Expert Consulting in Use-of-Force Training
Professional guidance for law enforcement and training solutions.
About Dr. Timothy Sowards
About Dr. Timothy Sowards
Leadership Training, Mentorship, Consulting
Dr. Timothy Sowards is a law enforcement leader, educator, and consultant with over 24 years of experience in probation services, use-of-force training, and officer development. His expertise spans leadership training, policy development, expert witness testimony, and officer mentorship, making him a trusted authority in law enforcement education and consulting.
Leadership & Organizational Impact
Throughout his career, Dr. Sowards has demonstrated strategic leadership in law enforcement and probation services. As Vice President of the Sacramento County Probation Association and Vice President of Northern California Probation Lodge #19, he advocates for over 1,250 probation officers across 10 counties, ensuring policy improvements, officer safety, and professional development.
Dr. Sowards is the Treasurer for the California State Fraternal Order of Police, which represents over 24,000 law enforcement officers in the State of California.
Dr. Sowards is also the Vice President and Co-Founder of the Randy Yamada Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting probation officers and advancing leadership initiatives.
His work in policy advocacy has contributed to legislative efforts addressing probation funding, officer rights, and law enforcement training standards.
Education & Teaching Excellence
As an adjunct professor, Dr. Sowards teaches at California State University Sacramento, California State University Chico, DeVry University, Napa Valley College, and American River College. His courses integrate academic theory with practical law enforcement applications, ensuring students develop critical thinking skills, ethical frameworks, and operational knowledge necessary for modern policing.
Dr. Sowards has been a dedicated law enforcement instructor since 2004, specializing in academy, in-service, and instructor-level training in physical skills and defensive tactics.
He holds certifications in Weaponless Defense, Advanced Weaponless Defense, Impact Weapons, Chemical Agents, Taser, Gracie Survival Tactics, and De-escalation Training. His expertise ensures that officers receive comprehensive, scenario-based instruction, equipping them with critical skills for effective and ethical policing.
Specialized Training Programs
Dr. Sowards has developed advanced use-of-force training curricula, defensive tactics instruction, and leadership development programs tailored for law enforcement officers and agencies. His approach emphasizes:
- Scenario-Based: Use-of-Force Training for officers facing high-pressure situations.
- De-escalation: Techniques & Defensive Tactics to ensure ethical and effective policing.
- Instructor-Level: Training to equip law enforcement educators with modern methodologies.
His training programs have been adopted across multiple agencies, reinforcing professional standards, accountability, and officer preparedness.
Consulting & Expert Witness Services
Dr. Sowards is a recognized expert witness, frequently retained in juvenile institution cases and law enforcement use-of-force reviews. His professional analysis helps agencies, legal teams, and policymakers develop compliance strategies, refine policy frameworks, and ensure ethical law enforcement practices.
His consulting services include:
- Policy Development & Reform for law enforcement training and operational standards.
- Internal Affairs & Investigative Reviews related to officer conduct and disciplinary cases.
- Use-of-Force Case Analysis supporting legal teams and government agencies.
- Leadership Coaching & Officer Mentorship to develop effective, ethical law enforcement professionals.
Commitment to Law Enforcement Excellence
Dr. Sowards’ guiding philosophy—"Perseverance Will Overcome Adversity"—reflects his dedication to mentoring officers, shaping ethical policing standards, and advancing law enforcement education. His work continues to influence leadership development, training programs, and policy reforms, ensuring the next generation of officers is equipped to lead with integrity, resilience, and expertise
Welcome
At Sowards Consulting, we provide expert consulting in law enforcement training and use-of-force strategies. With over 24 years of experience, Dr. Timothy Sowards is dedicated to mentoring and guiding agencies and professionals towards success in their careers.
Innovative Training Solution
Board of State Community Corrections (STC) Training Provider
- Weaponless Defense Instructor Course 40 Hours (probation)
- Weaponless Defense Instructor Course 80 Hours
- Weaponless Defense Instructor Update 24 Hours.
- Chemical Agents Training
- Leadership and Professionalism 4 hours
- Cultural Diversity 4 Hours
- Interacting with Americans with Disability 4-hour and 8-hour course