Dave Smith

Former police lieutenant Dave Smith is an internationally known speaker, writer and law enforcement expert.  Dave completed his college degree at the University of Arizona while fighting forest fires with the “Coconino Hot Shots” and then began his police career with the Tucson Police Department.  In 1978 he joined the Arizona Department of Public Safety, holding positions in Patrol, SWAT, Narcotics, Training and Management. In 1980 he developed the popular “Buck Savage” video training series, was the lead instructor for the Calibre Press “Street Survival” seminar from 1983 to 1985, and was instrumental in developing Calibre’s timeless “Tactical Edge” officer survival book.  Dave holds numerous instructor certifications in firearms, defensive tactics, and human performance and is a proven expert witness and consultant.

In 1989, Dave joined the Law Enforcement Television Network (LETN), developing and hosting cutting-edge police, security and public safety training as its Director of Education and was the general manager of Calibre Press until January of 2002.  Dave continued to instruct the “Street Survival” seminar through 2012 as its senior instructor and he managed the most comprehensive update to the seminar since 2003.  Dave created the video training unit for PoliceOne.com and is still the primary trainer for the online Police One Academy.  He produced and hosted PoliceOne’s award winning “Roll Call Reality Training” segments and was a member of their advisory board.

Dave has authored hundreds of articles for publications including Police Chief, Law and Order, The Trainer, Police Marksman, the Calibre Press Newsline, PoliceOne, Officer.com, Law Officer NationalPolice.org and POLICE magazine. Dave currently trains internationally through the Arizona-based “The Winning Mind LLC” and is a regular columnist for POLICE magazine, the National Police Association and Law Officer.com.  Dave is the author of the popular book In My Sights and is a frequent media analyst concerning law enforcement issues.  Dave can be reached via his website at www.jdbucksavage.com.