Workshops/Workshop Schedule

Info/Sign Up

The Mock Prison Riot offers various workshops free of charge each year. Although there is a $50 non-refundable registration fee for every attendee, there is no additional cost to participate in workshops, unless otherwise noted on the schedule.

Topics change from year to year, depending on industry trends; however, we do strive to offer a core curriculum of classes designed to apply to the widest range of our attendees.

Some of the classes we regularly offer include - but are not limited to - chemical and impact munitions, Pepperball, and defensive tactics, just to name a few. We also have offered seminars on new and emerging technologies, hostage negotiations, tactical medical, and effective teaching methods for trainers - again, just to name a few.

We will post classes to this web site as they are scheduled, so that you will have a solid idea of our offerings in advance of your arrival. For a listing of current workshops and lectures, please scroll down.

How to Sign Up

Workshop sign up is conducted on site and in person, one day ahead of time. For example, if you see a class that you want to take on Tuesday, you must be on site to sign up at our designated workshop sign up area on Monday. If you see a class that you want to take on Wednesday, you must be on site and sign up on Tuesday. Many people ask why we require in-person sign up. It has been our experience over two decades, that requiring in-person sign up greatly reduces the amount of no-shows and results in extremely accurate class lists for instructors (this is extremely important for classes resulting in certifications and whereby supplies such as smoke, bangs, and projectiles are being shipped to our facility in advance). We recommend arriving early for sign up, as classes - especially those that result in certification - tend to fill up quickly. Please make sure you pay close attention to our schedules. Some classes/lectures do not have attendance limits and do not require on-site sign up. Also, we occasionally will accommodate an instructor who requests advance sign-up, especially if supplies for the class are costly and/or difficult to ship or if there are specific safety concerns or pre-requisites. These classes will be clearly identified with any special instructions. Please read the schedule carefully.

Please check this page often for changes and remember the following:

Enrollment for most workshops and lectures is conducted onsite. The schedule indicates if advance pre-enrollment or on-site enrollment is required. Please pay close attention to what each offering specifies.
If the class is NOT designated as pre-enrollment or on-site enrollment, it is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Just show up to the designated location for the class/lecture. Most Sunday and Monday classes fit this description.
Onsite pre-registration is mandatory for most Tuesday and Wednesday classes, as these are a lot of our certification classes. These signups are held the day prior to the workshop/lecture. For example, if you want to take a class on Tuesday, you must sign up for it on Monday. If you want to take a class on Wednesday, you must be on site to sign up on Tuesday.
Sign ups for these type of classes are on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration staff or any Mock Prison Riot staff member can direct you to the locations where workshop sign-ups are held.

Many people ask why we conduct workshop and lecture sign ups this way. After more than 20 years, it has been our experience that onsite class registration greatly reduces the number of no-shows. This is especially important for our certification workshop instructors who have to issue certificates and provide thousands of dollars’ worth of supplies. Again, please pay close attention to each offering. They are clearly marked.

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Most recent update for 2026: 17 March 2026 - The workshop schedule for 2026 is complete.

SUNDAY: 3 May 2026

Title: Basic Crisis Negotiations

Date: Sunday 3 May 2026

Time: 9 am to 12 pm classroom and 1 pm to 4 pm scenario-based training

Location: Classroom 4 and Apartment/Office

Certification: No

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee

Description: Hosted by the WV DCR CNT. Overview of basic crisis negotiation principles and best practices. Following classroom instruction on Sunday, there will be scenario-based training from 1 pm to 4 pm in the Apartment/Office area. This will be for the 20 operators who attend the Sunday morning class. In addition, on Monday the same area will be open to ANY teams/operators interested in Crisis Negotiation training at the Apartment/Office. The site will be open for planning and preparation between 2 pm and 4 pm Monday. On Tuesday the location will be open for scenario-based training in crisis negotiation from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Office/Apartment location. The scenario location will be set up using WV DCR resources to accommodate training operations. Anyone is welcome to participate during the planning session on Monday and the scenario-based training times on Tuesday.

Limit: 20 for actual class and training on Sunday. Anyone is welcome to observe the planning and scenario-based training on Monday and Tuesday.

