NEXT WATCH TRAINING GROUP
Chad Knode
Regional Training Consultant
Driving operational excellence and strategic growth through streamlined safety management and leadership.
EXPERT TRAINING EXPERIENCE
Chad is a seasoned law enforcement veteran with the Columbus Division of Police and currently serves with the Recruit Training Unit, where he plays a key role in preparing new officers for the demands of modern policing. His instructional responsibilities include defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, legal training, building searches, active shooter response, vehicle stops and approaches, scenario development, and physical fitness.
In addition to his academy work, Officer Knode brings extensive emergency management experience, having served nine years in the Columbus Division of Police Emergency Management Unit, where he helped plan and coordinate large-scale events, dignitary visits, multi-jurisdictional safety exercises, and public safety operations.
Experience
Delivery
Chad brings real-world law enforcement experience and strong instructional skills to every training environment. His delivery is clear, practical, and focused on helping individuals and organizations build confidence, improve situational awareness, and take decisive action during critical incidents.
CORE OPERATIONAL EXPERTISE
Law Enforcement
Chad Knode brings decades of real-world experience, including 32 years with the Columbus Division of Police. His career reflects a deep commitment to public safety, discipline, and leadership in high-pressure environments.
Active Shooter & CRASE
As a certified instructor in Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE), Chad educates individuals and organizations on recognizing threats and responding effectively using the Avoid, Deny, Defend model to improve survivability during critical incidents.
Defensive Tactics & Use of Force
With a strong background as a Defensive Tactics Instructor and Use-of-Force Expert, Chad provides practical, legally grounded training that emphasizes situational awareness, de-escalation, and appropriate response techniques.
Emergency Response Strategy & Civilian Safety Education
Chad Knode brings extensive emergency management experience from his nine years of service with the Columbus Division of Police Emergency Management Unit. During that time, he helped plan and coordinate large-scale events, dignitary visits, multi-jurisdictional safety exercises, and public safety operations, giving him a strong foundation in preparedness, risk management, interagency coordination, and critical incident response.
Critical Events
Serving as a Police Active Shooter Response Coordinator, Chad has led training initiatives and coordinated response strategies, ensuring both law enforcement and civilians are better prepared to act decisively during critical events.