Lateif Dickerson

Lateif Dickerson is a certified Master Firearms Instructor and security expert consultant with over 25 years of experience. Lateif Dickerson is a Federally Licensed Firearms dealer[1] (FFL), weapons specialist, expert witness on firearms, firearms training, weapons, use of force[2], and self-defense. He also trains private investigators and a master class competitor/instructor. Lateif Dickerson has acquired numerous certifications and recognition over his career.

Lateif Dickerson is the founder and owner of the New Jersey Firearms Academy[3], a privately owned educational institution that provides training services in the fields of security and firearms. The New Jersey Firearms Academy offers a variety of courses for civilians, law enforcement officers, and professionals, including basic firearms handling, self-defense, and tactical training.

In addition to his work in the firearms and security industry, Lateif Dickerson is also a member of the community. He is and an Ancient, Free and Accepted Mason (A.F.& A.M.) and a member of Mensa, a society for the intellectually gifted. Lateif Dickerson is also a Graduate Gemologist, certified by the Gemological Institute of America[4] (GIA). He is also a member of Toastmasters[5], an organization that teaches public speaking and a former Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Early Life, Education & Experience

Lateif Dickerson was born in the Bronx, New York, on September 26, 1968. He has resided in many places around the United States, but has been a resident of New Jersey since 1991. At an early age, Lateif Dickerson developed a keen interest in firearms. He began shooting at the age of 12 and eventually turned his passion into a career as an NRA-certified firearms instructor and range safety officer.

At the age of 19, Lateif Dickerson began his formal firearms training under the tutelage of a retired Vietnam War veteran. Lateif Dickerson was introduced to the Filipino martial arts of Arnis-Doce Pares[1] and Circle Jiu Jitsu[2]. He studied Arnis-Doce Pares under Arnulfo “Dong” Cuestra[3], and Circle Jiu Jitsu under the Vee Arnis Jitsu system.

Lateif Dickerson spent a few years as a corrections officer for the Hudson County Department of Corrections[4], where he served for six years. He then worked as an instructor for the American Red Cross, where he taught first aid and CPR for over 10 years. He was also a search and rescue technician for the New Jersey Search and Rescue[5] (NJSAR) for six years, and a member of the New Jersey Medical Reserve Corps[6].

Lateif Dickerson founded the New Jersey Firearms Academy (NJFA) in 1999, and has served as its full-time director and chief instructor ever since. The academy is based in Jersey City, New Jersey and focuses on providing training in the fields of security and firearms. The academy offers a variety of courses for civilians, law enforcement officers, and professionals, including basic firearms handling, self-defense, and tactical training.

Lateif Dickerson is a training counselor who trains certified instructors. He is also a chief range safety officer, combat handgunner under the late Rich Altrath in the School of Defensive Firearms, qualified distinguished expert handgun, law enforcement master instructor, and NRA[7] Law Enforcement Instructor Development School – Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Weapons of Mass Destruction instructor.