Law Enforcement Training for Defusing Critical Incidents

An innovative, evidence-based approach to use-of-force training, ICAT provides first responding police officers with the tools, skills, and options they need to defuse a range of critical incidents successfully and safely.

ICAT was developed by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) with input from hundreds of law enforcement professionals nationwide. It is currently being taught in police agencies of all sizes and in all parts of the country. The training focuses on situations involving persons in crisis and those who are unarmed or armed with weapons other than firearms.

Research confirms the effectiveness of ICAT training in several areas of officer performance. See the study HERE. PERF is offering train-the-trainer sessions to law enforcement agencies interested in implementing ICAT for their officers.

About the Train-the-Trainer Sessions

• A 1½-day, hands-on exploration of all ICAT modules, including a new module on handling Suicide-by-Cop situations, and a new “Step Up and Step In” module that trains officers to exercise leadership and identify best tactics and communications in dynamic situations.
• Led by experienced trainers who have taught ICAT in their own agencies and others.
• Following the course, participants will be prepared to train their agency’s personnel in ICAT and facilitate scenarios that develop officer competency using these principles in action. 

Who Should Attend?

Because ICAT presents entirely new ways of handling many types of situations,
participants should:

• Be well-respected informal leaders in your department, with credibility among line officers.
• Be receptive to implementing new ideas.
• Be currently working as trainers or able to assist in training for as long as it will take to train your department on ICAT.

Upcoming ICAT Train-the-Trainer Session

Tuesday, April 8, 2025
8:00 am–5:00 pm

Wednesday, April 9, 2025
8:00 am–1:00 pm

This training is open to all sworn law enforcement. The training is free, but attendees are responsible for their own travel costs. For travel information to plan your trip, click HERE.

All participants must register prior to the training date. Click here to register.

Additional available training dates:

• January 7-8

If you have any issues registering, please contact Jason Cheney at [email protected].