Limit: First-come, first-served until room is full

MONDAY: 4 May 2026

Title: SABRE 0.68 Cal Launcher Instructor Course

Date: Monday 4 May 2026

Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Location: Classroom 5

Certification: Yes

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee

Description: The SABRE 0.68 Cal Launcher & Projectile Instructor Certification program was developed for agencies to update, train, and certify departmental Instructors. This course was designed to enhance instructor’s development in 0.68 caliber projectiles, payloads, launcher types, deployments considerations, physical and mental effects of 0.68 projectiles and chemical agents, understanding the importance of preexisting medical conditions, training and liability, and the proper use of SABRE 0.68 Caliber Projectiles & Launchers. The course will concentrate on the technical and tactical applications of this information and instructor developmental skills. This training will assist instructors with enhancing their own systems which will help improve the officer’s skills and enhance their proficiency.

Limit: 20

Title: Impact, Knife, and Spike Protection Solutions for Response Teams – CPE Production Oy, Finland

Date: Monday 4 May 2026

Time: 8:30 am – 10:30 am

Location: Classroom 4

Certification: No

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee

Description: The activities related to Corrections Services always take place in a high-risk environment, where the probability of being attacked using blunt objects for impacts as well as home-made edged weapons such as knives and spikes always exist. Impacts, knife, and spike attacks always lead to severe injuries, and can possibly be fatal. There are different ways to be protected against these threats. However, the different protection levels, their true capabilities of protecting officers, and the equipment to provide the protection is not always easy to understand. This course is designed to give correctional officers, medical staff, and administration a broad understanding of the different protection levels, testing procedures and the protective structures, as well as possible weaknesses and limitations. All the information is presented in a pragmatic way with different protective gear. The understanding of protection and protective gear is then brought into the tactical level by demonstrating how to get the best possible use of the equipment, by right technical use and tactical positioning in high-risk situations. The training includes familiarization with different types of protective gear. Also, the basics of ballistic protection is covered.

Limit: 30

Title: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for Corrections Professionals, National Institute of Corrections

Date: Monday, 4 May 2026

Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Location: Classroom 3

Certification: Yes

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee.

Description: Hosted by the National Institute of Corrections, this eight-hour certification course equips staff with the knowledge and skills to identify, understand and respond to mental health and substance use challenges in their peers. By providing the necessary support and resources, correctional facilities can help staff cope with the challenges they face, reduce burnout and promote a positive work environment that ultimately benefits both staff and the individuals they serve. Upon completion of the course, participants will be recognized as Certified Mental Health First Aiders by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Limit: 30

Title: Transforming Correctional Contraband Interdiction: The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Chasing Drugs, Drones, Personas, and Phones – Todd Craig, Smart Communications, Assistant Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons (Retired)

Date: Monday 4 May 2026

Time: 10 am to 11:30 am

Location: Classroom 7

Certification: No

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee

Sign-Up: First-come, first-served

Description: This interactive seminar will expose participants to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into state-of-the-art contraband interdiction systems within correctional facilities. AI-powered sensor networks and real-time data analytics are revolutionizing institutional security by enabling predictive threat detection and automated response mechanisms.

Given the challenges correctional practitioners face daily—including staffing shortages, budget constraints, and escalating internal and external security threats—the session will focus on pragmatic, cost-effective AI-driven technologies with demonstrated efficacy in protecting staff and adults in custody.

Participants will learn how AI enhances a layered defense model, combining multiple security technologies to create a common operating picture through advanced sensor integration and data-driven insights. Key topics include:

Identity Management & Perimeter Defense
Full-Body Imaging Scanners & Networked Walkthrough Metal Detectors
AI-Enhanced Narcotics & Synthetic Drug Detection
Digital Mail Scanning & AI-Powered Contraband Identification
Counter-UAS Systems for Drone Detection & Mitigation
Contraband Cellphone Interdiction Technologies
Automated Data Correlation for Criminal Investigations & Institutional Security
Use of unmanned aircraft system as persistent, perimeter, and facility surveillance, critical incident response technology

The session will provide practical implementation strategies for correctional officers, IT specialists, investigators, and administrators, ensuring a seamless integration of AI-driven security solutions to enhance interdiction capabilities and support criminal prosecution efforts.

Intended Audience: Correctional Officers, Correctional Investigators, Information Technologists, Correctional Administrators, and anyone working with offenders or justice-involved individuals in institutional settings.

