Meet The Team

Chris Crabtree (Director of Training/Instructor/Police Lieutenant Ret.)

Introducing Chris, Director of Training and co-founding member of Realtalk LEO. In his role, he diligently oversees all decisions pertaining to the company and ensures the meticulous adherence of all presented materials to current standards and guidelines. Furthermore, Chris remains committed to ensuring that every instructor maintains an exemplary level of professionalism and is an expertise in their field of course topics when delivering the material.

With a dedicated service of over 28 years in law enforcement, I bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the forefront. My extensive career reached its pinnacle with the role of Lieutenant of police, encompassing diverse responsibilities that underscored my commitment to public safety and the implementation of effective law enforcement practices. As a seasoned SWAT Team Leader, I successfully navigated high-risk scenarios, including hostage rescues and armed standoffs, accumulating a profound 15-year expertise in crisis management. Serving as both Platoon Commander and Detective Division Commander, I refined my leadership skills and actively contributed to the strategic planning and execution of various law enforcement operations. Expertise extends to the realm of instruction, backed by certifications in firearms, defensive tactics, handcuffing, Conductive Energy Device (Taser), police academy instruction, and use of force expert. For over two decades, I served as the lead active shooter instructor, providing crucial training to both seasoned officers and recruits.

In the early 2000s, I collaborated with fellow law enforcement professionals to develop and implement best practices for responding to active shooter events. Furthermore, my involvement in a working group at the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office underscored my commitment to introducing and standardizing conductive energy devices (Tasers) across the state.Throughout my career, my leadership in Internal Affairs and Training Units has been instrumental in ensuring the thorough preparedness of personnel to navigate the complexities of law enforcement.

In 2022, I played a key role in establishing Real Talk LEO, LLC, where we provide specialized training for law enforcement officers and civilians alike. Beyond our training efforts, I also serve as a co-host for a podcast that explores conversations around mental health and offers insights into the experiences of those in law enforcement.

Combining my extensive law enforcement experience and commitment to safety, I am dedicated to making a positive impact through Real Talk LEO’s mission.

Matthew Crabtree (Lead Instructor)

Introducing Matt, our Lead Instructor at Realtalk LEO. In his role, Matt conducts thorough reviews of all proposed materials and lesson plans before presentation, ensuring strict alignment with state and local laws, standards, and guidelines. Additionally, he is dedicated to providing our instructors with the latest training to ensure the materials they present are current and accurate.

Throughout my distinguished law enforcement career, highlights include roles as a Field Training Officer, guiding recruits in discipline and professionalism, and as a member of the Honor Guard, representing my department at significant events. Coordinating responses to major incidents on the Incident Management Team showcased my commitment to public safety. Serving as a Bike Patrol Officer forged strong community connections. to lead as a SWAT Team Leader, I handle high-risk situations and impart expertise as an Active Shooter Instructor. As a detective in retail theft, I applied keen investigative skills. As a Sergeant, I provided leadership on the front lines, ensuring effective and safe operations. In Special Investigations, I oversaw a team handling complex cases. serving as a Lieutenant and Platoon Commander, I provide guidance to officers and supervisors. In 2022, I co-founded Real Talk LEO, LLC, offering specialized training for both law enforcement officers and civilians. In addition to our training initiatives, I co-host a podcast that delves into discussions on mental health and shares insights on law enforcement experiences.

James Clark (Co-Owner/Business Development/Instructor/Police Detective Sergeant Ret.)

Meet Jimmy, who in the near future will be joining the team and spearheading our Business Development. With nearly 27 years of cumulative experience as a professional law enforcement officer.

I retired as a Detective Sergeant, effective January 1, 2024. my tenure as a sworn law enforcement officer I held various supervisory roles, which include, Asset Forfeiture Administrator, Municipal Counter Terrorism coordinator, Deputy Platoon Commander, K-9 Supervisor, Operations Response Unit Supervisor, Special investigations Unit Commander and Investigation Bureau Deputy Bureau Commander. I also served as a K-9 Handler for eight and a half years working closely with our Special Response Team during countless critical incidents and search warrant executions. My K-9 partner and I completed and certified Nationally on five separate occasions at the United States Police Canine Association National Patrol Dog Trials. Since being promoted, I directly supervised hundreds of complex police investigations, from Organized Retail Theft Organizations and long term criminal investigations to undercover narcotics distribution networks. Throughout my career I have thrived in high stress situations and have been involved in many critical incidents. I have also been assigned as a Case Specific Task Force Officer with the New Jersey State Police as a Special State Investigator, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the United States Marshals Service.

