In early 2023, two distinctly unique tactical teams with different missions and methods were merged in an effort to streamline resources and mitigate liability. Unfortunately, the newly merged teams had a failure incident that resulted in three officers being shot. This led to a complete psychological autopsy of the differences between the two teams, not only in tactics but also in the cultures themselves. Where most teams may allow such an incident to drive the two teams further apart, that is not what happened at the Kansas City Police Department. A high-performance culture was created by redefining their Mission, Vision, and Values and committing to creating a psychologically secure environment for each other moving forward. A culture that many may argue is more impactful than either individual culture alone.

Dr. Jennifer Prohaska is a Clinical and Police Psychologist who specializes in performance and recovery from high-risk, high-stakes environments. She received her Ph.D. in 2013 from the University of Kansas in Clinical and Neuro-Rehabilitation Psychology and has been working exclusively with public safety agencies since 2016. She is one of a few rare psychologists with advanced knowledge of use-of-force encounters and is Force Science Certified. Since 2013, she has grown her practice to support 50-plus different public safety entities across the Midwest. As an advocate for advancing individuals and departments forward, no matter the limitations, her approach is guided by scientifically backed methods to get the best results for her clients, be it agencies or individuals. Dr. Prohaska provides clear and precise programs to develop top performers who are best prepared for high-risk, high-stakes situations. She is the creator of the Tactical Longevity Anti-Fragility training programs and a nationally-recognized speaker.