Limit: 50

Title: Beyond the Behavior: Shifting to a Trauma-Informed Lens in Corrections – PSIMED: Alicia Stellwagon, MA, LPC, AADC, NCC, MAC and Linsday Devaughn , MSW; Jennifer Hager, MS /Patricia Thomspon, MS

Date: Monday, 4 May 2026

Time: 12 pm – 1:30 pm

Location: Classroom 7

Certification: No

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee

Description:

Have you ever noticed an offender who is always on edge, scanning the room or acting like a danger lurks around every corner? Have you ever seen an offender get asked an innocent question but react as if their lives were being threatened? Have you seen offenders in and out of jails or prisons over and over, unable to stop the cycle of abuse, drugs, or criminal behavior? The intersection of trauma, substance use, and criminal behavior can result in baffling and destructive behavior and keep a person in an unending cycle of incarceration. This presentation will help you understand the impact of trauma emotions, behaviors, and the unconscious responses to environmental triggers. We will discuss the developmental role of childhood trauma in substance use problems, criminal behavior, and pathological personality traits. Using a trauma informed lens, this presentation will discuss the experiences of people within our criminal justice system and discuss how a trauma informed approach can be utilized to help

promote security and rehabilitation.

Limit: First-come, first-served until room is full

Title: Security Meets Geriatrics: Providing Care for Aging Offenders in Corrections – PSIMED: Taylor Wright, Jihan Rashed, MS, Zanna Parker

Date: Monday, 4 May 2026

Time: 2 pm – 3:30 pm

Location: Classroom 7

Certification: No

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee

Description: The criminal justice system has entered into a public health crisis as the aging offender population has continued to grow. The aging offender who experiences cognitive decline and dementia symptoms presents significant challenges in how correctional facilities provide security, programming, and mental and physical care. Offenders with dementia may present with significant behavioral problems and are a vulnerable population, presenting security risks that require time, resources, and specialized training and knowledge from officers and health care staff. This presentation will provide participants with an introduction to age related changes that impact safety and security, as well as symptoms of dementia and common behavioral problems within this offender population. The provision of services to this population requires close collaboration between security, programs, mental health, and medical and this presentation will aim to begin that conversation.

Limit: First-come, first-served until room is full

TUESDAY: 5 May 2026

Title: Combined Systems - Less Lethal Impact Munitions

Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026

Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Location: Classroom 3 and Courtyard

Certification: Yes

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee.

Description: Impact Munitions Instructor Certification Program: Information provided will include history of the product, nomenclature of the product, use of force considerations, hands-on applications, training examples and legal implications. This course will cover: tactical employment of munitions, levels of force, shot placement, 12 gauge, 37 mm and 40 mm specialty munitions/specifications, and deployment techniques. Students must provide their own eye and ear defense, gloves, and duty belt and wear tactical clothing. All other items will be provided by the instructor. Please note: US CITIZENS ONLY

Limit: 20

Title: Sabre Aerosol Irritant Projector Instructor Course

Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026

Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Location: Classroom 5

Certification: Yes

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee.

Description: This one-day agency basic instructor level certification program was designed for agencies to train and certify departmental instructors in a complete use of force continuum program focusing on the deploying, handling, and documenting of the use of chemical aerosols, to include medical issues and legal liability specifically designed for law enforcement and corrections. This course will enhance the instructor's development in the use and training of aerosols tactics and to protect departments from costly litigation issues that could arise from the use of these types of encounters. This program addresses and focuses on the entire use of force continuum with addressing Empty Hand Defense and Transitions to the aerosols, ground stabilization tactics, and tactics for surviving an aerosol attack, introducing new partner drills for safe and effective deployment of these devices that are compatible with any Sabre aerosol deployment system. The instructor also will address a more comprehensive and user-friendly approach with techniques for training officers and other personnel and officer survival related issues and topics. This course fully addresses all aspects of using chemical aerosol projectors. A manual will be sent from the factory upon completion and when the tests are sent in.

Limit: Until classroom is filled

Title: Pepperball Advanced Cell Extraction – 8 hour

Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026

Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Location: Classroom 4 and PC Unit

Certification: Yes – Advanced Cell Extraction and Pepperball User Certification

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee.

Description: Classroom/lecture, range deployment with certification. Scenario based exercises. Tactical team members will be introduced to conflict resolution/de-escalation tactics. Members will have to safely operate and qualify with the Pepperball launcher system. Team members will understand case law as it applies to use of force in a correction setting. Team members will develop advanced tactics in inmate control using the Pepperball system and other apprehension techniques. Members will participate in hands on scenarios testing their ability to plan and execute a pre-planned cell extraction. Upon completion members will receive a certificate of training for Advanced Cell Extraction and Pepperball User Certification

Limit: 20

Title: Impact, Knife, and Spike Protection Solutions for Response Teams - CPE Production Oy, Finland

Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026

Time: 8:30 am – 10:30 am

Location: Classroom 2

Certification: No

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee

Limit: 30

Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026

Time: 10 am to 11:30 am

Location: Classroom 7

Certification: No

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee

Description:

promote security and rehabilitation.

