Current Projects

Development of training courses for the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services: Critical Decision Making during Crisis 

Critical Decision Making during Crisis: State and local public officials (including elected officials as well as those in administrative/management positions of state or local agencies) are required to make daily decisions on issues, policy, and operations. Within the context of homeland security, these officials are not only required to render decisions on a day-to-day basis, but often find themselves in circumstances that necessitate critical decision-making on urgent issues, sometimes in crisis situations, that affect the safety and security of the citizens for whom they are responsible. Moreover, during protracted, high-consequence events, critical decisions are often made by decision makers who are under a great deal of physical and mental stress, which can affect the quality of their decisions.  Final decisions are often the result of group/team input, comments, and recommendations, but the decision maker is responsible for selecting the best solution from a myriad of alternatives.

In this course the participants explore the decision-making process during daily activities as well as in crisis situations. It will provide discussion around overcoming hindrances and obstacles to effective decision making. The course makes use of scenario-based activity that involves critical decision making under stress and provides experience working in problem-solution situations.