- The purpose of this page is to encourage everyone who has attended classes at RCTA to provide your personal testimony as to the value of the training you received.
| Sent by: |
Craig |
| Course Attended: |
Basic undercover operations course export |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I have been a police officer since 2005 and I have had the ability to attend many schools since that time. The Basic Undercover Operations Course is without a doubt the best school/course that I have ever attended. Most schools have the standard of Show up, Breath and you graduate. This is not the case with this course. This course requires you to use your brain and figure out the situation. I know full heartily that this class will assist my partner and me in the future and bring both of us home alive. Thank you RCTA for the classes that you provide. Without your support many officers would be unable to attend this and many other classes. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Tim |
| Course Attended: |
Survival Spanish for Uniformed Interdiction |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I have taken Spanish in school before and never remembered any of it. This class was designed to help you memorize the basic commands you need to interact with the Hispanic community. In 20 hours I learned and memorized numerous commands that every patrol officer should from the first day on the job. Sam Slick is a very knowledgeable instructor. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Courtney |
| Course Attended: |
Survival Spanish for the Uniformed Officer |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I attended the Survival Spanish Interdiction for Uniformed Officers Course. I loved the atmosphere it also helped me when making contact with Spanish Speaking persons. I am absolutely going to return for more classes to help improve my career. Thanks RCTA |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Harold |
| Course Attended: |
I & I |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
Awesome class! I would love to have spent more time on the body language portion of the class but the class in whole was amazing. This should be a mandatory class of all levels from street cops to homicide detectives and everyone in between. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Michael |
| Course Attended: |
C.L.A.W. |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This class is not offered free anywhere and is one of the best classes I have taken that can be used to protect fellow officers in the field. It will also allow us to be able to make a better plan on how we handle future situations. I hope the government re-issues funds for RCTA to continue to educate officers all around the US. The instructors for this course were also very knowledgeable in their field and helped to teach the subject in ways that we as Officers could use it in their everyday work places. Thanks Again |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Brad |
| Course Attended: |
Interview and Interrogation |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This was in fact the best law enforcement class I have ever attended. The instructor Cliff Porter did a very very good job in teaching this class. I recommend to anyone who has not taken this class to do so ASAP |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Trey |
| Course Attended: |
Basic Technical Services\Video Surveillance Operations |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I recently attended this class with the hopes that I would brush up on what I already knew. Boy was I wrong, it was so much more. I learned very quickly that people get set in their ways with their everyday surveillance operations. This class showed me that there are many more options available than you might think and often there may be a better way than you are currently doing something. I walked away from this class with a far better understanding of electricity, video and audio recording for evidence. If you are tasked with any of these types of duties, this class is a must. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Alice |
| Course Attended: |
Proactive Criminal Patrol (Export) |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I was policing for ten years and had always wanted to attend this type of course. Alex Gonzales was my instructor. Since I attended his class, the number of quality felony drug arrests I have made have gone through the roof. I honestly feel like a rookie again and am so motivated to continue being pro-active in the field. Police work is exciting to me again. This was the best class I've attended since my police career started and I keep thinking back to all the stops I've made when I didn't realize what I had and just let the bad guy go. My eyes have been opened to so much. The drug arrests are now more exciting to me than the DUI arrests I loved making. Thank Alex for making this job exciting to me again and letting me see that I can do this too! Now I just need to get the "mother load"!!!!! |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Kyrie |
| Course Attended: |
Patrol Officers response to street drugs |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
Well RCTA has always had the best of the best when it comes to instructors. I had a blast and am looking forward to attending many more. We need more programs like this for law enforcement so we may "press the fight." |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Kathleen |
| Course Attended: |
Basic Undercover |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This class was an excellent class. The instructors were full of knowledge and interesting. This was definitely a week well spent. The instructors are passionate about their subject material and present it in such a way so the student can identify with and understand it. I would take any class these instructors taught. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Darren |
| Course Attended: |
Interview and Interrogation |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I recently attended I&I under the instruction of Senior Detective Cliff Porter. As always, RCTA put together a great course of instruction with the best leadership. This class opened my eyes to the different ways to approach people during the I&I process by identifying their personalities. Whether you're a uniform officer, detective, etc., this class will definitely benefit you. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Steven |
