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Glossary October 15, 2026 • 1 min read

Tactical Group Supervisor

Definition

In an active shooter incident, the fifth arriving law enforcement officer, without regard to rank, who assumes Incident Command (from the First Arriving law enforcement officer) using the radio ID "TACTICAL". The Tactical Group Supervisor manages the Contact Teams and is responsible for security and movement in the Hot and Warm Zones.

Official Definition

Source: Active Shooter Incident Management: Instructor Guide, C3 Pathways, Inc., 2026.

Discussion

Tactical, Triage, and Transport Group Supervisors in color-coded vests communicate by radio during an active shooter incident management exercise

The fifth arriving law enforcement officer (aka 5th Man) generally assumes the Tactical Group Supervisor position at a chosen location close to but outside the affected building. The Tactical Group Supervisor is responsible for security in the Hot and Warm Zones and responder movement into, out of, and within the Hot Zone and Warm Zone. The Tactical Group Supervisor works alongside the Triage Group Supervisor and the Transport Group Supervisor, with all operating face-to-face at the same location.

Often called the "Fifth Man" (5th Man).

Author
John Nichols
Lead Instructor
Reviewed By
William Godfrey
Lead Instructor
Last updated:

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, the fifth arriving law enforcement officer, regardless of rank.
The Tactical Group Supervisor uses the callsign "TACTICAL" for radio communication.
All responder movements into, out of, and within the Hot Zone and Warm Zone. Tactical also manages the Contact Teams to address security of the Hot Zone and Warm Zone.
Contact Teams.
Alongside the Triage Group Supervisor and the Transport Group Supervisor at a chosen location generally close to but outside the affected building. Co-location keeps tactical and medical needs coordinated.
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Related Terms

Topics

  • Incident Command
  • Active Shooter
  • Incident Management
  • C3 Pathways
  • NCIER
  • ASIM
  • Law Enforcement
  • Training

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