Richard Lichten

Lieutenant (Retired)

Curriculum Vitae

(Reviewed July 14, 2010)

26504 Bouquet Canyon Road, Suit 110

Santa Clarita, California 91350

Phone: (661) 406 – 7258

Fax: (661) 296 – 6171

Web site; www.policeandjailprocedures.com

Email: policeandjailprocedures@yahoo.com

CONSULTANT … EXPERT WITNESS

Law Enforcement Training / Police and Jail Procedures

Legal Consultation / Emergency Preparedness Training

A lifetime of service in the public sector encompassing patrol, jail / custody,

and investigatory procedures put at your disposal

with an emphasis on impartiality and objectivity.

Why choose Richard Lichten?

Richard Lichten is deemed a qualified expert in the use of force and police practices in the State of California Superior Courts and authored the Rule 26 reports for cases in federal court.

He offers you 30+ years of law enforcement experience. He is thoroughly familiar with the administrative, tactical, and procedure portions of law enforcement and possesses advanced knowledge of public administration, law, police, and security issues. Mr. Lichten’s background includes extensive cross-cultural experience as well as an extensive network of contacts with law enforcement. He is able to convey complex information in meaningful terms.

He is a highly qualified and motivated professional with a diversified background who is committed to quality, documentation, and accountability to ensure an objective opinion whether for the plaintiff or the defense. He works meticulously and pays attention to the smallest detail. His strong work ethics are irreproachable.

He possesses a unique combination of intuitive and analytical abilities. He is astute at recognizing areas in need of improvement, with the vision to develop action steps and see them through to a prompt and successful completion. You will find it easy to work with Mr. Lichten due to his excellent facilitation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

All of Mr. Lichten’s assignments were front line assignments. He was consistently commended for his professionalism, his outstanding performance, and his outstanding service to the community. He has served as a lieutenant for various Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stations as well as correctional facilities throughout Los Angeles County, and commanded many large-scale operations during major natural disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes. Other functions included Sergeant (supervising 200+ deputies per shift), Narcotics Investigator, Detective, Patrol Deputy, and Training Officer.

He has provided training in

▪ the proper handling of various public interactions such as high-risk incidents

▪ tactical command science of handling various tense situations

▪ use of force

▪ proper patrol procedures

▪ emergency skills preparedness and training

▪ officer safety

▪ incident report writing

▪ California state criminal law

▪ supervision and leadership skills for newly promoted sergeants and lieutenants

Specializations

▪ Observation of all police use of force on street patrol and within correctional facilities

▪ Policies and procedures pertaining to vehicle and foot pursuits

▪ Analysis of officer involved shootings

▪ Response to high-risk incidents and inmate riots/uprisings

▪ Ensure safe admittance and removal of numerous violent and dangerous inmates

▪ Emergency/Safety Preparedness

▪ Criminal Law/California State Law

▪ Narcotics Investigations

▪ Legal Consultations for Attorneys, Law Enforcement Personnel, and Media

Qualifications

▪ Use of force expertise (patrol and custody)

▪ Criminal and internal investigations

▪ Conflict resolutions

▪ Executive protection programs

▪ Supervision and training

▪ Emergency preparedness training

▪ Search and seizure

▪ Risk management

▪ Emergency response

▪ Command Post operations / Incident Command Systems

▪ Professional development

Law Advocacy

Mr. Lichten has conducted over 1,800 use of force investigations concerning sheriff deputies and has investigated more than 1,000 various complaints from other deputy personnel and private citizens—including inmates—concerning allegations of deputy misconduct.

Mr. Lichten provides legal consultation and other advice to officers, including the review of specific law enforcement polices and procedures concerning various public interactions and additional assistance in preparation for court proceedings.

As a command officer in various divisions of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Mr. Lichten ensured that all staff followed proper protocol and procedures concerning high-risk incidents, officer involved shootings, vehicle pursuits, etc. In a custody environment, Mr. Lichten commanded responses to over 100 major inmate disturbances/riots within large correctional facilities, dealing with barricaded inmates, forced cell removals, hostage situations, medical emergencies, fires, evacuations, and earthquakes.