| Course Attended: |
Emergency Narcotics Operations |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
In over 37 years of law enforcement and numerous schools under my belt, I can honestly say this has been the most rewarding class I have ever attended. The instructors were very knowledgeable on the subject matter and, coupled with the practicums, made this the most realistic class I have ever attended. I have learned a great deal from these gentlemen and I can not wait to put it all to use when I return to work. Keep up the good work Paul, Allan, Jeff and company. A very special thanks to our two bad guys to. Without them, the scenarios would not have seemed as real. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
William |
| Course Attended: |
Proactive Criminal Patrol |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
Recently completed this course. I worked extra man detail that following Saturday night, August 6, 2011. The techniques and information taught in this course is superb. I used the training I received on a traffic stop that night and it resulted in a DWI arrest with the recovery of a stolen handgun. This course has already paid off. Wonderful facilities and very knowledgeable instructors. Thank You RCTA. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Brent |
| Course Attended: |
Basic Gang School |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I attended RCTA for the first time in my 7 year career and I must say it was one pleasant experience. Every staff member that we came in contact with were extremely friendly and willing to assist with anything that we needed. As far as the class, well to just say the of Tony Avendorph, he was fantastic as an instructor. He was extremely informative with his experience in gangs and as a former police officer. I was glad to know that he definitely left RCTA loving the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Tom Nagy was also very helping with the motorcycle gangs. Even though there aren't a definite showing of gangs in the southern Louisiana area, the education that I got from these guys was outstanding. I am looking forward to hopefully my next class there in September (Proactive Criminal Patrol). Thanks to the entire RCTA staff |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
|
| Course Attended: |
Patrol Officers Response to Street Drugs |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This was my second time attending a school presented by RCTA. I was very impressed with the amount of information provided and the knowledge of the instructor. Every patrol officer should take the opportunity ot attend this class. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Darryl |
| Course Attended: |
Basic Gang School |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This was the first training class that I have attended at RCTA. The Basic Gang Class was a very informative and presented in a way that made you want to know more. Tony Avendorph grabbed my attention and never let go. This was by far the best Gang Class that I have attended in my 23 years as a LEO. I look forward to attending many more at RCTA. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Gregory |
| Course Attended: |
Mexican Cartels |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I attended the first mexican cartel course at RCTA. It was an excellent course, and educated me in an area that I was not that knowledgeable in. We have a large Latino population in our area, and I have seen signs of Latino gang presence. This class will enable me to educate my department in what to look for and how to deal with it. I recommend this class to any officer who may have the oportunity to encounter Latino gangs/cartels in their area of operation. RCTA is a great resource for law enforcement officers. They are experiencing the same budget constraints that we all are. It is imperative that we officers who are benefiting from these excellent programs to contact our elected officials, especially our Congressmen and Senators, and advise them just how valuable this program is and how necessary it is that they fund all of RCTA's programs. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
SHAYNE |
| Course Attended: |
PROACTIVE CRIMINAL PATROL |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I really enjoyed the class. I've attended several drug interdiction classes and it's obvious that Alex and Scott knew their topics. GREAT Class. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Craig |
| Course Attended: |
Basic Narcotics Investigations |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
Great class. The RCTA is a very important training tool for low budget groups and departments that do not have a lot of money in their training budgets. The class that my partner and I attended in Nashville TN,was a great asset to my department. It would be a great loss if the RCTA was not funded. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Ray |
| Course Attended: |
Basic Technical Serivices/ Video Surveillance Operations |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
RCTA produced a phenomenal class. This is a must have class for at least two investigators at each agency. The instructor, Wendell Sorrell, has a terrific style of teaching so that you absorb technical information with little effort.
After taking this class I salvaged and repaired equipment at my agency and prevented the spending of funds for new equipment. I have learned so much. Thank you RCTA. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Ryan |
| Course Attended: |
Officer Safety, High Risk event PlanningSystem Level I |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This was the first class I was able to attend at the RCTA facility and I was very impressed by the RCTA staff and the course instructors. The course had a variety of instructors with years of experience and knowledge to pass on. In my opinion this is a valuable course that not only tactical officers but every officer should attend. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Justin |
| Course Attended: |
Officer Safety: High Risk Operational Skills I & II |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
My experiences with RCTA have all been positive. Furthermore, everyone I have spoken to about RCTA has only good things to say about the program. I am continually trying to return to RCTA to expand my training. I also frequently recommend RCTA�s classes to other officer�s who are interested in becoming more proficient and effective in their work.
