Preparation and planning make all the difference during a critical incident, and that is especially true when the incident involves multiple agencies. That is why the FBI continually conducts training and exercises with local, state, federal, and tribal partners.

The most recent FBI Denver training was unique in that it involved 11 agencies and occurred after dark on Pikes Peak.

The scenario involved an officer-involved shooting that led to a SWAT call-out. The situation included subjects barricaded with hostages and medical evacuations.

The complicated exercise took advantage of the remote location and austere environment to test the capabilities of the responders. Participants had to rely on close coordination, communication, and complex problem-solving.

Joint trainings like this enhance emergency preparedness for each of the participating agencies. The experience allows the partners to prepare for real situations when they need to work together to respond to a crisis.

FBI Denver thanks the following partners that made the training a success:

• El Paso County Search and Rescue (EPCSAR)
• US Forest Service Law Enforcement
• Pikes Peak Highway Rangers
• City of Colorado Springs Rangers
• Office of Special Investigations (OSI) Agent
• Colorado Springs Utilities
• Catamount Fire
• El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
• FirstNet
• UCHealth LifeLine