Attorney Consultation Services

Expertise offered to law firms in need of assistance and consultation concerning law enforcement misconduct, police tactics and procedures concerning various situations, in particular officer involved use of force, TASER use, and shooting cases.

Upon review of the case, Mr. Lichten will determine whether the officer’s actions were reasonable and whether he or she followed standard procedures of a particular law enforcement agency.

Besides the specific police officer’s actions, Mr. Lichten will also determine if the law enforcement agency’s actions with regard to policy and procedures were in compliance with generally accepted law enforcement practices.

For a complete list of Mr. Lichten’s prior cases, click here. It can also be found on the “Prior Cases” page of the web site.

Media Consultation Services

Consultation services provided to media entities in need of additional information or perspective concerning law enforcement policies and procedures as well as other aspects of law enforcement.

In July 2010, Mr. Lichten appeared on a Canadian news television show to discuss a recent jail riot in Canada.

In July 2010, Mr. Lichten appeared on several episodes of the television show, 1000 Ways to Die. He discussed various laws and illegal narcotics.

In June 2010, Mr. Lichten was interviewed by CBS Channel 2 about a recent LAPD standoff with a murder suspect who jumped off of a cliff.

In June 2010, Mr. Lichten was interviewed by KFI radio about a recent confrontation between the LAPD and a photographer.

In April 2010, Mr. Lichten was interviewed by KFI radio about a recent jail escape.

In April 2010, Mr. Lichten was interviewed by KFI radio about the causal factors of prison/jail riots.

In April 2010, the Sacramento Bee newspaper interviewed Mr. Lichten about a police shooting of a mentally ill woman who stole an ambulance.

In March 2010, CBS/KCAL news interviewed Mr. Lichten about a recent LAPD officer involved shooting and about police use of deadly force in general.

In January 2010, the San Diego Business Journal consulted with Mr. Lichten about the use of the new “LRAD” or Long Range Acoustic Device (powerful speakers) in law enforcement.

Listed with CNN as an expert in jail riots and other prison issues. In December 2009, CNN-HLN (CNN Headline News) interviewed Mr. Lichten about a prison escape in Texas.

In April 2009, the Washington Post consulted with Mr. Lichten in an effort to conduct their investigative report with regard to security concerns at the Prince George County Correctional Center.

In May 2009, Dr. Prison’s staff (www.drprison.org) consulted with Mr. Lichten for the pilot television show. The subject of the show, produced by a non-profit organization, is to teach people how to survive in jail and in prison.

In November 2008. KTLA Channel 5 interviewed Mr. Lichten regarding his expertise in narcotics sting operations.

In September 2009, Mr. Lichten was interviewed about jail and prison issues by a New Zealand radio station and by KTRS radio in the mid-west.

Private Organizations have benefited from Mr. Lichten’s experience within the emergency and security preparedness sector, security and threat assessments, as well as terrorist threat awareness.

Public Agencies have requested Mr. Lichten’s opinion, recommendations, and assistance with regard to training manuals. He has written numerous emergency manuals, evacuations plans, response plans, and operations plans.

In September 2008, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department asked for and received Mr. Lichten’s expertise in the development of their jail training manual.

Emergency Preparedness Consulting (Private Sector)

Emergency Planning Specialist

Mr. Lichten joined Enviroservices Incorporated—a leading environmental, health, and safety consulting company—as a consultant on essential safety preparedness and emergency prevention tips.

Department of Homeland Security Vulnerability Assessment / Site Security Plans

By request, Mr. Lichten conducts various assessment designed to gauge overall effectiveness of current security measures while also recommending various adjustments/improvements which are aimed to reduce or eliminate security breaches.

Earthquake Preparedness

Mr. Lichten conducts various meetings and seminars—designed to ensure complete knowledge of proper safety techniques concerning earthquakes or other natural disasters—for business professionals and private individuals. Additional rescue and security tips are provided.

Disaster Response Cadre

Since 2008, Mr. Lichten is a team member of Dewberry, a Virginia-based, nationally known disaster response, mitigation, and engineering company.

Since 2010, Mr. Lichten has been a team member of Kenyon International Emergency Services which deploys world wide following disasters for body recovery and other emergency services.

