Knowing how to read the signs of danger before they explode into violence is a lifesaving skill. This course helps officers recognize and respond to threats faster, giving them the edge in dangerous encounters. Seconds for Survival is all about understanding human behavior, spotting pre-incident indicators, and applying science-based insights to stay one step ahead.

You’ll learn how to read body language, spot subtle cues that something’s about to go wrong, and apply the “Left of Bang” philosophy so you can act proactively. The course also covers the “Deadly Mix”—how the suspect, environment, and officer factors come together to create risk—and how to manage that risk with confidence.

What You’ll Learn

  • Spotting Trouble Early
    Recognize pre-incident indicators that signal a situation might turn violent.

  • Reading Body Language
    Decode movements and behaviors that could indicate aggression or resistance.

  • Left of Bang
    Stay ahead of the threat by acting before violence erupts.

  • Understanding the Deadly Mix
    See how suspects, environments, and officer actions can combine to create danger.

  • De-Escalation Tactics
    Use communication and tactics to defuse tension and avoid unnecessary force.

  • Staying Effective Under Stress
    Develop the mindset and skills to perform well even when things heat up.

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to handle high-risk encounters with confidence and clarity. You’ll leave with the tools to spot trouble early, act decisively, and keep yourself—and your community—safe.


Certificate: 5 Hour

Credit: In-service credit available in many states



                                       
                           
                           

Instructor

Use of Force Instructor

Dr. Travis Yates

Travis Yates has over 30 years of law enforcement experience, spending the last decade as a commander with a large metropolitan agency. His assignments included patrol, gang investigations, training, technology, policy, media relations, jail operations and special operations that included SWAT, Helicopter, K-9, Dive Team, Bomb Squad, Disaster Response, Special Events, and the Reserve Program. Travis is an advanced certified instructor, a past recipient of the ILEETA International Law Enforcement Trainer of the Year and the co-founder of the Below 100 Initiative. Over the last two decades his seminars on risk management, officer safety and leadership have been given to thousands of law enforcement professionals across the globe including 46 states. Travis is a certified Force Science Analyst and is considered a leading expert in human behavior pattern analysis. His extensive research on law enforcement encounters combined with his passion for risk management has made his signature seminar, “Seconds For Survival,” one of the most popular courses in the country with thousands of officers attending over the last 10 years. Travis has a doctorate degree in Strategic Leadership, is a graduate of the 227th session of the FBI National Academy, the Police Executive Development & Leadership Program and certified trainer for the IACP Leadership in Police Organizations. Travis has taught university level courses to thousands of students over the last twenty-five years and is a sought-after court expert in various areas including patrol, policy, pursuits, and tactics.

.

.

ADDED BONUS

FREE IN-PERSON TICKET

Purchasing this course will entitle you to a free ticket for the in-person class Seconds For Survival

Course curriculum

  1. 1
    • Welcome to Blue to Gold University

    • Course Introduction

    • Meet your Instructor

    • Questions and Technical Support

  2. 2
    • Introduction

    • Action Versus Reaction

    • Case Law

    • Definitions

    • Criminal Profiling

    • Situational Awareness

    • Intuition

    • The Decision Matrix

    • Putting It All Together

Course Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5 star rating

Great Class

Sigurd Sivertson

I believe every officer in the US should take this course. Officers need to know this stuff so we can stop bad case law from being made.

I believe every officer in the US should take this course. Officers need to know this stuff so we can stop bad case law from being made.

Read Less
5 star rating

Amazing!!

Steven Sentz

Highly useful information that can be used on every call for service

Highly useful information that can be used on every call for service

Read Less
4 star rating

This class was great

Humberto Martinez

i learned a lot. Its about the minor details, especially when it comes to our line of work

i learned a lot. Its about the minor details, especially when it comes to our line of work

Read Less
5 star rating

Solid

Troy Wylie

Helpful information, very well presented, in manageable portions.

Helpful information, very well presented, in manageable portions.

Read Less
  • Our courses are designed to be comprehensive, engaging, and well-structured delivered by a knowledgeable and passionate instructor.

  • Up-to-date, practical content that reflects industry trends and is presented in an easy-to-understand manner.

  • Collaborative opportunities, feedback, and assessment to facilitate student learning and progress tracking.

  • Our courses provide practical skills and knowledge that can be applied in real-life situations, with relevant examples, case studies, and exercises.

  • You will receive a certificate of completion.