Pearson, David
Less-Lethal / FSDD / Chemical Agent Instructor Certification

This class will start at 1300 on Monday and at 0800 the rest of the week.

The Less-Lethal, FSDD, Chemical Agent Instructor Certification course is a train-the-trainer course designed to familiarize attendees with less-lethal weapons, impact munitions and deployment tactics. Topics to be covered include instructor development techniques, less-lethal force philosophy, case law, policy issues, technology overview, deployment tactics, product demonstrations, and less-lethal practical scenarios. The Flash Sound Diversionary Device Instructor Course is a train-the-trainer course designed to familiarize attendees with flash/sound diversionary devices. Topics to be covered include history, definitions and nomenclature, legal aspects, policy issues, preparation and deployment, and practical application as they relate to the use of diversionary devices. The Chemical Agent Instructor Course is a train-the-trainer course designed to familiarize attendees with chemical munitions. Topics to be covered include history, products and characteristics, delivery systems, hazards, decontamination, gas masks and general tactics as they relate to the use of chemical agents.

Equipment List:
  • Eye protection
  • Ear protection
  • Gas mask
  • Nomex Gloves
  • Clothing such as BDU's that are suitable for physical activity. Students will be outside at times and will take part in range activities
  • A change of clothes to wear after chemical contamination
  • Agency Approved Chemical Agent Mask (APR)



    Students who have not received an approved level 1, 2, or 3 chemical agent exposure to CS or OC will be required to have an exposure for completions of this course. However, a waiver is available to students who have already been exposed. Students who complete the waiver will be exempt from the level 1,2, and 3 exposure requirements. It is recognized that many students participating in this course have already been exposed to CS or OC.

    All students will be exposed to pyrotechnic CS for fit and evaluation of their masks.

    • David Pearson - Bio
    David Pearson began his law enforcement career in 1990 with the Prince Georges County (MD) Police, then went to the Thornton (CO) Police Department from 1992-1995. Dave started with the Fort Collins (CO) Police Services in 1995, retiring in 2021. He served as a SWAT team leader for eight years before being promoted to Lieutenant in 2011. As a lieutenant, David has served in Criminal Investigations, Professional Standards, the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force, and as Acting Assistant Chief. David has been instructing since 1996 on over a dozen topics. Since 2005, David has been an instructor for the NTOA and teaches a wide variety of topics, most notably the Less Lethal Impact Projectiles, Chemical Agents, & Noise Flash Diversionary Device Instructor course. David has certified over 1000 instructors in the United States and Canada on less-lethal munitions. Since 2013, he has served in the role of NTOA Less Lethal Section Chair.