In the size-up process, which step involves evaluating potential courses of action?

The step in the size-up process that involves evaluating potential courses of action is the Decision stage. During this step, officers analyze the information gathered during the previous phases, including facts and the overall situation, to determine the most effective strategies and tactics to address the situation at hand. This includes considering available resources, risks, and potential outcomes of different courses of action.

In the context of incident management, making a well-informed decision is crucial, as it sets the direction for the team's response. The quality of the decision is contingent upon the thoroughness of the previous steps in the size-up process, where relevant facts are assessed, and the situation is comprehensively understood. Thus, the Decision step embodies the culmination of information processing and critical thinking necessary for effective incident management.