EPISODE 149

A Good Commander Knows What to Control

Nov 15, 2023 | Podcast

Police SWAT operators planning over a digital map on a television mounted on the wall

No team in law enforcement is composed of robotic textbook-following automatons, nor would we want it to be, if we’ve ever found ourselves at 2MPH over the limit. But when a worst-case incident unfolds, we want every first responder to make the right decision at the speed of life, because in those incidents seconds often equal victims. How can we raise the lowest common denominator, so our people make the right decisions quickly without rushing to failure?

In this episode Mike and Jim talk about command and control, and teaching decision-making skills to team members. In this way, when everything hits the fan, the right decisions get made fast, and get made at the right level. There’s a reason for supervisors, commanders, and leaders, but it’s important to know when to let subordinates make decisions. Not every incident is The Big One, but nobody’s ready for The Big One if they haven’t been taught in the small ones.

Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents
You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group.
Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website www.tacticaltangents.com

Like what we’re doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe.

Intro music credit Bensound.com

CLICK BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE NOW ON YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! PLEASE GO CHECK THEM OUT

DripDrop White Text
POM Pepper Spray Logo
DripDrop White Text
POM Pepper Spray Logo

Recent Episodes

The Algorithm Isn’t the Boss-But It’s With Us in the Briefing Room

The Algorithm Isn’t the Boss-But It’s With Us in the Briefing Room

We focus on practical leadership considerations: when to trust automated tools, how to validate AI-generated information, and how organizations can integrate these technologies without surrendering judgment, sovereignty, or operational advantage. The ultimate goal is to help practitioners understand how AI changes the competitive landscape—and how professionals can adapt without becoming dependent on systems they don’t fully control.

Think Like an Architect: Systems Thinking for Warfighters & Cops

Think Like an Architect: Systems Thinking for Warfighters & Cops

Mike and Jim break down systems thinking for tacticians — a practical way to understand how outcomes actually emerge inside military and law enforcement environments. Using real-world examples, they explore how feedback loops, incentives, and hidden dependencies shape everything from crime trends to operational tempo.