About Us

The Southwest Regional Public Safety Academy was formed to provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive training programs available. We offer several less-lethal programs that will enhance individual skills and provide solutions for criminal justice, military, corrections and privately licensed security personnel. Our security licensing classes are approved by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
What sets us apart is our many years of real world experience in the security and public safety field. Learn from those who've been in the field and used the product effectively. We've trained many security officers, military and law enforcement personnel in the appropriate tactics to handle many threatening situations. In addition, we've provided the necessary information to help protect you against liability issues.
Time and again we hear how proper training made the difference in handling a threatening situation. Be sure that you have the quality instruction and training to create this positive outcome.

The academy is open to the general public. All are welcome to receive most of the classes offered. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed yet educational. Whether you are looking for a career in security or law enforcement, or just a part time job, we will train you in life saving skills.

Meet the Instructors

Jose Villa, Director of Training

Jose Villa’s security career spans over twenty years with fifteen of those years in a training capacity. In his experience as a Manger or Director of Security in Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Dallas at sports and entertainment venues, he has been responsible for the training of several thousand security officers. The Southwest Regional Public Safety Academy’s classes and curriculum have been chosen and designed to meet the needs of the public safety officer safety. As a current security and law enforcement instructor and a Certified Arizona Department of Education Security Instructor, he understands the need to adapt to each students learning style with the application of different techniques to satisfy these needs.

Mr. Villa’s education includes an Associates of Applied Science in Fire Science, Bachelors Degree in Administration of Criminal Justice, Masters Degree in Business and Organizational Security Management, and a Masters of Business Administration.

Mr. Villa’s other certifications include:

CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor
Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) Instructor
Arizona Department of Education Security Instructor
Adjunct College Criminal Justice Instructor
Monadnock Expandable Baton (MEB) Instructor
Practical and Tactical Handcuffing (PATH) Instructor
Oleoresin Capsicum Aerosol Training (OCAT) Instructor
Arizona State Firearms Instructor
NRA Pistol and Personal Home Defense Instructor
Homeland Security Frontline Responder Instructor

Mr. Villa is affiliated with the local and national chapter of the American Society of Industrial Security, Executive Security International Alumni Association, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce.

Nicolai Wendelboe, Instructor

Nick has been active in the security industry since 2002. Throughout his career he has had the opportunity to provide both unarmed and armed security services in a variety of venues including concerts, banks, parties and personal security. He also has served his community in working with local youth as a high school security officer. Nick has worked in the firearm industry several years and shoots matches regularly with the United States Practical Shooting Association, International Defensive Pistol Association, IPCA competitions. Nick’s passion for fire arms education is evident through his teachings and he enjoys working with shooters of all skill levels. He is currently a Range Safety Officer and a Match Director for a local Phoenix outdoor shooting range.

Nicolai’s current industry credentials:

Licensed Armed and Unarmed Security Officer
Arizona Department of Public Safety Certified Firearms Instructor
Range Safety Officer
Certified Home Firearm Safety Instructor
Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun Instructor
Personal Protection in the Home Instructor
Basic Self Defense
Tactical Shooting Skills