Consulting Solutions for Critical Use of Force Events
"This is the law: The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental."
-John Steinbeck (Once There was a War, 1958)
Verstand Tactical Consulting was founded on the importance of understanding how perception, cognition, and action interact to facilitate behavior.
The word Verstand means “of the mind,” and its importance is reflected in the quote by John Steinbeck. In this work, Steinbeck examines the psychological and intellectual dimensions of conflict, emphasizing that thinking, adaptability, and decision-making ultimately outweigh equipment or defensive posture.
Who We Are
Dr. Lon Bartel
Education & Training
Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Performance Psychology Focus, Grand Canyon University
M.S. Sport Science, Performance Enhancement with honors, Concordia University-Chicago
B.S. Exercise and Sport Science, Physiology and Biochemistry focus, Magna Cum Laude, Arizona State University
Force Science Use of Force Analyst 40-hour certification on force examination and analysis (2012, 2016)
Force Science Advanced Specialist 350+ hours of training on force investigations and video examination, focusing on human factor considerations (2015)
California Training Institute Force Encounters Analysis:
Human Performance in Critical Incidents (2014)
Human Factors: Threat and Error Management (2015)
Critical Incident Review
Enhanced Force Investigation (2022)
Video Examination and Review (2023)
National Academy of Sports Medicine Certification- Performance Enhancement Specialist (2021)
National Strength & Conditioning Association Certification- Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (2023)
Experience
Principal Researcher – VirTra (2024-Present). Develop and lead research aligned with the company’s strategic goals. Provide vision and technical guidance to shape research initiatives.
Director of Training – VirTra (2017–2024). Human factors focus on training and performance capabilities when designing high-fidelity training simulation content. These factors include sensory perception, processing, decision-making, and skill execution. Managed a 17-person content development team.
Force Science Adjunct Instructor (2020–Present). Teach the Method of Instruction (MOI) 40-hour course. This course provides skill development for coaches/trainers based on the science of human learning and performance.
Owner/Operator – Verstand Tactical Consulting, LLC (2013–Present) Consulting and education services focused on human performance in use-of-force encounters. Provides expert witness services and training program development.
Police Officer – Peoria, AZ (1997–2017) Sworn peace officer with multiple specialty roles (listed below).
SWAT Senior Operator – Peoria PD (2009–2017). Mentored and trained new SWAT members.
SWAT Tactical Breacher – Peoria PD (2009–2017) Developed and led Peoria PD’s explosive breaching program. Arizona Tactical Officer
Rangemaster – Peoria PD (2005–2017) Coordinated firearms training, weapon inspection, and gear selection programs. Managed a diverse instructional team of 15 part-time members.
Assisted in founding the Arizona Tactical Officer Association (ATOA), a non-profit organization that provides low-cost or no-cost training to tactical officers. Served as Secretary for five years. (Founding Member) (2010–2017)
President – Peoria Police Officer Association (2015–2017) Represented the sworn members of the Peoria Police Department (AZ). Led contract negotiations, authored bills modifying the “Officers Bill of Rights,” and ensured officers' rights were maintained.
Subject Matter Expert – Firearms (2006–2017) Served on the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) SME committee. Responsible for teaching and reviewing the curriculum on firearms use.
Subject Matter Expert – Arrest and Control Tactics (2001–2017) Taught and reviewed state curriculum on use of force in arrest and control tactics, including OC Spray, Baton, Control Holds, personal weapons, and response to violent subjects.
TASER Master Instructor (2007–2023). Certified instructors to teach TASER user courses and recertifications on various TASER models.
Simunitions Adjunct Instructor (2012–Present) Instructor of the Simunition Safety Instructor course.
Consultant – ABP360 (2016–2017) Advisor for a real-time tracking system for law enforcement training, equipment, and operations.
Firearms Instructor – SHOTS Ranch (2012–2016) Adjunct instructor for a private shooting range.
Our Team
Lon Bartel, PhD., PES, TSAC-F
Founder and Owner
With a vision for providing meaning, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking, academic excellence, and hands-on experience.
Lon Bartel’s work was grounded in performance psychology, with a foundation in his master's and undergraduate work in Sport Science. He immersed himself in human performance. Leveraging his and others’ research with a grounded understanding of force dynamics from a 20-year career as a law enforcement officer and trainer.
Dr. Bartel’s time as an AZPOST-appointed subject-matter expert in not only firearms but also arrest and control provides him with a unique and important foundation for evaluating decision-making and force application.
Dr. Bartel was a founding member of the Arizona Tactical Officers Association and served as its Secretary for the first 5 years. His tactical expertise has been relied on for breaching operations, chemical weapon response, dignitary protection, and operational security.
Nicole Florisi, MS
Consultant
Our Services
This initial consultation and/or retainer agreement occurs once both parties have agreed to move forward with the project.
Schedule your appointment
Schedule your meeting to leverage our expert insights and assist your evaluation. We are ready to provide tailored solutions to meet your clients’ unique needs. The free ‘introductory meeting’ is available to ensure that our services are a fit for your situation. The ‘initial consultation’ provides an opportunity for a detailed exploration and evaluation of the specifics of the event. ‘Advanced services’ are ongoing engagement billed at an hourly rate, 10-hour minimum.
Contact Us
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