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Joel A. Weeks
With a 28-year career in law enforcement, Joel is a seasoned and diverse leader that brings expertise in areas such as Physical Defensive Tactics, Combat Firearms, Counter-Terrorism, and much more. His exceptional track record includes successful operations, high-profile dignitary protection, and a commitment to public safety excellence.
Work History
Joel A. Weeks boasts a distinguished career in law enforcement with a rich and varied work history spanning 28 years. His roles include Corrections Officer, Patrol Officer, C.O.P.S. Officer, Delta Field Force Member, Field Training Officer, S.W.A.T. team member, Patrol Sgt., Field Force Executive Officer, Field Training Sgt., Showdown Task Force Sgt., Field Force Grenadier / Tango team leader, and Region 3 Domestic Security Task Force Supervisor.
Advanced Training
Physical Defensive Tactics
Joel A. Weeks is a seasoned veteran and defensive tactics instructor with a wealth of real-world, hands-on experience. His extensive training includes being a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu combatives instructor for military and law enforcement, along with spontaneous knife defense instruction. Joel holds instructor and black belt credentials in Kyushu Jitsu and Ryukyu Kenpo. Proficient in close-quarter countermeasures and tactical ground fighting, Joel has also served as a consultant and expert in the use of force for the Fraternal Order of Police.
Combat Firearms
In the realm of Combat Firearms, Joel is a Master Rifle and Pistol Instructor, Certified Firearms Instructor, and Tactical Rifle Instructor. He holds certifications as a Certified Glock Armorer and has received training in Multi Weapons Operators, Advanced Firearms Close Quarter Battle, Tactical Handgun, C.Q.B. Handgun/Rifle, Tactical Response Team Patrol Rifle, Advanced Urban Rifle, Patrol Rifle, Tactical Shotgun, and Gun Fighting Inside and out of Vehicles.
Counter Terrorism / Dignitary Protection
Joel's expertise extends to Counter-Terrorism and Dignitary Protection. He has undergone S.W.A.T. Dignitary and Witness Protection training and experience, Avtahat Ishim Dignitary Protection training (Israeli Mossad), and Counter Terrorism and Intelligence training. His qualifications include completion of the Weapons Of Mass Destruction Tactical Commanders Course, Protective Measures for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Explosives Incident training (FEMA), Chemical Defense Warfare Training (FEMA), Terrorism/Suicide Bomber Training (New Mexico Tech), Response to Suicide Bomb Attacks (FEMA), Incident Response to Suicide Bombers (New Mexico Tech.), and Response to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Incidents (FEMA).
Emergency Vehicle Operations
Joel is a certified Police Driving Instructor, Pursuit Driving Instructor, P.I.T. Instructor (Precision Immobilization Technique), and Vehicle Blocking Instructor. His extensive training includes Emergency Vehicle Operations, Tactical Police Driving, Vehicles in Combat, Tactical Police Driving Training, Dignitary Protection Convoy Training, P.I.T. Certification, Large Vehicle Operator, Forklift Operator, and Maritime Transportation Security. Joel has also served as a Test Pilot for New Police Cruisers at various speedways including Atlanta Motor Speedway and Bay Lake Speedway. He possesses NASCAR training and experience at Daytona International Speedway and New Smyrna Speedway, as well as Rally Car Training and experience at The Firm.
First Aid
Joel is a certified First Aid Instructor, with training in Tactical Medical Training, and holds certifications in First Responder Training and as a Certified Lifeguard.
Civil Disturbance / Riot Control
In the realm of Civil Disturbance and Riot Control, Joel is a certified Crowd Management Specialist, Chemical Munitions and Less Lethal Instructor. His expertise also includes Specialty Impact, OC, and Distraction Device instruction, Field Force Command and Planning (FEMA), Field Force Extrication Tactics (FEMA), and he has developed a Riot Control Training Manual for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Joel is also a certified Simunitions Instructor and Pepperball Instructor.
Law Enforcement Tactics / Strategies
Joel is an Advanced Tactical Problems Instructor, Rapid Response Instructor, and Tactical Patrol Instructor. His experience covers Reality-Based Training, Patrol Search Warrant Instructor, Basic S.W.A.T. School, Rapid Response to Critical Incidents Training, Modular Team Tactics Training, Suspect Tactics and Perimeter Containment Training and Experience, Tactical Response Training, Advanced Interview and Interrogation Tactics, Undercover Narcotics Techniques Training and Experience, Domestic Drug Interdiction Training and Experience, Highway Interdiction Training and Experience, Rural Tactical Drug Operations Training and experience, Man Tracking Training and Experience, K9 Close Quarter Countermeasures training, Taser Instructor, Advanced Open Water Diver (PADI), Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Course, Certified Crossfit Training Facilitator, Wellness Instructor, Supervisory Leadership Training, Articulation of the Use of Force Instructor, and Courtroom and Testimony training (Angela Cory).
Experience
Throughout his illustrious career with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Joel has excelled in hundreds of physical force encounters, foot pursuits, and vehicle pursuits. He has been a tactical leader on over 500 Narcotics Search Warrants, participated in successful hostage rescues, and played a crucial role in planning and implementing the Field Force Strike and Perimeter teams for Super Bowl XXXIX.
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Joel has provided Dignitary Protection for former presidents, vice presidents, heads of state, senators, congressmen, billionaires, and celebrities. His collaborations span various federal agencies, including the A.T.F., F.B.I., D.E.A., Secret Service, Israeli Mossad, D.O.D., and F.W.C.
Education / Awards:
Joel holds a Bachelor's degree in Multi-Disciplinary Studies (Business and Government) from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. He is a graduate of the Law Enforcement Academy, Corrections Officer Academy, and Northeast Florida Training and Education Center in Jacksonville, FL.
Joel has received over 50 commendations for meritorious service, certificates of recognition, 20 letters of appreciation, and has been awarded 2 Supervisors of the Month and one Life Saving Award.