California Force Instructors' Association to Host Annual Use of Force Conference in August 2026

Structured Digest of the Announcement

The California Force Instructors' Association (CALFIA) will hold its 2026 Use of Force Conference from August 10-13 at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry, California. This four-day professional event aims to address topics regarding modern policing, officer safety, and decision-making frameworks. The conference incorporates a mix of training sessions, panel discussions, and a first responder grappling tournament designed to promote physical conditioning and tactical proficiency among law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical service personnel attending the scheduled proceedings.

Key Digest

10 Essential Facts at a Glance

The CALFIA 2026 Use of Force Conference is scheduled for August 10-13 at the Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry, California.
The event is POST certified under Control #5028-21756-26.
The conference features a grappling tournament for active law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel.
Mixed martial artist Anderson Silva is scheduled to participate in conference events.
The curriculum covers de-escalation strategies, tactical decision-making, and legal considerations in policing.
The event aims to align training standards with the legislative intent of California's AB392, also known as the Act to Save Lives.
Speakers at the conference include representatives from various training groups, legal firms, and academic institutions.
The exhibition hall will feature companies offering safety technology, equipment, and professional services.
CALFIA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on law enforcement education and professional development.
Registration for the conference and the associated jiu-jitsu tournament is currently open to qualified professionals.

What This Means

The CALFIA 2026 conference represents a centralized effort within the law enforcement sector to standardize training methodologies across various jurisdictions. By hosting a diverse group of stakeholders, including legal professionals, medical personnel, and tactical trainers, the organization seeks to align field practices with evolving legislative requirements such as the California Act to Save Lives. This gathering focuses on the practical application of de-escalation strategies and the integration of less-lethal technologies, which have become central components of administrative policy and public safety oversight. The emphasis on grappling and physical control skills reflects a broader industry shift toward prioritizing non-lethal physical intervention techniques as a primary method for managing high-stress encounters.

From an industry perspective, the inclusion of private sector exhibitors and external subject matter experts indicates a collaborative approach to resource management and technical development. As agencies face increased scrutiny regarding their use-of-force policies, the systematic sharing of information and evidence-based training models serves as a mechanism for institutional risk management. The conference provides a platform for vendors to introduce equipment and services that support these updated training goals, potentially influencing procurement trends across California departments. Ultimately, the event highlights the ongoing tension between operational requirements and the demand for increased transparency in police conduct, positioning structured professional development as a key instrument for reconciling these institutional priorities within the public safety landscape.

Questions Worth Watching

How will the integration of professional combat sports athletes into law enforcement training influence long-term tactical outcomes?
To what extent will the focus on grappling-based control skills affect future departmental policies regarding less-lethal force?
Does the shift toward standardized private training models signify a move away from state-run internal training programs?

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