This class will concentrate on the administrative issues related to leadership and the understanding of the liability concepts surrounding tactical operations. Emphasis will be placed on an understanding of the theories of liability as it relates to selection, training, operational status, entrustment of equipment, and police use of force. Students will have an understanding of the importance of the role the team leader in mitigating civil litigation.

Steve Mescan is a 30-year veteran of the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and has been a member of the SWAT Team for 25 years. He recently retired from his position with the SWAT Team's Tactical Operations Section, which is comprised of subject matter experts who assist the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police command staff personnel with strategic initiatives, planning, and tactical resolve contingencies as they relate to all police operations. During his tenure with the Pittsburgh SWAT Team, he performed various roles, from entry operator to sniper, team leader, trainer, and tactical commander. He has been an instructor for the NTOA for over 18 years and co-authored the NTOA Team Leader Development Program. He has instructed numerous state tactical associations and has consulted as an expert to area SWAT Teams concerning SWAT operations. In 2009, he was part of a subject matter expert team that developed the tactical strategic plan for the G-20 Summit held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 2018, he was the SWAT Team Leader involved in the response to the Tree of Life Synagogue Massacre. As of January 2024, he accepted a full-time position with the National Tactical Officers Association as the Director of Training and Education. Steve is the past president of the Pennsylvania Tactical Officers Association (PATOA), he served as the NTOA Eastern Director for 10 years and during his last two years as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the NTOA.