Former police lieutenant Dave Smith is an internationally known speaker, writer and law enforcement trainer. Dave attended The United States Naval Academy and then completed his degree at The University of Arizona while fighting forest fires with the “Coconino Hot Shots.” He began his police career with the Tucson Police Department and in 1978 joined the Arizona Department of Public Safety. As a career police officer, Dave held positions in Patrol, SWAT, Narcotics, Training and Management. In 1980 he developed the popular “Buck Savage” video training series; he went on to be the lead instructor for the Calibre Press “Street Survival” seminars from 1983 to 1985, and was instrumental in developing Calibre’s timeless “Tactical Edge” officer survival book. Dave holds numerous instructor certifications in firearms, defensive tactics, and human performance, and is a proven expert witness and consultant.

In 1989, Dave joined the Law Enforcement Television Network (LETN), developing and hosting cutting-edge police, security and public safety training as its Director of Education.  He was also the general manager of Calibre Press until January of 2002. Now the owner of Dave Smith & Associates, he continues to develop hundreds of programs across the police & corporate training spectrum, and presents them around the world.

Dave is currently the senior instructor of the Calibre Press “Street Survival” seminar, the lead instructor for Winning Mind Seminars, a regular columnist for Police magazine, the Calibre Press Newsline, PoliceOne.Com, and is the Director of Video Training for the Police One Academy. He is available for conferences, training events, and consulting, and is the author of the popular book, In My Sights. Dave can be reached on Facebook as “JD Buck Savage.”