There are only 50 people in the world who have a training certification through Armament Systems and Procedures, and one of them works for the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Rhett McNatt traveled to Toronto May 19-22 to complete the process of becoming a certified integrated tactical trainer. The course is presented by ASP, which provides tools, training and services to more than 4 million police and military members in more than 100 countries.

McNatt is now qualified to offer free training to instructors at police departments and sheriff’s offices in the use-of-force spectrum, which also includes the de-escalation of force. His training area includes Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and part of Georgia.

“The more I can spread the word can keep guys safe and off YouTube, that’s a good thing,” McNatt said. “(ASP) preaches the de-escalation of force. When it comes time to use force, (officers) should use the minimum force necessary to gain control.”

Some of those reduced-force tactics include use of batons, proper handcuffing and even using a flash light as an offensive and defensive weapon.

There were 10 trainer certification slots available this year, and McNatt was selected out of 23 who attended the training course in Toronto. Others who attended were from Ireland, Spain, France, Canada and other U.S. states. McNatt said the techniques learned as part of the certification transcend language barriers.

The benefit to the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office is that ASP donated more than $3,000 in lightweight handcuffs and batons to the department. McNatt explained that ASP’s founder, Dr. Kevin Parsons, is a proponent of giving back to law enforcement departments and the military.

McNatt said he’s ready and willing to work with trainers at any department in his coverage area. ASP reimburses the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office for McNatt’s wages while he’s away teaching others.

“It’s free, and I have a knowledge base I worked hard for four years to get,” he said. “If someone has a venue, I’ll be happy to teach.”

For more information on ASP, visit www.asp-usa.com.