Blog - SWAT

While the vast majority of SWAT operations are resolved peacefully, a few end in violence. What follows are two tales of tragic SWAT-involved incidents: one in upstate New York and the other in Lima, Ohio. Details of both incidents come from published news reports.

The preliminary 2008 midterm report on U.S. law enforcement deaths by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund shows a significant, 41 percent, reduction compared to the same period in 2007—the lowest total in more than four decades. On the surface, this is very good news for us—the fewer police deaths the better. But does this mean that police work is 40 percent safer in 2008?

The magnetism of the team is so powerful that those who miss the "big one" for any reason will often feel badly about it for many years.

Law enforcement is replete with stories of true warriors whose will to prevail often defies even the most daunting odds.

The pilot made a skillful, night emergency landing as closely as possible in a field. It was a cow pasture separated from the road by a daunting obstacle electrified, barbed wire fencing.
Immediately upon landing, the Modesto officer sprinted 20 yards to the fence – commanding the suspect to cease his brutal attack against the helpless baby. The suspect’s response was to say “I’m not going to prison.” He raised his middle finger to the officer and continued kicking and stomping the

Ultimately, each of us is responsible for our own actions. And there will be times in our careers when we have to take exceptional risks. The outcomes, however, will be based on far more than dedication and courage. It takes sound tactics to win. Absent sound tactics, the outcome is left to luck.