James Wagner retired from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, having held the rank of Lieutenant while commanding the Special Services Bureau.  His areas of responsibility included Community Relations, Public Information, Training, Employment, and Research and Development.  LT Wagner is a FEMA certified Public Information Officer and acted as the Sheriff’s Office spokesperson from 2008 until his retirement.  James has over 30 years of experience in policing.  His experience includes:

·         Interpersonal Communications instructor

·         SWAT and Hostage Negotiations

·         Forensic Interviewing Instructor

·         Crowd Management

·         Crisis Communications

·         Crisis Intervention

·         Field Training

·         Leadership and Supervision

James has been a Police Trainer in Firearms, Control Tactics, Training, Leadership, and other topics important to Police Operations.   He became a Field Training Officer in 1992.  James managed Field Training for the Sheriff’s Office beginning in 2003, during which time, the agency was under a consent decree.  He developed and authored his Problem-based Learning Model of Field Training while navigating this difficult time.  James Wagner is the lead instructor and author of the material used.  James holds a BS from NIU and is a graduate of SPSC Class 233 and FBINA Class 235.