This course emphasizes the necessity of establishing command at every incident. The Incident Commander role is not defined by rank, but by the leadership required to manage the scene—regardless of who holds the title. From burglaries and armed robberies to active assailants and barricade/hostage situations, every response requires a clearly identified commander. Leadership opportunities often arise unexpectedly, and when they are not accepted, the entire team is impacted. Public safety is a team effort—we succeed or fail together.
This course will demonstrate how public safety professionals of any rank can establish command and coordinate an effective response. It will reinforce that early accountability of personnel and disciplined resource management are key predictors of incident outcomes. In mass casualty and active assailant events, stopping the threat is only the beginning. The critical work that follows—treating and transporting casualties, initiating the investigation, clearing structures, evacuating civilians, reunification, and managing crime scene protocols—can take hours, days, or even weeks.
Students across all ranks and disciplines will strengthen their effectiveness through a shared understanding of the Incident Command System (ICS), enabling a more unified and consistent response. This course is designed to narrow the gap between entry-level responders and the most experienced leaders by clearly defining what it means to command a scene.
This course is registered with MCOLES and is eligible for 302 funds and CPE credit. The cost is $295 per person.