On May 6, 2023, a mass shooting occurred at the Allen Premium Outlets mall in Allen, Texas. An Allen Police Department officer was already on the scene for an unrelated call for service when he bravely pursued the suspect and ended the incident.  Allen Police Department Deputy Chief (then Lieutenant) Kris Wirstrom responded and acted as the Incident Commander. Nine people were killed, and seven others were injured. In this episode of the CATO Podcast, Marcus speaks with Deputy Chief Kris Wirstrom, breaking down the active shooter incident, lessons learned, and the impact on our profession. Marcus was fortunate enough to represent CATO at the 2024 North American Active Assailant Conference, where he heard Kris Wirstrom speak. He's one of those guys who makes you proud to be part of our profession. We trust you'll find his reflections and insight as valuable as Marcus did. Allen Premium Outlets Active Shooter Event - ALERRT/AIR video: https://app.frame.io/presentations/1c76c14b-4ba3-4460-8245-860d9e823e4f

Travis Norton, a scholar specializing in active shooter response at USC, shares critical insights from his doctoral research. He discusses the importance of leadership during emergencies, highlighting failures and challenges in response frameworks. The conversation delves into historical case studies, examining past incidents to improve future strategies. Norton emphasizes the need for clear communication and designated command roles, advocating for advanced training to enhance collaboration among first responders. Practical lessons learned from tragedies shape future crisis management efforts.

"Good intelligence is the linchpin for all tactical operations." -Sid Heal Marcus, Adam, and Kris discuss Chapter 8 of Sound Doctrine: A Tactical Primer. The group discusses information versus intelligence, the parts of the intelligence cycle, and situational awareness. They also cover the common operational picture and how you can reduce friction during your next operation.

On June 15, 2023,  Denver Police Sergeant Justin Dodge was working the Denver Nuggets celebratory parade when he found himself caught under the wheels of an 80,000 lb fire truck carrying the players. Lying in the street, Dodge promised himself that if the tourniquets held and he could get to the hospital in time, he would stage an epic comeback. Eight surgeries later, including one that amputated his leg inches below the knee, he's back!  Justin works as a full-time SWAT team supervisor and has found a new passion in motivational speaking. The subject of a PBS documentary, Justin, is just a phone call away for anyone struggling.  We hope his testimony inspires you to build resiliency so you can become the hero of your own story.  Learn more at https://heavyvictory.com/ Follow him on Instagram at: @heavy_victory_  

Pat Fiorilli, Executive Director of the Ohio Tactical Officers Association, shares insights from the OTOA Conference. He discusses the evolution of tactical training since 1987, emphasizing inclusive practices and the importance of a tactical mindset. The complexities of tactical negotiations and the emotional challenges in law enforcement relationships are also explored. Additionally, they delve into the need for advanced skills beyond basic training, advocating for a proactive approach in evolving operational strategies.

In this episode of the CATO podcast, we connect with Stephanie Samuels, a police psychologist and founder of CopLine, a national suicide hotline for law enforcement. We'll explore Samuels' research related to first responders and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Samuels and many others believe that TBI is often misdiagnosed as PTSD, but is instead a major contributor to PTSD symptoms. She is part of a group that is researching the first responder community to better understand the effects of TBI and PTSD. CopLine is the only completely anonymous suicide hotline for police officers that is staffed by fellow law enforcement.   CopLine wants to aid in reducing the stigma associated with asking for help. They believe (as CATO does), that it is imperative for police officers to have a safe place to talk about anything occurring in their life. For more information about CopLine, please visit www.copline.org. Whether you or someone you know is having a "bad day" or a full-blown mental health crisis, CopLine is here with the motto "Cops Understand Cops". Call the hotline: 1-800-COPLINE or 1-800-267-5463. 

In this episode of the CATO Podcast, Marcus talks with First Responder Wellness Clinical Coordinator Teal Ankeny. Teal's background places her in a unique position to understand some of the wellness challenges facing the first responder community. She and the team at First Responder Wellness have dedicated themselves to serving our community and have achieved a variety of positive results in preventing and treating some of our profession's negative impacts.  To learn more about First Responder Wellness, visit the First Responder Wellness Website.

In a gripping discussion, Kenny Brayton and Kris Jenny, both esteemed CATO Team Leader Instructors, delve into the evolving landscape of SWAT team dynamics over the past five years. They highlight common challenges faced by teams, including the operational hurdles of part-time SWAT units and the necessity of mastering basic tactical skills. Emphasizing adaptability and the importance of continuous training, they advocate for a shift in team culture towards accountability and collaboration, ultimately aiming for excellence in mission effectiveness.

Experts Kris Jenny and Marcus discuss the importance of planning in tactical operations, transitioning from collaborative to coordinated responses. They explore strategic planning in law enforcement, event risk assessment, and the significance of coordination and resource allocation. Examples highlight the need for thorough planning and effective communication in dynamic situations.

CATO Vice President, Marcus Sprague, had the honor of attending a meeting with several tactical associations from all across the country. He took advantage of the opportunity and asked a few folks to discuss some of the issues we all face. The group discussed leadership, recruiting, selection processes, annual testing, keeping training fresh and engaging, and how they deal with the challenge of finding training locations. Marcus was joined by Sheriff Eric Blankenship of the Alabama Tactical Officers Association, Lt. George Bradley and Jon Brock of the South Carolina Tactical Association, and Barry Cape, Vice President of the Rocky Mountain Tactical Team Association.