Date of Award

2026

Degree Name

Leadership Studies

College

College of Education and Professional Development

Type of Degree

Ed.D.

Document Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Dr. Ronald Childress

Second Advisor

Dr. Bobbi Nicholson

Third Advisor

Dr. Yvonne Skoretz

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the perceptions of law enforcement leaders regarding how to address the missing piece of the National Incident Management System (NIMS): the initial, chaotic phases of large-scale incidents. Specific elements investigated included the major challenges faced by incident commanders, the necessary knowledge and skills required, effective training models, the receptivity of the law enforcement community to new and/or additional training, any perceived implications for personnel, and evidence-based guidelines and recommendations from policymakers and leaders. Purposeful, convenience, and snowball sampling were used to select study participants. Study participants (n=20) were active, sworn law enforcement leaders in a law enforcement agency. Participants possessed a broad range of law enforcement years of experience and/or leadership/supervisory experience with a minimum rank of lieutenant. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather their perspectives and to elicit command experience related to the initial, chaotic phases of large-scale incidents and crises. Findings suggest that law enforcement leaders support new and existing methods to address the missing piece of NIMS and believe that the law enforcement culture is generally receptive at most levels to additional training that supports the effort. Further research suggestions include studying specific communication challenges during the initial, chaotic phases of large-scale incidents, law enforcement perspectives on different career paths for leaders (for example, incident command or other specialties), and the effects of responders' significant social and resource networks on incident response.

Subject(s)

Law enforcement.

Educational leadership.

Law enforcement -- Training.

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