In a time when funding is low and training is frequently cut, RCTA provides some of the best training to officers who otherwise would not be able to receive vital training through their own agency. Street level officers battle daily with criminal elements. A lack of proper training is detrimental to both the officer and the department when education is overlooked due to funding issues or complacency. To the officer, complacency can be fatal, to the department, it is a liability. RCTA provides sound training on important and relevant subjects by knowledgeable and passionate instructors.
The training I have received at this facility has not only made me a more knowledgeable and effective officer but it has also made me more zealous. Also, when I was recently ambushed by an armed gunman, it was principles learned from training at RCTA and elsewhere that allowed me to neutralize the violent felon and go home safely. I encourage all law enforcement officers to seek out training to better themselves. RCTA is a great place to gain experience and I look forward to attending more of their classes in the future.
|
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Chris |
| Course Attended: |
Follow The Money |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This was my first class at RCTA. Follow the Money was the best class that I have been to so far in my career. The material and instructors were great. It will be very helpful to my position as a seizure agent. Everyone in the narcotics field need to take this class. It is an eye opener. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Brad |
| Course Attended: |
Proactive Criminal Patrol |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
It was my first time attending RCTA and it was a great expirence. Since then I have attended Basic Narcotic Investigations. I plan on attending more classes in the future. The facility and staff were awsome. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Brad |
| Course Attended: |
Interview and Interrogation |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I really enjoyed this class. It was taught by Detective Cliff Porter. He was an excellent instructor and I learned a lot from this course.
I have a better understanding of how to identify the different personality types in people which can greatly help with speaking with suspects and victims.
I would highly recommend this class to any new criminal investigator.
|
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Brad |
| Course Attended: |
Interview and Interrogation |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I really enjoyed this class. It was taught by Detective Cliff Porter. He was an excellent instructor and I learned a lot from this course.
I have a better understanding of how to identify the different personality types in people which can greatly help with speaking with suspects and victims.
I would highly recommend this class to any new criminal investigator.
|
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Bobby |
| Course Attended: |
Advanced Narcotics Investigation |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This class was great. I would recommend this class to any law enforcement officer who wants expand their knowledge. RCTA is a top notch training facility. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Troy |
| Course Attended: |
Advanced Interview and Interogation |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
The topics covered in this class are beneficial to all law enforcement officers regardless of rank or assignment. Very good class with outstanding instructors. Thanks for putting it on. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Jonathan |
| Course Attended: |
Advanced Interview and interrogation |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I just got back from the class and want to say that it was amazing. Dr. Rhodes and R. McAfee J.D. have got to be the subject matter experts on the art of interview and interrogation and the legal aspects of it. I went to the basic class 3 years ago and it made me a better police officer which got me promoted to a asst. shift supervisor, then to a Narcotics Agent, and then just 6 months ago to a criminal investigator. The training and scenarios that we experienced made even the most seasoned investigators realize that there is a specific art of getting some one to speak with you. And then to be able to use the method of subconscious communication to determine if they are being deceptive. Dr. Rhodes methods and teachings have made me a better investigator and interrogator with the best results. It is not unusual for me to get confessions for even the most difficult cases now which were impossible before. I am thankful for the RCTA classes and hope that this class continues, it is an amazing followup and provides investigative tools and methods to agencies which can't afford this high quality training. I wish the class was longer. Perfect instructors. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Peter |
| Course Attended: |
Officer Safety: High Risk Entry Level 1 |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This is very informative class. You learn news ways of planning. The instructors are top notch. They hold your attention the entire time. Also, the rooms are the best I've stayed in for a class. Can't wait to attend the next levels. I'm already signed up. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Mike |
| Course Attended: |
Confidential informants |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This course was a great course. The instructor was as good as I have seen. He made the class very interesting and presented the info well. When I went to this school, I did not know what to expect but I can tell you I was very pleased. I will for sure go to more RCTA schools in the future. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
S |
| Course Attended: |
High risk event planning |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I began the four levels of high risk operations with level 1,High risk event planning. I am the SWAT Commander for our department and wanted to get some other ideas as it relates to planning. Three days after my return I planned a high risk search and arrest operation using the system taught and it worked perfectly! |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
