Charles Sherman

Charles is a nationally recognized use of force expert with more than 33 years in law enforcement, now serving as a lieutenant at a state correctional facility while also providing expert testimony in force related cases. Throughout his career he has focused on controlling and modifying behavior with the least necessary harm, a perspective shaped by his long standing concerns about pepper spray, which he refused to use during active duty and carried only an empty can to meet policy requirements. He has seen firsthand how OC spray can burn for 30 to 40 minutes, create significant respiratory distress, and prevent officers from safely interviewing or managing a subject who has already complied, with water often reactivating the spray and escalating anger throughout transport. His work today centers on improving safety for both officers and subjects through practical, evidence based force instruction grounded in real world experience.