Military (General) Expert Witnesses: 3

Dr. John R. Black is a recognized expert with extensive experience in international, federal, and state courts on Lethal Force, Police Use of Force, Officer-Involved Shootings, and Civilian Self-Defense, blending forensic analysis with human-centered perspectives and systems thinking. Dr. Black employs a systems thinking approach that enables him to view incidents from multiple perspectives. He regularly speaks to Police leadership, investigators, lawyers, and organizations about how we think about the process of inquiry, our biases, and our sensemaking.

Litigation Support - Dr. Black is qualified as an expert witness in state and federal courts related to police practices, police use of force, decision-making, officer-involved shootings, police tactics, police training, incident command, and police / jail operations. He is also qualified with similar expertise for civilian self-defense and use of force events.

Expert in Use of Force & Lethal Force Incidents & Decision-Making

In cases involving force--lethal force, understanding decision-making is as critical as the facts themselves. Whether you are a defense attorney explaining your client’s actions or a prosecutor challenging them, you need an expert who integrates both events and decision-making processes. Dr. Black offers a unique approach, blending quantitative precision with qualitative insight into how individuals make sense of their world. he is a recognized expert with experience in international, federal, and state courts on lethal force, police use of force, officer-involved shootings, and civilian self-defense. He combines forensic analysis with human-centered perspectives, ensuring a balanced view that benefits both defense and prosecution.

Advanced Forensic Video and Qualitative Analysis

Video evidence often plays a pivotal role in determining the facts. Dr. Black is skilled in forensic video analysis, using Amped Five software to extract key details. What sets him apart is his ability to combine video analysis with qualitative thematic tools like Atlas.TI, understanding both what happened and how individuals interpreted their environment under stress.

Cognitive Interviewing and Human Performance Expertise

Dr. Black specializes in cognitive interviewing, exploring clients’ mindsets during critical moments leading up to the use of force. His approach bridges the quantitative analysis of human performance with qualitative insights into violent encounters, offering a comprehensive view of why actions were taken.

Military and Law Enforcement Expertise

With 30+ years in U.S. Army Special Forces and 23+ years in law enforcement, Dr. Black brings unmatched experience to each case. He provides practical insights grounded in real-world experience. His background ensures a comprehensive understanding of how policy, training, and decision-making intersect under pressure.

View Aragon National, Inc.'s Consulting Profile.

Harry Direen, PhD, PE has over 30 years of experience as an engineer Designing and Developing Systems in the Electronics and Software Industry. He has taught engineering courses at the US Air Force Academy and at the University of Colorado. Dr. Direen currently works with a research group at the US Air Force Academy developing control systems and image processing using GPGPUs for UAVs. An inventor, he holds 3 United States patents.

Litigation Support - Dr. Direen has significant experience as an expert witness supporting counsel and testifying in complex patent infringement cases. He has a broad base of knowledge in electronic and software systems gained from a long career developing a wide range of products and systems. His litigation experience also includes encryption / decryption methods associated with databases and signal processing. Dr. Direen has reverse engineered a variety of complex systems over the years, including: media players, modems, modem compression algorithms, coriolis mass flow meters, database systems, and a range of other products to support patent infringement cases generating detailed claim charts and writing expert reports to demonstrate infringement. He has successfully discovered and analyzed complex digital signal processing algorithms and pertinent operations within these products. Dr. Direen's expertise is available to counsel representing both plaintiff and defendant. He is highly proficient in explaining complex systems to laymen.

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View Dr. Direen's Consulting Profile.

Steven S. Paul, the owner of TDT, is a Mechanic and Automobile Expert responsible for all aspects of the business including marketing, operations, and accounting as well as customer service. He has over 25 years of experience in automotive service, heavy equipment maintenance, and inspection services. 

Mr. Paul is ASE Master Certified in both Automotive and Medium / HD Trucks including engines performance, electrical, driveline, brakes, steering, and suspension as well as safety-related systems. He has inspected over 2,500 vehicles since 2005 ranging from Model T Fords to 2021 BMW & Mercedes. He is qualified to inspect HD Semi Trucks and Construction Equipment as well as RV, Motorhomes, and Campers. Mr. Paul also has inspection experience with Exotic & Luxury High-End Cars as well as Boats and Watercraft. automobile, medium-duty, and heavy-duty truck repair and inspection as well as heavy equipment such as construction and agriculture equipment.

Litigation Support - Mr. Paul is a Certified Vehicle Appraiser and can provide opinions of value based on fair market value, diminished value, and replacement values in accordance with USPAP.  He has been court qualified as an expert vehicle inspector in multiple states as well as federal court. 

Mr. Paul has provided over 500 expert witness reports, provided over 30 depositions, and testified in court over 10 times. He is willing to travel to all 50 states. He has experience in:

 Lemon Law - Misrepresentation and Dealer Operations - Lease Return Inspections - Vehicle Condition Reports

Areas of Expertise: