Steven Poplawski
Chief Executive Officer Step Training Inc.
Key Note Speaker | Expert Trainer & Facilitator | Researcher
Steven Poplawski is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 20 years of experience specializing in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and crisis management. As the Chief Executive Officer of Step Training Inc., he has dedicated his career to providing evidence-based, skill-focused training for law enforcement, security personnel, and frontline professionals. His expertise lies in resilience training, incident response, and use of force decision-making, with a strong emphasis on de-escalation techniques and mental health crisis intervention.
Steven has played a pivotal role in law enforcement training and research, developing and delivering comprehensive de-escalation programs. He has trained agencies such as Ontario Police Services, the RCMP, the U.S. Federal Probation Service, and the Icelandic National Police Service. His contributions to law enforcement education extend to academia, where he instructs an accredited de-escalation course at the University of Toronto. Additionally, he created MyPro Learning, an online platform offering accredited conflict resolution and resilience training.
His applied research has influenced policy and training programs, including facilitating an advisory committee to develop a new Use of Force Decision-making Model for Ontario. He has conducted research on best practices in de-escalation and use of force, presenting findings to the Government of Ontario. His expertise has also been instrumental in designing reality-based scenario training, improving officer performance under stress, and reducing the risk of unnecessary force.
Throughout his career, Steven has held various leadership and instructional roles, including as a Provincial Certified Use of Force Instructor for the Peel Regional Police Service. He has provided training in defensive tactics, officer safety, and crisis response to over 2,200 officers. A key contributor to the International Performance Resilience and Efficiency Program (iPREP), he has enhanced decision-making and stress management techniques for professionals in high-stakes environments.
Beyond training and research, Steven is a published author on de-escalation, use of force, and stress resilience. His work has been featured in publications such as Blue Line Magazine, the RCMP Gazette, and law enforcement policy reports. He continues to shape the industry with insights on reducing lethal force errors and improving police-citizen interactions through evidence-based interventions.
Steven holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Guelph and a General Degree in Applied Arts from Mohawk College. He has completed numerous professional development programs, including the Ontario Police College’s Basic Constable Training and the Teaching Effectiveness Course at Humber College. Committed to community engagement, he has volunteered as a martial arts instructor for disadvantaged youth and actively supports initiatives such as Cops for Cancer and the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run.
With a strong foundation in law enforcement, conflict resolution, and training innovation, Steven Poplawski continues to advance de-escalation practices, resilience training, and crisis management strategies to create safer, more effective interactions in policing and beyond.
I’m dedicated to the development of real skills and training methodologies that meet the demands and public scrutiny of our modern society. Through a model of service, we teach how to make real, meaningful connections with people, and in doing that meet the obligation of committed professional service.