Training Programs

Sowards Consulting is not a POST-certified provider; however, Dr. Sowards has been a POST-certified instructor since 2004. Our training programs are certified through the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) program. STC certification is the governing standard for California probation, juvenile corrections, and county detention training.

STC (Standards and Training for Corrections) is administered by the California BSCC and sets mandatory training standards for probation officers, juvenile corrections officers, and county detention staff. If your agency is a BSCC-participating agency, STC-certified training satisfies your mandatory continuing education requirements. All Sowards Consulting courses are STC-certified and meet these requirements.

All Sowards Consulting courses are STC-certified. Upon successful completion, each student will receive a certificate that includes the official STC course certification number. Agencies use this certificate and certification number to file for STC credit through their standard agency process. No additional paperwork is required from Dr. Sowards — the certificate provides everything your agency needs.

Yes. All STC-certified courses offered by Sowards Consulting count toward the mandatory annual in-service training hours required for BSCC-participating agencies. Contact us to confirm which specific courses apply to your agency's training plan.

Yes. Most Sowards Consulting courses are available as on-site training delivered at your facility. On-site delivery eliminates travel costs for your staff and allows training to be tailored to your agency's specific policies, environment, and current challenges. Contact us to discuss scheduling and contract options.

Class sizes vary by course. Defensive tactics and physical skills courses (Weaponless Defense Instructor, WDI Update) are capped at 20 participants to ensure safe, quality instruction. Classroom-based courses such as Preventing Manipulation & Grooming and Chemical Agents Training accommodate up to 20–30 participants. Leadership and professional development courses have no hard cap. Contact us for specifics on any course.

Yes. Sowards Consulting offers multi-day training packages and annual training agreements for agencies that want to build a comprehensive, ongoing training program. Bundled contracts are available at preferred rates. Contact us to discuss your agency's annual training needs.

Dr. Sowards delivers training statewide throughout California. He is based in Sacramento County and regularly travels to Northern, Central, and Southern California agencies. Travel costs for on-site training outside the Sacramento region are discussed during the contracting process.

Dr. Sowards provides expert witness analysis and testimony in cases involving use of force by law enforcement and corrections officers, PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) incidents, staff misconduct and boundary violations, officer training standards and policy compliance, and internal affairs investigations. He has been retained in over 20 cases by both plaintiff and defense counsel.

Contact us through the Expert Witness page or the Contact form with a brief description of the case, jurisdiction, and timeline. Dr. Sowards will review the matter for conflicts and respond within 48 hours regarding availability and fee schedule.

Yes. In addition to litigation support, Dr. Sowards consults with agencies on use-of-force policy development, PREA compliance reviews, training program audits, and officer conduct investigations. Contact us to discuss your agency's specific consulting needs.

Yes. Agency bulk licensing is available for all digital courses in the Sowards Consulting Training Portal on Payhip. Agencies can purchase access for groups of officers at a reduced per-seat rate. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss agency licensing.

Online course eligibility for STC credit depends on BSCC's current standards for distance learning. Contact your agency's STC coordinator or reach out to us directly to confirm which online courses qualify for STC hours under your agency's approved training plan.