Limit: First-come, first-served until room is full

Title: Pepperball Armorer Maintenance Class

Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026

Time: 11:30 am to 3:30 pm

Location: Classroom 2

Certification: Yes

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee.

Description: Have an older Pepperball launcher? Bring it! The professionals at Pepperball will teach you how to repair and maintain it.

Limit: 35

Title: Wellness and Well-Being in Corrections: Current and Future Directions, National Institute of Correcitons

Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026

Time: 1 pm to 2:30 pm

Location: Classroom 7

Certification: No

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee

Description: Hosted by the National Institute of Corrections, this is an interactive workshop that examines resources to address the significant risks faced by corrections professionals due to chronic stress, trauma exposure, and workplace violence. Research shows that corrections officers experience high rates of injury, PTSD, and depression compared with other criminal justice professions and the general public. Drawing on more than 15 years of research-to-practice collaboration and work with the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) and the National Corrections Collaborative (NCC), this session will introduce participants to emerging resources, policies, peer-support models, and training approaches designed to address organizational stress and trauma in corrections. Through facilitated roundtable discussions and practical activities informed by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) Total Worker Health strategy, attendees will explore how these tools can be applied within their own agencies and identify actionable steps to strengthen worker well-being and safety. The workshop will also connect participants to a growing network of Corrections Safety and Health in Action (CSHA) practitioners committed to advancing evidence-based strategies to support the health, safety, and well-being of the corrections workforce.

Presenters:

-Lisa A. Jaegers, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Professor, Occupational Therapy, Doisy College of Health Sciences

Saint Louis University

-Mazen El Ghaziri, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAOHN

Associate Professor & Associate Chair

Solomont School of Nursing, UMASS Lowell

Co-Authors

Belinda Stewart and Dena M. Owens, PsyD

National Programs Advisor, Prisons Division

U.S. Department of Justice | National Institute of Corrections

Limit: First-come, first served until room is filled.

Title: Undue Familiarity: You Be the Judge

Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026

Time: 3 pm – 4:30 pm

Location: Classroom 7

Certification: No

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee.

Description: Hosted by the National Institute of Correction, the goal of this workshop is to educate and inform correctional and civilian staff on the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and adhering to their agency’s policies for interactions with individuals under their custody or supervision. In this lively, interactive session, we will watch videos simulating "days in life" of a corrections officer experiencing overwhelming personal issues that could lead to harmful and inappropriate acts, up to and including sexual misconduct. During the video scenarios, you will help identify red flags for potentially being compromised and how to address these types of issues should they arise for yourself or colleagues in the corrections setting.

Performance Objectives

Identify situations that may lead to staff vulnerability, and which may result in undue familiarity/sexual misconduct.

Identify some Strategies to avoid becoming compromised.

Outcomes

Understanding the importance of maintaining professional boundaries

Encourage self-awareness of vulnerabilities in personal and professional lives

Being able to understand and recognize areas of concern

Limit: Until classroom is full

WEDNESDAY: 6 May 2026

Title: Combined Systems – Flashbang Instructor

Date: Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Location: Classroom 3 and South Yard

Certification: Yes – instructor-level certification

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee.

Description: Flash Bang Instructor Certification Program: information provided will include history of the product, nomenclature of the product, use of force considerations, hands-on applications for the product, training examples and legal implications. This course will cover: types of explosions, primary and thermal effects of distraction devices, history and types of diversionary devices, specifications and illustrations of model 7290 flash bangs, M201 Precision Fuze/Fuze firing sequence and ATF requirements. Please note: US CITIZENS ONLY

Limit: 20

Title: Sabre Aerosol Irritant Projector Instructor Course

Date: Wednesday 6 May 2026

Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Location: Classroom 5

Certification: Yes

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee.

Limit: Until classroom is filled

Title: Pepperball Armorer Maintenance Class

Date: Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Time: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

Location: Classroom 4

Certification: Yes

Charges: There is no additional charge. It is included in the $50 registration fee.

Description: Have an older Pepperball launcher? Bring it! The professionals at Pepperball will teach you how to repair and maintain it.

Limit: 35

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