Human and Canine Performance in Physical Conflicts & the Legal Defense of K9 Use of Force

Lewinski will present an in-depth science-based presentation of the research on human and canine performance in physical conflicts. This information will reveal the dynamics of their interaction in use of force situations and will assist.

Wednesday
,
Aug 27, 2025
2:30 pm
-
4:30 pm
Instructor(s):
William Lewinski
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
William Lewinski presenting Human and Canine Performance in Physical Conflicts & the Legal Defense of K9 Use of Force at HITS.
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Class overview

Dr. Lewinski will present an in-depth science-based presentation of the research on human and canine performance in physical conflicts. This information will reveal the dynamics of their interaction in use of force situations and will assist in the analysis and explanation of apparently controversial incidents. 
 
Lance LoRusso, Esq. will build off Dr. Lewinski’s research to highlight critical strategies handlers must use for the effective legal defense of K9 use of force cases focusing on the physical realities of K9 deployments, and the handler’s articulation of the events.

This session explains:

  • Science-based research on human performance under physical stress
  • How canine performance factors into use-of-force encounters
  • Legal defense considerations for K9 use-of-force cases
  • What supervisors and handlers should understand before testimony
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About the instructor

William Lewinski

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What past attendees say

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Go to HITS. It's a great class. Great conference. This is the third one that I've been to. I try and go every time. They change up the classes. It's offered for detection and apprehension or patrol canines. All the classes are great. You should definitely check it out. I'm going to try and come back next year.

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Greg Edlund
Broward Sheriff Office

Hi, this is Brian Laas. I'm from Arvada, Colorado. This is about my second or third time with HITS, and I've enjoyed it greatly. I like the vast amount of instructors' backgrounds, so even though I've come once or twice before, I'm always gaining a lot of knowledge. This is a great seminar for both the new and the old handlers. I think you can't go wrong coming here. It's a good time and well-spent money for your department.

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Brian Laas
Arvada Police Department

Hi, my name is Neil with U.S. Park Police. This is the first time I ever attend HITS and it's great training. A lot of different courses that definitely benefit my career. I've been a handler for 14 years now. I'm still learning and I recommend people to come down here and learn something.

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Neil
US Park Police

Been to hits a couple times, keeps getting better every time. This year it's been amazing, a lot of people, a lot of great classes, great camaraderie between all the agencies here. It's a good time, I highly recommend it.

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Unknown Attendee

Hi, Mark with BCBK9 here at HITS 2017, lets you know what a success it was. Tons of handlers, tons of great classes. We're really glad that we drove all the way out from Missouri and we're looking forward to 2018 being in DC and we hope to see you all there.

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Mark
BCB K9

Yeah, this is my first time it hits. It was a great time. Actually, I've been to a lot of conferences before. This is definitely the best.

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Attendee
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Secure your seat at HITS 2026

Legal defensibility is not theoretical. It is tested in court.

This class helps handlers and agencies prepare before that moment arrives.

Register for HITS 2026
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Explore other HITS classes

The Drug Canine Legal Update is one part of a broader HITS program designed to strengthen deployment judgment, detection reliability, and operational decision-making in the field. Additional sessions expand that learning across tracking, behavior, detection science, and tactical leadership.

View full class schedule
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