Jeff Wenninger

Jeff Wenninger is a nationally recognized expert in law enforcement as a retired Lieutenant with over 33 years of experience primarily with the LAPD. As the Founder & CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, LLC, Jeff draws from his vast experience in the investigation and adjudication of police use of force incidents, crowd management and control, school and campus safety, and the development of police management best practices. His work focuses on aligning police methods with societal expectations and improving public trust by administering comprehensive evaluations and recommendations to police departments, municipalities, and universities aimed at enhancing police training, reducing liability, improving safety, and fostering better community efficacy. Jeff is a recognized court use of force expert with experience testifying in criminal and civil cases as well as administrative hearings.
Having worked the LAPD elite Metropolitan Division, Jeff obtained extensive experience working with the Secret Service and U.S. State Department in coordinating dignitary protection details for the President, Vice President, First Lady, and any Head of State visiting Los Angeles. With this experience, he later oversaw the security of some prominent entertainers, and the venue security of a Major League Baseball team.
Despite challenges in his youth to overcome dyslexia and a speech impediment, Jeff excelled athletically and academically, earning a college scholarship for ice hockey and obtaining degrees in sociology, psychology and criminal justice. Jeff recognizes the historical value of traditional policing, but also appreciates the empirical evidence which supports that equally, if not more importantly, how research data can significantly impact the future of law enforcement. He built a distinguished career in law enforcement, beginning with receiving the Certificate of Merit for having the highest level of achievement of overall performance while in the academy (i.e. academics, physical fitness, firearms proficiency, and leadership). Throughout his career, Jeff was selected for coveted positions that included working in the elite LAPD Metropolitan Division, supervising the Rampart Gang Enforcement Detail, and managing police lethal force investigations used in evaluating potential criminal culpability on the part of the involved officers and the department adjudication of the police actions.
Jeff's contributions to law enforcement have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the LAPD Medal of Valor, Police Star, and Meritorious Unit Citation. His dedication to excellence is also reflected in his athletic achievements, having served as the captain of the LAPD hockey team and winning multiple medals in police sports competitions at national and international levels. Jeff’s insights and experiences have informed his forthcoming book, which proposes actionable solutions for improving law enforcement practices.
Adopted and raised in a diverse and civic-minded family, Jeff's commitment to community service extends beyond his professional life. He has been involved in numerous community initiatives, including animal welfare and charitable projects, school safety programs, serving on numerous boards, and volunteering as a school crossing guard. Jeff is a regular contributor to NPR and a law enforcement print media guest columnist, which has spurred international attention. Jeff currently lives in Ohio with his son.