Active Threat Preparedness & De-escalation

This course provides participants with practical, real-world strategies to prepare for and respond to an active threat while also equipping them with effective de-escalation techniques to prevent conflicts from becoming crises. Through Blue Ethos' Multi-Option Response framework, attendees will learn best practices for improving survivability while making informed decisions under extreme stress.

Active Threat Preparedness
Topics include active threat case studies and offender profiles, understanding fear and intuition, recognizing pre-attack and behavioral indicators, prevention strategies, and the actions individuals and organizations can take to reduce risk before violence occurs. The course emphasizes practical application, situational awareness, and building the confidence to respond effectively during a crisis. Throughout the presentation, participants will work through interactive tabletop exercises that allow them to apply these concepts to realistic scenarios within their own workplace, helping them develop practical response strategies for their specific environment.

De-escalation
Participants will also learn practical techniques for handling difficult people in difficult situations through proven communication and de-escalation strategies. The course explores methods for diffusing conflict, reducing emotional intensity, managing challenging interactions, and maintaining professionalism while working toward positive outcomes. Attendees will leave with practical tools they can immediately implement to improve communication, reduce conflict, and create a safer, more respectful workplace.

This course has a minimum class size of 10. 

Trainer Bios:

Rich Webb is the co-founder of Blue Ethos Specialized Training and brings nearly two decades of frontline law-enforcement experience into his work today.

Throughout his career, Rich served in high-responsibility roles including patrol sergeant, mobile field force leader, field training officer and certified hostage crisis negotiator.

In 2014, Rich was awarded the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Medal of Honor for his actions during a life-threatening officer involved shooting on the steps of a daycare.

In 2020, Rich led his department Mobile Field Force team during the Minneapolis civil unrest, operating in an environment defined by uncertainty, high emotion, and rapidly evolving threats.

Now retired from law enforcement, Rich works full-time leading Blue Ethos Specialized Training, where he has trained organizations across the United States. His work focuses on strengthening active threat preparedness, situational awareness, improving communication under stress, and building safer, more resilient teams.


Drew Moldenhauer is the co-founder of Blue Ethos Specialized Training and brings 18 years of law enforcement experience to his work in training, education, and leadership development.

Throughout his career, Drew served in key roles including use of force instructor, field training officer, and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) instructor, and Active Shooter Instructor.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Drew serves as an Assistant Professor at Metro State University and is an adjunct instructor at several other colleges, teaching the next generation of criminal justice professionals. He is also the author of How Smart Police Officers Use Situational Awareness to Improve Safety.

As co-owner of Blue Ethos Specialized Training, Drew works to deliver training programs for organizations across the United States. His work focuses on strengthening active threat preparedness, situational awareness, de-escalation, and empowering organizations to build safer, more resilient teams.

When:
October 20, 2026
07:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Where:
AGC Office
525 Park Street, Suite 110
St. Paul, Minnesota 55103
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Cost:
Member Price: $230
Non Member Price: $335
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