Since PERF launched the Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) training in 2016, agencies across 36 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada have taught their officers ICAT. PERF has continually updated the training material by adding new case studies, refining PowerPoint slides, and creating new modules such as “Suicide by Cop,” “Step Up and Step In,” and “Reducing the Risk of Restraint Related Deaths.”

To keep ICAT trainers updated on the latest materials and training practices, PERF is holding our Fourth Annual National ICAT Conference and ICAT recertification in Clearwater Beach, Florida, on February 9-10, 2026. At this conference, PERF and experienced ICAT trainers will share the latest updates to the training program, discuss model fidelity, highlight PERF’s recent work on reducing the risk of restraint related deaths (you can read our publication 15 Principles for Reducing the Risk of Restraint-Related Death here), and ask agencies to share lessons they’ve learned as they’ve implemented ICAT.

Importantly, PERF will recertify officers who have previously attended an ICAT training session, providing them with an updated training certificate. Your ICAT instructors are strongly encouraged to attend the national conference to get the latest version of the ICAT curriculum, which will include our newest module on restraint-related deaths.

Please note that only attendees who have previously attended a train-the-trainer held by PERF will be eligible for recertification. If your instructors have not attended an ICAT train-the-trainer before and are interested in doing so, PERF holds regular classes at its national ICAT facility in Decatur, Illinois. Training opportunities are posted on our website.

Agencies should consider sending ICAT instructors, dispatchers, co-responders, mental health collaborators, training academy leaders, and agency leaders to the conference.  Both agencies that have already implemented the ICAT training program and those still considering implementation will find this conference beneficial.

Meeting Details

Date: Monday, February 9 and Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (lunch will be provided both days)

Location: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

Meeting registration: Please CLICK HERE register for the meeting.

Registration fee: $500

Hotel Rooms

PERF has secured blocks of rooms at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach at a rate of $299 per night. To reserve a room, CLICK HERE or contact the hotel at (727) 281-9536 and tell them you are booking a room for the ICAT conference. The room rate will be available for the nights of Sunday, February 8, and Monday, February 9.

All rooms must be booked by Friday, January 9 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Parking is $40 per vehicle per night.

For More Information

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Jason Cheney at [email protected] or (202) 454-8331.

We hope to see you in Clearwater!