Lecturer / Public Speaker

In June 2010, Mr. Lichten addressed the National Association of Legal Investigators at their national annual meeting held in Las Vegas on the subject of police use of force issues.

In March 2010, Mr. Lichten addressed the Riverside, California, Public Defender’s Office, Public Defenders about use of force issues

In October 2009, Mr. Lichten addressed the Riverside, California, Public Defender’s Office Investigator’s Training meeting and the Defense Investigator’s Association in San Diego, California, on use of force issues.

In 2007, Mr. Lichten lectured to the American Jail Association’s annual meeting in Tennessee about the proper handling of jail riots.

In 2006, Mr. Lichten lectured to the American Jail Association’s annual meeting in Utah about the proper handling of jail riots.


Continuing Education

In 2010, Mr. Lichten continues to receive instruction from the owner of the Defensive Combat Academy in the area of pre-assaultive behavior, reaction time, disparity of force, and other use of force doctrine.

In 2010, Mr. Lichten participated in TASA’s “webinar” on Rule 26 Report Writing.

In 2010, Mr. Lichten participated in TASA’s “webinar” on Tips For Your Deposition.

In 2009, Mr. Lichten participated in TASA’s “webinar” on The Ten Mistakes Expert Witnesses Often Make.

Author

10 – 33 Steroids

Article detailed the illicit use and distribution of steroids among police officers.

Article was featured in the California Narcotics Officer Association’s publication and picked up nationwide in other narcotics association newsletters.

How to Survive a Hostile Work Environment Investigation

Article provides specific strategies with regard to how to handle hostile work environments, how to remedy the situation, and the specific role of law enforcement in rectifying the situation.

Jail and Prison Riots

Article about the causal factors of jail and prison riots was published in the web site, HGExperts.com, February 2010. See http://www.hgexperts.com/article.asp?id=18198

Selected Awards / certificates of appreciation

Outstanding Service to the Community, 1993 and 1994

The City of Santa Clarita recognized Mr. Lichten for his courageous and outstanding performance during a shootout with a sniper in a residential area (1993) and for his overall response and service to various emergencies throughout Santa Clarita during the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

Meritorious Service Award, 1994

Sheriff Sherman Block recognized Mr. Lichten for his dedicated service in teaching emergency preparedness procedures and protocol.

Sheriff’s Commendation

Mr. Lichten was recognized for his actions and efforts, which helped to quell a massive inmate riot involving 2,000+ inmates at the North County Correctional Facility in Castaic, California.

Sheriff’s and Fire Department Commendation

Both departments recognized Mr. Lichten for his overall service as head of command post operations during the massive 2007 Los Angeles wildfires.

Riverside County Office of the Public Defender

Mr. Lichten received a certificate of appreciation for his lecture on police use of force cases given to their members at their quarterly training meeting in October 2009.

California Association of Defense Investigators

Mr. Lichten received a certificate of appreciation for his lecture on police use of force cases given to their members at their annual training meeting in November 2009.

More than 100 additional formal and/or written commendations in recognition of his law enforcement and emergency/rescue service to the community fill Mr. Lichten’s bulging file.

Professional Work experience

Lieutenant

Los Angeles County Sheriff, North County Correctional Facility

Castaic, California – November 2001 to February 2008

Los Angeles County Sheriff, Lancaster Station

Lancaster, California – August 1997 to November 2001

Los Angeles County Sheriff, North Facility

Castaic, California – March 1996 to July 1997

Sergeant

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station

Santa Clarita, California – March 1992 to March 1996

North County Correctional Facility

Santa Clarita, California – July 1989 to March 1992

Narcotics Investigator

Los Angeles County Sheriff Detective Division

Los Angeles, California – November 1986 to June 1989

Detective

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station

Santa Clarita, California – January 1986 to November 1986

Patrol Deputy

Training Officer

- Los Angeles County Sheriff Academy

- Los Angeles Men’s Central Jail

- Carson Sheriff Station

- West Hollywood Station

- Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station

Los Angeles County, California – February 1978 to December 1985

California Post Commission Certificates

Certifications Received

Peace Officer

- Basic Certificate

- Basic – Specialized Certificate

- Intermediate and Advanced Certificates

- Specialized Training Certificates

Sergeant

- Supervisory Peace Officer Certificate

Lieutenant

- Middle Management Certificate

Education

College of the Canyons

Santa Clarita, California – 2004

Courses of Study: Administration of Justice

Degrees/Certifications Received: AS Degree (Associates Degree)

