Chief Chris Gard (retired) is an Advanced Force Science Specialist with nearly three decades of law enforcement experience. In addition to his duties as a Staff Instructor, Chris is a member of the Force Science Consulting Division, advising clients and providing expert testimony in many of the country’s highest-profile use-of-force cases.

Chris serves on the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Crime Prevention Committee. He chaired the Homeland Security Region 5 Training Exercise committee and the Terrorism Early Warning committee. He was a member of the Tri-County Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack Oversight Board for the Seattle Metropolitan Area while also serving on the Metro Tactical Response Team Oversight Board.

Chris is a former SWAT team member and clandestine lab investigator. He conducted crime scene investigation and management, criminal investigations, crime scene photography, and cognitive interviewing. As a trainer, Chris earned certifications as a firearms instructor, simulator instructor, master reality-based training instructor, defensive tactics instructor, and civilian self-defense instructor.

Chris has a bachelor’s degree, majoring in Psychology and Government. He holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice, with an emphasis on Forensic Psychology.