Professor Connor began his law enforcement experience as a patrolman with the Ann Arbor (MI) police department after his graduation from Michigan State University with a B.A. degree in Law Enforcement and Police Administration. He earned superior ratings in a variety of assignments including general patrol, special operations, felony enforcement, etc.
In 1970 he became the youngest member of the prestigious University of Illinois Police Training Institute, eventually completing an M.A. degree in Social Science and earning the title of Associate Professor. During his 35-year tenure at the Institute he taught more than 1500 officers per year in a wide variety of subject areas within law enforcement and corrections. He has published numerous articles and manuals and authored seven texts on such topics as Force Management, Vehicle Stops, Terry Stops, Emergency Vehicle Operations and Jail Control Procedures. Through the University’s “tactical experience” program, he was able to serve on the Naperville (IL) and the Mahomet (IL) police departments during his instructional tenure.
In 1975, Professor Connor created the first “force continuum” as an instructional aide, continuing to refine its design to assist criminal justice trainers throughout the country. In 1990 he was selected as the fellowship recipient with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and tasked with the assignment of developing and designing a standardized learning mechanism used today by more than eighty Federal law enforcement agencies in the country. In 1991, the Federal Use of Force Model was introduced to state and local agencies throughout the country and in 1993 selected by the United Nations for use in its police and corrections training programs around the world. Today, the Use of Force Model is the most widely utilized focusing mechanism for the understanding and application of proper force utilization.
In 1994, Professor Connor created the Integrated Force Management Program consolidating and coordinating the entire realm of force design and delivery into a systematic structure. It has been implemented into some of the most professional police agencies in the country, including the United States Air Force, Tacoma (WA), Clarksville (TN), and Palatine (IL).
In 2001, Greg Connor retired from the Institute and active policing and received the award of Emeritus status from the University of Illinois for his years of service to the officers and citizens of Illinois, the nation and the international community.
Since his retirement, he has continued to provide his unique instructional experience and professional expertise to officers and agencies via articles and texts, training courses, expert testimony, and consultation services.