A comprehensive array of topics will be discussed, including improving problem-solving methods, analytical thinking, critical decision-making, and how our cognitive processes can be faulty under stress. Overall instruction will aid students in leadership roles within their units and agencies. This class includes intensive academic and theoretical components of problem-solving techniques and critical decision-making for the patrol or SWAT Leader. Application to real tactical operations and how these techniques relate to an operational environment will be presented. Officers should come prepared to learn new problem-solving techniques for critical incidents and how heuristics affect our decision-making in operations. A laptop or iPad is helpful as you can follow the presentation, but it is not mandatory.

Buck Rogers began his law enforcement career in 1991 with the Bryan, TX Police Department and retired in 2019. Buck has served as the Training Coordinator for the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) for many years and as the competition coordinator. He is a certified Firearms Instructor as well as a Rappel Master. Buck is an instructor in several topics for the NTOA to include Police Response to Active Shooter, Supervising Patrol Critical Incidents, and SWAT Command Decision-Making I and II. In 2019 Buck became a full-time employee of the NTOA as a Program Manager. He is the coordinator of the NTOA's Command College. Buck served in the United States Marine Corps and the Texas Army National Guard Co G 143rd Airborne/Ranger LRRS. He earned a BA from Texas A&M University and has completed the Leadership Command College and the FBI National Academy Session 246. He earned a Masters' Certificate in Homeland Security (2012) from the Bush School of Government and a Masters' Certificate in Criminal Justice (2011) from the University of Virginia.