LT Charlie |
| Course Attended: |
Survival Spanish for the Uniformed Officer |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I attended a Survival Spanish Class and I thoroughly enjoyed the class. I have taken previous classes on Drug Interdiction and the like. I anticipate taking more classes as they are very valuable to bring back and share with my officers. I recommend this and any other form of training that your shop (RCTA) offers. Top quality information!!!! |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Bryan |
| Course Attended: |
Proactive Criminal Patrol |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This is my first time at RCTA. From the moment I reached the Gate until the moment I left, I was blown away. Everyone I met at the base and in the school were very gracious and friendly. The room was fantastic. The base was immaculate. The food at the Galley was great. I had the best time, and could relax as well as gain some great information in the classes. The instructors were knowledgeable, fun, and motivating. There literally was not one thing about my experience there that I didn't just love. I cannot Wait to return for more!! |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Mark |
| Course Attended: |
Emergency Narcotics Operations |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I attended the Emergency Narcotics Operation course and was highly impressed. The instructors were highly knowledgeable and helpful. I have learned so much, and learned that all I was doing wrong. All the instructors were great at teaching and critiquing. I would recommend this course to anyone who works narcotics, a must for narcotics agents/detectives. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Tom |
| Course Attended: |
Basic Technical Surveillance |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
After almost 20 years in law enforcement, I have finally attended a class that is useful in everyday applications. I have been able to do more for our agency in terms of assisting in gathering intel and capturing evidence to begin, or complete investigations than I have ever done before. I have also found this training to be very helpful outside of work (repairing things around the house etc.) The facilites at RCTA are great and well designed for the learning environment. I can't wait until I can attend other courses there. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
David |
| Course Attended: |
Patrol Officers Response to Street Drugs |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This is the second class I have taken at RCTA this year, the first being Pro Active Criminal Patrol. I learned so much in that class. When I first signed up for Street Drugs I thought I knew a lot. Boy was I wrong! The instructor opened my eyes to so much more and went into more detail then I ever imagined. Did I know about narcotics when I first showed up? NO! Now I do though.
My first night back to work I got out on a vehicle for legal reasons. Upon speaking with the driver I immediately observed his eyes to be in a state of Miosis and observed him to have an extreme case of Bruxism. Using the 7 Step Process and the Cards and Lights I was able to accurately pinpoint the drug that the suspect was using (methamphetamine). After searching the car I was able to locate two small baggies of methamphetamine. Thanks RCTA for the training you provided. I will be back soon! |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
DAVID |
| Course Attended: |
Pro Active Criminal Patrol |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This has been my 3rd RCTA class to attend to. This last class I attended was Pro Active Criminal Patrol. Just a FYI to check for searching for compartments on vehicles. Esp. on your gas tanks. Check the fuel shut off switch located in most trunks of cars or the passenger kick panel.
It is very simple to determine if the subject might have put a compartment in the gas tank:
With the vehicle running,push the button on the fuel shut off. The vehicle should run out of gas soon after pushing the button. If for some reason it does not, there might be something in the gas tank. Just food for thought. Thanks |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Luke |
| Course Attended: |
Patrol Officers Response to street drugs |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This too was my first class with R.C.T.A and it was the most informative class that I have received to date. I walked away from Mick Mollica's class very informed and trained. Goes to show that you can always learn a lot even if you are a seasoned veteran. I would certainly recommend this class to anyone at any level in law enforcement. The staff as well was very polite and helpful. "Press the fight" |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Bill |
| Course Attended: |
Drug Unit Supervisor |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This was a great class. I have been supervising a drug unit for 3 years, and this opened my eyes to some new ideas. I learned from the instructors, but most of all from the others attending the class. I came back to work with new ideas and strategies. I highly recommend this to anyone supervising a drug unit. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
David |
| Course Attended: |
Electronic Surv (Basic/Advance)Officer Safety level I, and Level II |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I attended 4 courses back to back. The instructors are very professional, competent, with allot of relevant experience.
The courses are taught crawl walk run. You will be trained to standard, under different conditions. The RCTA staff are very helpful. Great Place, I will be attending more courses in the future. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Lt. L.H. Persky |
| Course Attended: |
Officer Safety |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I had heard so many positive comments from officers with other agencies who'd attended RCTA schools so when I had the opportunity to go I jumped.