Education Continued

Los Angeles County Paramedic

Los Angeles County, California – 1976 to 1978

Law Enforcement Professional Affiliations

Professional Peace Officer’s Association (PPOA)

Association of Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff’s (ALADS)

International Police Association (IPA)

National Officer’s Tactical Association

TRAINING RECEIVED

(Some training was assigned many times over 30 years. This list is in no particular order)
academy - basic	earthquake preparedness	clandestine labs
combat firearms	combat trap	falling plate course
handgun assault	firearms, advanced combat	target ID
sergeant supervisor school	career integrity workshop	sergeant training
missing persons	laser firearms	team building
field operations - sergeant	arwen training	MDT filed operations
first aid	AR-15	sudden infant death syndrome
disabled/mentally ill	haz-mat scene management	legal update
emergency operations center	computer hands on	WordPerfect
baton	earthquake CSTI	laser firearms
word processing	fraud cell phone	use of force
first aid	sex harassment	force issues
CPR	middle management school	WordPerfect 2
cultural awareness	force issues	holster transition
holster transition 2	cultural diversity	jail management
COPS supervisor 1	COPS supervisor 2	platoon commander
officer update	off duty firearms1	off duty firearms 2
terrorism CSTI	field operations - lieutenant	WMD operations
deputy leadership class	respect based leadership	area command team 1
incident command system	personnel performance index	sex harassment for supervisors
American Jail conference - lecture on jail riots (Utah)	deputy leadership class	American Jail conference - lecture on jail riots (Tenn)
NIMS emergency training	pursuit policy	combat trap
falling plates	handgun assault	modified PPC
target ID	Benneli shotgun	beretta training
combat shooting	combat trap	falling plate
handgun assault	modified PPC	target ID
combat trap	handgun/shotgun assault	modified PPC
jam clearing	pepper spray	sting ball
stinger 12	combat trap	handgun/shotgun assault
modified PPC	jam clearing	AR-15
AR-15 qualify	combat trap	handgun/shotgun assault
modified PPC	jam clearing	threat assessment - night
combat shotgun	combat trap	handgun assault
night shoot	target ID	jam clearing
handgun fundamentals	flashlight techniques	off duty weapons
off duty weapons	laser sighting	off duty weapons
40 hour jail operations	jail fire safety	fire/smoke situations
POST sergeants supervisory	CPR	risk assessment
case analysis #1	case analysis #2	emergency mobilization
command school	command school	command post operations
emergency resources	emergency preparedness	SWAT issues
crisis negotiation	tactics	transitional command
incident prevention	how to debrief	command issues
team building	ethics	first aid
emergency procedures	special weapons #1	special weapons #2
jail security	critical incident command	POST middle management
cultural awareness	use of force issues	hostage issues
special weapons/tactics/Taser	command workshop	jail manager seminar
respect based leadership/Lt.	Jail intelligence	racial profiling
CPR	firearms special shoot	respiratory protection
firearms continuing education	escape review	executive command school #1
executive command school #2	firearms issues	first aid
respect based leadership-cont	firearms	hostage takeover
off duty issues	emergency operations center	force police
suicide intervention	firearms shoot	deputy leadership school
fire life safety	incident management system	report writing
escape review	Tactical Science Course	squad tactics
hostage issues	gang overview	disaster preparedness
risk management issues	hostage issues	emergency operations center
national incident command #100	national incident command #200	national incident command #300
national incident command #400	national incident command #700	national incident command #800
executive protection basics	POST ethics trainer class	POST time management trainer class

Other specialty officer safety training.

Mr. Lichten twice attended the one week long Specialized Officer Safety Training Program at the California Specialized Training Institute at San Luis Obispo, CA, in officer safety tactics.