Missy O'Linn

• Missy O'Linn Esq.

Attorney Mildred (Missy) O'Linn is an Equity Partner and Co-Team Leader of the Governmental Entity Defense Team at Manning Kass LLP. With nearly 40 years of experience, she is a nationally recognized trial lawyer and technical expert in peace officer civil liability, use of force, training, and tactics. A former police officer and academy manager, she served eight years with the Kent State University Police Department and later as Legal and Technical Advisor for the Law Enforcement Television Network.

Ms. O'Linn has served on numerous California POST committees, including Use of Force, Officer-Involved Shootings, LEOKA, and De-escalation Curriculum Development. She contributed to the LAPD’s Use of Force Training Review Committee and Civilian Martial Arts Advisory Panel, and developed groundbreaking training concepts such as the Constitutional Law Crate, Use of Force Equation, CRISIS Communications Crate, and 835a Cross Words. She has trained tens of thousands of peace officers nationwide and consulted for agencies including the City of Spokane and the DOJ’s collaborative reform initiatives.

Ms. O'Linn is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. She serves on the PoliceOne Editorial Advisory Board and has been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2005 Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriffs Association Award for Civilian Leadership, the 2006 Meritorious Service Award from the City of Gretna Police Department, the 2015 California POST Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the 2016 Safariland Training Group’s Monadnock Hall of Fame, and the 2025 Joe Rosen Lifetime Achievement Award from the Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County.  Ms. O'Linn continues to be a leading voice in law enforcement training, policy development, and legal defense nationwide.

Course Taught: Critical Legal Issues: Use of Force & More