t.a.p. l1 host requiremeNts
The training area requirements are flexible, as the techniques are designed to be highly mobile. Depending on availability, suitable venues range from Tac-Villages to large open parking lots with adjacent structures.
Scenario Space:
The designated training area must support scenario-based work on Days 1, 2, and 3, encompassing a range of static setups to short "drive-into" evolutions. The location should be secure and out of public view to preserve the integrity of the tactics being taught.
The driving site must be adjacent to a structure that allows a suspect role-player to move from a point of initiation, such as a parking lot, into the training environment. Suitable examples include police training facilities, fire training facilities, large firing ranges, closed church lots, closed commercial lots, or abandoned retail centers.
Because all Bishop One personnel and students will train with inoperable weapons, site security is critical if operating outside secured facilities. These considerations will be addressed during pre-planning coordination between Bishop One and the host agency.
Weapon Display:
During the T.A.P. Level 1 class, students will have their duty weapons. Bishop One personnel will render all weapons inoperable in accordance with our weapon safety protocols before the scenario training. This should be taken into account when selecting the training venue as outlined above.
Classroom Requirements:
The classroom must be equipped to support PowerPoint presentations (including a screen and projector) and accommodate approximately 20 students and three instructors.
Day 1 will require a classroom for the morning. The afternoon will be live VCT training, where a large open area for driving will be required.
Day 2 will require a classroom in the morning. The afternoon will be live Open Area training, requiring open spaces and adjacent structures.
Day 3 will be a live-scenario training day, ending with a short debrief in the classroom.
If the classroom and training area are significantly separated, please notify us in advance so we can coordinate accordingly and make adjustments.
Noise Awareness:
We will be using NFDDs (flash bangs, 175 dB), which we will supply. The host venue must be informed in advance of the potential for loud noises. The NFDDs employed are impact-based and require deployment onto a hard surface, such as asphalt, gravel, or concrete.
Training Aides:
Additionally, we will need moveable (operable or push) disposable passenger vehicles with front driver and passenger windows that roll down to serve as the primary suspect vehicle(s) during the training. Disposable vehicles that host agencies have towed in by their tow company contractors have been the best option for this type of training. If this is not an option, please let us know so we can coordinate another option with the host agency.
Departmental Vehicle Use During Training
The TAP course is an immersive program focused on the rapid de-escalation of high-risk apprehensions involving violent offenders, whether in open areas or vehicle-based environments.
To ensure proper skill development, students must use their own department-issued or host agency-approved vehicles throughout the course. These tactics must be experienced—not just discussed—to be executed safely and effectively in real-world operations.
This is not a vehicle interdiction course. No PIT maneuvers or ramming techniques are taught or performed. All vehicle-based tactics are conducted at controlled speeds (1–5 mph), resulting in minimal, if any, cosmetic contact such as light paint transfer.
It is critical that both students and supervisors understand the value of hands-on repetition in building competence and judgment. When applied correctly, these tactics are designed to significantly reduce operational risk by limiting the likelihood of vehicle pursuits, minimizing escape opportunities, and decreasing overall exposure to the community.
Training Perspective & Tactical Development
Traditional police training focuses on tactics from an officer’s perspective, but we have found that understanding the suspect’s perspective significantly enhances tactical decision-making and operational planning. By exposing students to both perspectives, they develop a stronger ability to:
Anticipate suspect behavior
Adapt tactics in real-time
Effectively articulate their decisions if questioned by attorneys, prosecutors, public officials, and community representatives.
As the class date approaches, Bishop One personnel will coordinate with the host agency representative to ensure that the necessary environments and equipment are available. Like the tactics we teach, we are flexible and can usually adapt without compromising the quality of training.