The first eight and half years of my law enforcement career were spent as a member of the United States Air Force Security Police rank and file. While serving Active Duty Air Force as a Military Working Dog Handler assigned to Explosive Detector Dog, I was frequently assigned to protection details for US Presidents, Vice Presidents, Heads of State and various other foreign dignitaries. During this time I worked closely with the United States Secret Service and State Department. In October of 2000, I was assigned to a historic protection detail for, then Secretary of State, Madeline Albright in her travels to Pyongyang, North Korea where she met with North Korean President, Kim Jung II. In the spring of 1999 following the Columbine Shooting, I participated in a Joint Training Exercise with the United States Air Force, New Jersey State Police and various other law enforcement agencies at Mcguire Air Force Base, Challenger School, This would be one of the first of its kind in regards to Response to active Shooter in New Jersey in direct response to the Columbine Incident and helped shape how law enforcement responds to Active Shooter Incidents. I rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and held numerous supervisory roles, including, Squad Leader, Fire Team Leader, Assistant Flight Chief, acting K-9 Trainer and acting Kennel Master of the K-9 Unit before separating from the military with honorable discharge to pursue a career as a Municipal Police Officer in New Jersey.

I had the privilege of guiding, influencing, and nurturing less experienced officers throughout my career. Even in retirement, the significance of training remains close to my heart. Joining REAL TALK LEO allows me to give back by contributing to the delivery of top-notch training for both Law Enforcement and the Community, enabling me to continue serving my community.

Frank Pace (Instructor/Police Sergeant Ret.)

Introducing Frank, one of our specialized traffic safety instructors. Possessing certifications in Vehicle Accident Reconstruction, Drug Recognition expertise and instruction, Traffic Management instruction, and Work Zone Safety, Frank will share his wealth of knowledge to instruct officers on the critical importance of work zone safety and other traffic related courses.

With almost 26 years of experience in law enforcement, I served in various roles such as patrolman, Field Training Officer, and police recruit class instructor at Camden County Police Academy. My tenure in the traffic safety unit saw me become a Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist, Radar Instructor, Drug Recognition Expert and Instructor (with the New Jersey State Police), Traffic Incident Management Instructor, and Work Zone Safety Trainer. Leading the Serious Crash Investigation Team (S.C.I.T.), I investigated serious and fatal motor vehicle crashes within our jurisdiction, often assisting neighboring jurisdictions. Seven times by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) for the highest number of DWI arrests in the department, I later served as a police sergeant in the patrol division, Operation Response Unit, and Traffic Safety Unit. As a sergeant, my focus was not only supervision but also training and guiding officers to achieve their goals. I emphasized hands-on leadership and leading by example.

Outside of work, I dedicate my time to my wife and three teenage kids, actively coaching youth sports for nearly fifteen years and participating in organized sports. Following retirement, I transitioned into a Forensic Consultant role for an Engineering Firm, specializing in Vehicle Accident Reconstruction. Despite my career shift, my passion for training and teaching endures, with a particular focus on educating police officers on the safest ways to carry out their duties.

In the realm of Work Zone Safety, I serve as a certified instructor who completed the Rutgers CAIT Train the Trainer Program. The course caters to New Jersey law enforcement officers, offering an initial program for those yet to undergo Work Zone Safety training and a refresher for those who have.

Work Zone Safety compliance under MUTCD and NJDOT standards, the course addresses enforcement, legal responsibilities, the daily risks posed to police personnel, highway workers, and the driving community during operations like work zones, safety and DWI checkpoints, emergency scenes, and special events. Attendees receive certificates upon course completion.

Nicole Di Eleonora (Marketing)

Meet Nikki, our Marketing Coordinator. She oversees our social media pages, email campaigns, and various marketing initiatives.

Nikki dedicates her full-time efforts to digital marketing at an insurance company and also manages her own photography business. Beyond her professional pursuits, Nikki is a devoted mom to one child and a step-mom to her husband’s daughter.

Nikki holds a special connection to the men and women in blue, as she is the daughter of Chris, sister of Matt, and married to a law enforcement officer (LEO) herself. Having experienced the law enforcement (LEO) lifestyle throughout her life, Nikki deeply understands the sacrifices that officers make and how these impact not only the individuals on the job but also their families.

She further recognizes the significance of training for both police officers and civilians. Having a front-row seat through her loved ones who confront adversity, she fully grasps the importance of educating people on how to remain safe during a hostile event.