Interview and Interrogation PLUS De-Escalation

Speaker: Chief Doug Miller, MSCJ, Apple Creek Police Department

May 7, 2026

12:00 - 1:30 p.m. on Zoom

This training will provide humane officers with a practical overview of effective interview and interrogation techniques used in the field. Officers will learn how to gather accurate information from complainants, witnesses, and animal owners through structured questioning, active listening, and proper documentation. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining a neutral, professional demeanor, identifying inconsistencies, and ensuring all observations—including statements, environmental conditions, and animal welfare indicators—are clearly documented to support enforcement actions when necessary.

The training will also introduce core de-escalation strategies designed to reduce conflict and promote voluntary compliance during animal-related incidents. Officers will be shown how to use calm communication, controlled body language, and situational awareness to safely manage interactions with emotional or agitated individuals while ensuring the safety of all parties, including animals. The presentation will highlight recognizing escalation cues, creating space, and applying practical techniques to defuse tense situations, with a focus on officer safety and effective resolution.

ABOUT CHIEF MILLER

Chief Doug Miller, MSCJ, is a semi-retired, 30-year Law Enforcement and military first responder who currently is the Chief of  Police in Apple Creek Ohio, and most recently served as a Detective and training officer with the East Cleveland Ohio Police Department. He is also a former member of their SWAT Team. Before joining the East Cleveland Police Department, Miller was the Deputy Chief of the Put in Bay Police Department as well as a Special Investigator for the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office in their Cold Case Unit. In 2016, Miller obtained his Masters Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tiffin (Ohio) University. He holds an Instructor Certification from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy, and now serves as an Academy Commander. He also teaches as an Adjunct Criminal Justice Instructor at the university level. Miller is an 11-year active duty Army Veteran serving as a Health Care Specialist (Combat Medic), Licensed Practical Nurse and a Combat Life Saver (CLS) Instructor. 

REGISTRATION FEE

• $0 for Ohio Fed Webinar Bundle participants with code
• $25 per organization for Ohio Fed members with 1-5 program participants 

• $35 per organization for Ohio Fed members with 6-10 program participants 

• $45 per organization for Ohio Fed members with 11+ program participants 

• $50 per organization for non-members 

Ohio Animal Welfare Federation is an approved provider of content which enhances professional competence and aligns with the 5 domains of the CAWA Exam specifications. Every hour of training equals 1 CE towards CAWA Recertification.

This webinar has also been approved for Continuing Educational Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certificate holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA CEU policy located here.