, so an officer who only learned the federal version can lose evidence in a New Mexico courtroom. The New Mexico Search & Seizure course covers every exception the way New Mexico courts apply it.
Can a police officer be sued personally for a use of force in New Mexico?
Yes. Officers can be sued under Section 1983 in federal court, and under the New Mexico Civil Rights Act in state court, where qualified immunity is not a defense. The Use of Force Law course teaches what those laws require and how to document a force decision so it holds up.
Is the training NMDPS approved?
Yes. Courses taught in New Mexico are NMDPS approved and count toward in-service training requirements. Ask about the specific course when you schedule a call.
Do you train agencies outside New Mexico?
Yes. Erik trains agencies across the United States, on site or virtually. The Fourth Amendment Search & Seizure course is the federal version for agencies outside New Mexico, and the use of force, testimony, warrant, and instructor courses apply anywhere.
How long are the courses?
Search & Seizure and Use of Force Law are full days. AI in Policing and Instructor Development are eight hours. Drafting Search Warrants is four hours. Officer Prosecutor runs one or two days. Every course can be customized for your department.
What is reality based training?
Scenario training that puts the law under stress. Officers make a force decision in a live scenario, then break down what the law required and how they would explain it in a report and on the stand. It is offered as an option with the Use of Force Law course.
Who teaches the courses?
Erik Scramlin, a former New Mexico Chief Deputy District Attorney, police legal advisor, and civil rights defense attorney for officers. He has trained officers since 2012 and is known on YouTube as the Tactical Attorney.
How do I book training for my agency?
Fill out the form on the Contact page. Erik emails you within two business days to set up a call. If it is a fit, he sends a proposal. Nothing is sold on the website and there is no sales pitch on the call.
Do you offer policy or SOP review?
Yes. Erik reviews agency policies and standard operating procedures against New Mexico law and current case law, and flags the exposure hiding in the manual. Use the Contact page and pick Something else.
Is anything on this site legal advice?
No. Training and content are for informational purposes only and do not create an attorney client relationship. Officers should follow their agency policy and consult their own legal advisor on specific cases.
Built for New Mexico officers. Available to agencies nationwide.
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