A Letter from Tim Jones, CEO of Black Raven Home Defense

I have been a police officer for most of my adult life. Over the years, I’ve served as a patrolman, detective, SWAT team member, and Federal Task Force Officer in one of the most violent cities in the world. I have always carried a firearm and received the training and knowledge to use it responsibly—knowing both how and when to act. That training and experience gave me the confidence that I could protect my family even in the most dangerous situations.
But not everyone gets those opportunities.

After 12 years of service with the New Orleans Police Department, my wife and I decided to move to Connecticut to be closer to family. When I arrived, I found myself in an unfamiliar situation—for the first time in my life, I couldn’t legally carry a firearm. I quickly enrolled in a Connecticut Concealed Carry Permit Course. After completing the eight-hour course and firing just fifteen rounds, I submitted my paperwork and received my permit. I was “legit” again.

However, when I reflected on the course, I couldn’t help but feel it wasn’t enough. The absolute bare minimum does not prepare someone for real-world self-defense. Unfortunately, that’s all most training programs deliver.

Throughout my career, I have investigated hundreds of violent crimes—carjackings, shootings, homicides, and home invasions. It’s safe to say that I’m a subject matter expert in criminal behavior and violent encounters. It became clear to me that sending people into the world with only eight hours of training and a new firearm wasn’t making them safer. I decided to do something about it. That’s why I founded Black Raven Home Defense.

At BRHD, I offer comprehensive, reality-based training designed to bridge the gap between obtaining a firearm permit and actually being prepared to defend yourself and your loved ones. My goal is to give clients the skills, confidence, and mindset to avoid becoming victims—and to fight effectively when there is no other option.

During my time on the SWAT team, I wore a patch on my helmet that read:
“No one is coming. It’s up to us.”
That mantra guided my team then, and it guides my mission now. When seconds count, help is often minutes away.

Our in-home training provides unmatched, realistic problem-solving skills tailored to your own environment. We develop clear, actionable processes that remove guesswork under stress. My team and I help build the confidence that you can protect yourself and your family.

If you’ve ever heard a bump in the night and didn’t know what to do, if you’ve been a victim of crime and now live in fear, or if you’ve ever wondered whether you could truly defend your family—reach out to me today. Join the Black Raven Home Defense family.

Remember: you can’t control what happens around you, but you can control how you react.

Stay safe,
Tim Jones
CEO, Black Raven Home Defense