For any officer, being involved in an off-duty critical incident will be the most definitive stressful event you can be involved in during your career in law enforcement. In 2008, Officer Brandon Hernandez was involved in an off-duty shooting that his family and friends witnessed. That day forever changed him and his family. In this presentation, Officer Hernandez will debrief his deadly force incident, discuss the “what happens next” after the deadly force incident when the uniformed police arrive, and how to deal with the aftermath and stress involved. He will also discuss when or when not to get involved in situations off-duty. Other topics discussed will be his second on-duty shooting, media, social media, legalities, preparedness, and mindset.

Brandon Hernandez has been with the Garland Police Department since 1998 and is currently assigned to the Auto Theft Unit. He has worked in the Narcotic Unit in an undercover capacity and in the Patrol Division. Brandon joined the Garland SWAT Team in 2003 and is currently a Team Leader on the Assault Team. He has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a Master Peace Officer Certification. Additionally, he has taught numerous tactical police training courses for TTPOA, TMPA, T.I.G.E.R. Valley, Lead Faucet Tactical, Garland P.D., Dallas P.D., and NTOA. He has been in two officer-involved shootings, both on and off duty and has witnessed the on-duty shooting of fellow officers.