James Hart is a veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) with over 33 years of experience as a Police Officer and 23 years as a SWAT Operator. In 1993, James developed and created the Defensive Tactics Unit in response to numerous altercations occurring with combative suspects, and injuries sustained by SWAT Operators involved in Use of Force incidents.  As a SWAT Instructor, he has conducted many training courses for officers in LAPD and with other local, state, and federal law enforcement officers.  James has also conducted advanced courses for the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) where he trained numerous tactical officers throughout the United States and Puerto Rico in dealing with Aggressive/Combative Suspects, Use of Force situations, Hand to Hand Combat, Weapon Retention, Crisis Negotiation Training (CNT), Basic SWAT Training, and Sniper Training.  James has also worked in Crime Suppression, Gang Suppression, and Narcotic Enforcement with several Federal Task Force Units.

 

While serving as an Operator in SWAT (D- Platoon), James participated in countless High-Risk Warrant Services that were above and beyond the capabilities of a normal patrol. He was a Breacher as well as a CNT Member where he was able to successfully talk barricaded suspects and suicidal victims into a peaceful resolution.  As a qualified trainer, he has also worked with the Suicide Hot Line unit and has trained and mentored new officers joining SWAT.  Additionally, James has worked many specialized protective assignments--- including the Chief of Police Security Detail, visiting Heads of State, Dignitaries, and assisting the United States Secret Service with the Presidential (POTUS) Detail.

 

James is a graduate of the FBI's Firearms Instructor course and the United States Marine Corps, Scout Sniper course.  He has also taught at Fullerton College Police Academy, where he trained new recruits in defensive tactics, high profile/high-risk traffic stops, straight baton and PR-24 baton, hand-to-hand combat, and team takedowns.  He holds a 5th Degree Black Belt in Shudokan Ryu Taiho Jutsu and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Judo.  James was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2004, and with the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2010.  In 2012, he was honored as 'Instructor of the Year" by the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

 

James holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California State Polytechnic University of Pomona and an Associates Arts degree from Pierce College, Woodland Hills California.  He is also a  member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA). He has appeared in numerous feature films and television series as a SWAT Operator and police officer including the performance of stunt work http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1215244/.  He's had speaking roles in feature films, television series, NRATV.COM productions, and international films.  James has provided security for numerous celebrities. He currently works for a self-made billionaire and with an A-list celebrity actress.

In addition to his busy schedule, James finds time to volunteer with The Randal D. Simmons Outreach Foundation (Glory Kids) as a mentor for at-risk children in the inner city of Los Angeles.