The ILEETA Learning Lab
The Learning Lab is a series of 60 minute interviews with ILEETA Conference presenters discussing the key teaching point takeaways from their conference presentation. These interviews are packed with great content and created to serve as weekly professional development training for ILEETA members.
The ILEETA Learning Lab
Once Upon a Crime: The Art of Storytelling in Police Training - Kimberly Schlau
Kimberly Schlau will present Once Upon a Crime: The Art of Storytelling in Police Training at the 2026 ILEETA Conference & Expo in St. Louis, 16–21 March 2026.
👉 https://www.ileeta.org/conference/
Once Upon a Crime: The Art of Storytelling in Police Training
Kimberly Schlau | ILEETA Conference & Expo
Course Length: 1:45
Facts inform—but stories stick.
In this ILEETA Learning Lab interview, Kimberly Schlau explores how storytelling transforms police training from information delivery into lasting impact. Drawing on real-world experience, Kim explains why narratives outperform bullet points when it comes to attention, emotional connection, and long-term retention.
Kim shares how effective stories:
- Capture attention in distracted learning environments
- Create emotional connection without manipulation
- Improve recall and decision-making long after training ends
- Translate policy, case law, and safety lessons into human meaning
This conversation offers a clear preview of what attendees can expect from Kim’s session at the ILEETA Conference & Expo. Participants will learn how to structure stories intentionally—moving beyond “war stories” toward training narratives that answer what happened, why it mattered, and what to do next.
Whether you are attending #ILEETA2026 or simply looking to improve how you communicate lessons that matter, this episode reflects the professionalism, humility, and shared learning that define the ILEETA training community.
🎥 Watch the full interview:
https://youtu.be/OGAMXjL78Ao
Instructor: Kimberly Schlau
About the Instructor:
Kim Schlau lost two daughters in 2007 to a traffic crash caused by a distracted Illinois State Trooper. Since 2009, she has spoken at law enforcement agencies, academies, conferences, schools, and businesses nationwide, using storytelling to prevent crashes due to speed and distracted driving and to save lives through awareness and accountability.
Company: Uhl Sisters Memorial Foundation
Connect with Kim:
- Instagram: @kim_schlau
Website: https://www.kimberlyschlau.com