About Us

Learn more about our history as AAPT, our professional lead instructors, and our wonderful support staff

Dr. Boyer Cross - PHD
Dr. William Morrison — Founder

The American Academy of Protective Training and Technologies (AAPTT) as it was known when it was first founded in July of 1989 by William Morrison and his associates. AAPTT was created to fill a void in both the security and investigative fields to develop training concepts, materials and courses for security guards and investigative personnel in an effort to create a standard of security officer training comparable to that of any major law enforcement agency local, state or federal.

Mr. Moreno joined AAPTT. He began teaching security guard and shooting classes in March of 1995. Mr. Moreno then started developing courses for AAPTT where he worked closely with Mr. Morrison and together, they improved the already outstanding core curriculum. This core curriculum was shortly adopted by Shannon Security Training Center based out of Inglewood, California, and a few other vocational training centers where the 500-page course known as the Security Officers Standards and Training (SOST) became the Bible for security officers in the Los Angeles Area.

Mr. Morrison became ill and began a long and hard fight with cancer. Mr. Morrison was then unable to continue neither managing nor working at the academy. He shortly turned the academy over to one of the managing partners by the name of Devin Laser who then focused the training curriculum towards Law Enforcement. Providing tactical training to departments and agencies throughout the continental U.S. with the development of training programs such as Force on Force, reality-based scenario, and stress educed critical thinking. 

Richard F. Moreno acquired the rights to The American Academy of Protective Training and Technologies and became the sole owner of AAPTT. In the beginning of September 1998, the name of AAPTT was changed to the American Academy of Protective Training (AAPT) and has carried on the tradition of developing new and innovative training programs, not only for law enforcement, military and security personnel, but also to include the law-abiding citizens within the civilian population.

The torch has been passed on to a new owner.  The American Academy of Protective Training was purchased by Jasmine Marinoff, she has become the new owner and president of the company. Mrs. Marinoff believes in the principles of top-quality training. She is also a firm believer in developing reality-based training for real world applications. Mrs. Marinoff has asked the entire training staff to stay on with AAPT. In keeping with this long-standing tradition and maintain the current level of training offered by AAPT. She has vowed to continue developing new, challenging and dynamic training courses for Civilians, Law Enforcement, Military and Security Personnel.

Meet Our Instructors

Richard F. Moreno

Chief Instructor Trainer

Law Enforcement Instructor

LEOSA HR-218 Instructor

Arizona DPS Security Trainer

BSIS Firearms Instructor

BSIS Baton Instructor

Nevada PILB Certified Firearms Instructor (CFI)

OSHA Outreach Instructor (GI/CI)

Cal OSHA Outreach Instructor (GI/CI)

OSHA HAZWOPER Instructor

NRA Training Counselor (All disciplines)

NRA Law Enforcement Instructor (Pistol/Shotgun)

Taser Certified Instructor

CPR First Aid/AED Instructor-ARC

TCCC/TECC Instructor

Stop the Bleed Instructor

Natalie Bradford

Operations Manager
OSHA Outreach Instructor (GI/CI)
Cal OSHA Outreach Instructor (GI/CI)
NRA Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun Instructor
CPR First Aid/AED Instructor-ARC/AHA
Stop the Bleed Instructor

Joshua Moreno

Training Instructor
Arizona DPS Security Trainer
BSIS Firearms Instructor
Cal DOJ Instructor
Taser Certified Instructor
NRA Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun Instructor
CPR First Aid/AED Instructor-ARC
Stop the Bleed Instructor

Ruben Rosas

Instructor
BSIS Baton Instructor
Cal DOJ Instructor
NRA Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun Instructor
Taser Certified Instructor
CPR First Aid/AED Instructor-ARC
Stop the Bleed Instructor

Susan Carter

Instructor
BSIS Firearms Instructor
Cal DOJ Instructor
NRA Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun Instructor

Nelson Carter

Instructor
BSIS Baton Instructor

Meet Our Support Staff

Jack Lee

Jack is a passionate technology leader with strong experience in management roles working on architecture, development, maintenance and operations of online solutions. Jack’s main objective is to evolve the WordPress program development of learning management systems, making Jack a crucial asset in the company’s vision.

Zoya Hank

Zoya has 20 years of experience in Management, Recruitment and Marketing. She demonstrates strong leadership skills based on a synergetic approach and is a strong team player that seeks quality and drives for results.

Alex Jones

Alex has more than 15 years of experience in software engineering, programming, marketing and business development. In late 2010, he founded the first evolution of our e-Learning site, an agile end-to-end operation learning management software designed for the security industry.

Chris Parker

Chris is an impact-oriented and entrepreneurial executive with over 20 years of experience across a wide range of industries. He surpasses targets by communicating effectively and building a strategic plan that emphasizes initiative and accountability.

Numbers Speak for themselves

10+

Awards

5+

Countries

12+

Partners

7k+

Students

What Our Students Have to Say

Great Training Courses! Took the SB1626 School Security Course Online. Had questions and the staff was very helpful and patient and answered all my questions. Thank you AAPT!
Kelly Byrd
US
The instructor was very knowledgeable and made the class painless as possible. After all, 24 hours of class time can be brutal. Overall, I will recommend American Academy if you are really intending to learn a great deal; it was an awesome experience.
Rigoberto Gamboa
US
Mr. Moreno is so soo sooo knowledgeable in gun safety and handling. He’s vast experience makes him a great instructor, and I highly recommend his courses at any level of shooting.
Tim S
US
I highly recommend AAPT if you need firearms training or just want to improve your skills. You won’t find more competent instruction elsewhere.
T. Hoff
US
error: Content is protected !!