RYE BROOK, NY (October 12, 2025) — The Rye Brook Police Department celebrated Officer Alexander’s groundbreaking achievement in law enforcement training, spotlighting her as the department’s first female Defensive Tactics Instructor.
The department shared the news on social media Saturday, commending the patrol officer for finishing a demanding two-week Defensive Tactics Instructor Course. “We are incredibly proud to recognize PO Alexander for successfully completing a rigorous 2-week Defensive Tactics Instructor Course,” the post said.
Her success gained extra weight as the milestone marked a step forward for gender diversity in specialized police roles. “Even more remarkable – she is now our first female Defensive Tactics Instructor!” the announcement declared.
Officials highlighted Alexander’s standout traits, saying in the post that “her dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence set a powerful example for others to follow.” The message kicked off with praise: “Well done, Officer Alexander!”
The Defensive Tactics Instructor Course, run by the state’s Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), prepares seasoned officers to instruct on handling physical confrontations, including de-escalation and restraint methods. It underscores priorities in officer safety and use-of-force training across New York agencies.
Alexander’s completion of the program illustrates its push for diversity in high-level training. The course runs about 12 days, with daily sessions from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., testing participants’ mental sharpness and stamina.
To qualify, applicants need to be full- or part-time active New York State certified police, peace, or campus public safety officers with a minimum of two years on the job. They must finish a DCJS-approved Instructor Development Course like the PLE 220 prerequisite and stay fit for tough daily drills. Agencies can send no more than two people per class, which tops out at 12 students for hands-on focus.
The training mixes classroom lessons with practical work to ready instructors for DCJS-required defensive tactics sessions. Main subjects cover adult learning principles and coaching; use-of-force law and policy; communication and choices under pressure; gear use and safe practice runs; drill planning and running; defensive control basics; targeted control moves; and steps after arrests. It also hits on force levels, the defensive tactics setup, stimulus-response drills, resistance and restraint stages, talk and body techniques, and safety tips.
Hands-on involvement is required, with students doing every exercise in gear like BDU pants and T-shirts, workout clothes, cross-training shoes, a duty belt holding a red- or blue-handled training handgun, handcuffs and key, mouthpiece, straight baton, water bottle, and an 8 GB flash drive. The course follows Municipal Police Training Council rules and gives four college credits.
Graduates need 90% attendance, 70% or better on written tests, solid skills checks, and a strong presentation review. Finishers get DCJS Defensive Tactics Instructor certification to guide recruit and ongoing training. Annual recertification is mandatory, and certifications expired over five years call for a complete redo.
Alexander’s feat at Rye Brook PD shows the course’s real-world value. Her drive through the tough training boosts the team’s skills and raises the bar for toughness in a job where tactical know-how can tip the scales on safety.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.