The instructors were very knowledgeable about their topics and the information presented will and has proven to be very useful to me. An absolute must for anyone who is in any type of admin position. Great class and top notch instructors....Thanks |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Blair |
| Course Attended: |
Meth Lab Recognition |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I know it says Cop Talk, but I will break it with my testimony.
The Instructor presented the class very well, the material handed out along with videos and slides helps with my every day job. Before attending this course I had no clue what to ever look for or expect from a meth lab other than they are dangerous. It was well worth the trip and hope to see more classes that firefighters can attend. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Don |
| Course Attended: |
Clandestine Labs |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I attended the Clandestine Labs course in August 2008. The course material covered everything a Narcotics Agent would need to know. Mick was a great instructor and supplied me with the knowledge to conduct Meth investigations as well as the confidence from writing a Methamphetamine Search Warrant.
Within a week after class I used the information from a source of information and the knowledge from this class to discover a Meth Lab, conduct a search warrant, and see the case thru during prosecution. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Sgt. King |
| Course Attended: |
Peer Support |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I recently completed your Peer Support class and was able to learn so much from the instructors and other officers in attendance. Yesterday 11-23-09 we had an officer shot and wounded and a second officer who shot the suspect(DOA). I was able to get to the officers and conduct defusings with them in a short period of time. I was also able to speak with their wives and provide them with information obtained in this course.
I know that having completed this training made this process much easier and and more beneficial for all involved. THANKS for giving me the training to help my fellow officers no words can express the gratitude for those who worked so hard for what we received at your facility. Again thanks, and by the way the officer shot will be fine!!! |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Travis |
| Course Attended: |
Patrol Officers Respose to Street Drugs |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
This was the first class I had attended with RCTA and I was pleased with the course material and presentation of the instructor. I came home with the knowledge to effectivly identify and arrest imparied drivers. I was back on duty 2 hours and arrested my first one and he was also in possession of narcotics. Thanks RCTA I will definately attend more classes. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Stanley |
| Course Attended: |
Follow the Money |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
I recently had the opportunity to be able to attend the training class called Follow the Money, and I wanted to let you know my feelings about this class.
I started as an auxiliary Police Officer in 1983 and completed the Alabama Peace Officers Minimum Standards, Police Academy at Tuscaloosa in 1985. I stayed in Law Enforcement for 9 years and left it for about ten years. I was a victim of theft in 2002 and felt led to return to the calling. Since my return I have been an Assistant Chief of a small town and then took a job as the Chief Drug Agent for my County here in Marion County Alabama. I was Deputized and worked on a DEA OCEDTF case in 2007 till 2009. I have attended over 13 different training sessions at RCTA. I have been a member of the Institute of Federal Firearms Instructor's for 5 years and have received training from the FBI, ATF and DEA. I have received training for Drug Unit Commanders at the Institute of Police Technology Institute in Florida, and numerous other schools throughout my career.
I said all that to say this. Follow the Money, was the best training I have ever received in my entire career. This was such an eye opener for me and all my Agents will attend this class. There should not be a single Drug Agent anywhere allowed to be considered a trained Agent without having received this training.
I am very thankful that we have RCTA at our disposal and even as impressed as I have been over the years with RCTA's training opportunities, this takes the prize.
Thank you for what you do and may I say " Press the Fight" !! |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Kenny |
| Course Attended: |
Search Warrant Writing |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
Well RCTA has done it again. A great course with great instructors. This is one course you will enjoy and use. RCTA is second to none with it courses, training and facilities. Thanks RCTA and NSA Meridian. |
____________________________________________________________________
| Sent by: |
Riley |
| Course Attended: |
Advanced Undercover |
| |
|
| Message Sent: |
Advanced undercover operations. I learned more in this class than I imaged possible. In 20 years of law enforcement experience, this is the hardest, most fulfilling class I have ever attended. The instructors/cadre are excellent and incredibly helpful.
They make you think and encourage you to learn in a top notch training environment. The entire class is designed to make you learn and use all your resources and skills, as well as developing new ones. If you work narcotics and are considering any type of undercover assignment, go to this class first, then decide. It will change your life, I promise. |
____________________________________________________________________
