We must commit ourselves to learning all we can throughout our career to be prepared.

Tactical relates to the specific actions, methods, or maneuvers used to achieve a larger goal. Preparedness is defined as a state of readiness. A definition of tactical preparedness is the process of getting ready for high-stress or dangerous situations. It is being prepared to do the right thing for right now.

I spent 10 years on the Knoxville Police Department Special Operations Squad (Special Weapons and Tactics Team) in Tennessee. During that time and since, I learned the meaning of tactical preparedness. Most importantly, I learned that this concept is not just for “tactical teams” and not just for operational deployment. Being tactically prepared is a mindset as much as it is
a physical necessity for policing. In our profession, every officer—from the day we begin to the end of our journey—must strive for tactical proficiency and preparedness. Most importantly, we must understand that it is our sole responsibility to do so, not a job for someone to do to or for us.

When we enter this profession, we take an oath to protect and serve the public. Think about what that means. The awesome responsibility that it brings and what it requires of us. It is not something to be taken lightly and certainly not just another job. We have a duty to ensure that everyone is protected and served. That means we must be prepared—yes, tactically prepared—for what is entailed. Our mind, body, and soul must be ready to take on this responsibility. We must commit ourselves to learning all we can throughout our career to be prepared. As a new officer, deputy, or agent, all the way through the roles as leaders of policing organizations, we must never stop learning to be prepared.

Preparation includes having a key understanding of what to do and when to do it, as well as the ability to execute the actions necessary. One challenge is that this is different depending on the many factors that impact our decision-making. The community we serve, the agency we work for, and the political environment surrounding us all have an impact. To complicate it even further, these factors change regularly. I believe this is key in what makes all of us in this profession different from others. The “rules” change based on society and what the public decides our role should be in protecting and serving them. Unlike most other roles in society, our decisions have a lasting impact on all involved. Thus, another reason preparation is vital.

As a police recruit, I remember hearing Paul Harvey’s message on what it means to be a “policeman.” It continues to be an honest account of this profession. It highlights the challenge of this profession better than anything I have ever heard. It also causes me to stand taller and prouder as I consider the skill that it requires of those who stand in our shoes. This is all a result of preparation for the role and life in this profession. Always being ready to do the right thing for right now.

As police leaders, we are called upon to make tactical decisions frequently. It may be on the scene of a major incident, in our office handling the latest “fire,” or in the room with a political leader armed with an agenda. In all these circumstances, we must be prepared to make the right decision, as our organizations, our community, and our profession stand in the balance. That reality is why we never stop preparing.

All of this highlights the importance of membership in the IACP. The training, resources, and connections to the policing community are critical for keeping us tactically prepared and proficient. This edition of Police Chief will provide insights that are important. I challenge each of you to dig deeper than the titles of the articles and look for the gems hidden in the wisdom of the contributors. You may just find something that will prepare you for making the right decision for right now.d

Please cite as

David Rausch, “Tactical Preparedness,” President’s Message, Police Chief 93, no. 8 (August 2026): 6–7.