Expert|High-Stress Decision-Making & Lethal Force

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

EXPERT IN USE OF FORCE & LETHAL FORCE INCIDENTS In cases involving force--lethal force, understanding decision-making is as critical as the facts themselves. Whether you are a defense attorney explaining your client’s actions or a prosecutor challenging them, you need an expert who integrates both events and decision-making processes. Dr. Black offers a unique approach, blending quantitative precision with qualitative insight into how individuals make sense of their world. RENOWNED EXPERT IN LETHAL FORCE DECISION-MAKING Dr. Black is a recognized expert with extensive experience in international, federal, and state courts on lethal force, police use of force, officer-involved shootings, and civilian self-defense. His expertise in high-stakes decision-making under pressure offers critical insights. Dr. Black blends forensic analysis with human-centered perspectives, ensuring a balanced view that benefits both defense and prosecution. ADVANCED FORENSIC VIDEO AND QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS Video evidence often plays a pivotal role in determining the facts. Dr. Black is skilled in forensic video analysis, using Amped Five software to extract key details. What sets him apart is his ability to combine video analysis with qualitative thematic tools like Atlas.TI, understanding both what happened and how individuals interpreted their environment under stress. COGNITIVE INTERVIEWING AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE EXPERTISE Dr. Black specializes in cognitive interviewing, exploring clients’ mindsets during critical moments leading up to the use of force. His approach bridges the quantitative analysis of human performance with qualitative insights into violent encounters, offering a comprehensive view of why actions were taken based on both training and context. A SYSTEMS THINKING APPROACH TO COMPLEX INCIDENTS Dr. Black employs a systems thinking approach that enables him to view incidents from multiple perspectives. His expertise in “sensemaking”—understanding how individuals construct meaning—adds depth to his analysis. By blending quantitative data with qualitative insights, he creates a nuanced understanding that helps courts grasp the complexity of life-or-death situations. MILITARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERTISE With 30+ years in U.S. Army Special Forces and 23+ years in law enforcement, Dr. Black brings unmatched experience to each case. His leadership in crisis negotiation, use-of-force investigations, and mobile response units provides practical insights grounded in real-world experience. His background ensures a comprehensive understanding of how policy, training, and decision-making intersect under pressure. FORENSIC AND TACTICAL ANALYSIS Dr. Black’s expertise benefits both defense and prosecution. His ability to analyze human performance, cognitive bias, and situational pressures—combined with qualitative methods—ensures compelling testimony. Whether assessing officer conduct or analyzing use-of-force policies, his testimony offers evidence-based and contextually rich analysis. BLENDING ACADEMIC INSIGHT WITH PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE Dr. Black’s research into decision-making under pressure enhances his ability to offer expert testimony. His academic work on processing information in high-stakes scenarios provides a balanced perspective, blending quantitative analysis with qualitative insight. This makes him a valuable resource for legal teams seeking to understand human behavior complexities. DELIVERING BALANCED ANALYSIS Dr. Black offers unbiased analysis by combining data-driven methods with a deep understanding of human behavior and meaning-making. His ability to explain complex decisions helps courts and juries reach informed conclusions, mitigating cognitive biases like hindsight and outcome bias. If you need an expert for comprehensive analysis of lethal force incidents—whether for defense or prosecution—Dr. Black’s expertise in forensic video, qualitative analysis, and human performance offers the nuanced insight needed for success.