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Also by Robert O'Brien

Displaying 41 - 60 of 192

LEO Deaths Take No Holiday

December 17, 2010

All police, military and firefighters willingly understand and accept the duty, challenge, sacrifice, risk of their noble professions. We know full well the ever-present dangers that lurk in the shadows — dangers that include the possibility of serious injury or death.

Searching for Hidden Suspects

December 13, 2010

I'd say every SWAT team trains extensively on suspect searches with special emphasis on the terrain they're dealing with. Regardless of terrain type, every SWAT team must be adept at searching buildings and outdoor terrain.

Officer Sacrifice Brings Lessons for Two Tactical Teams

December 3, 2010

The mission for both New Orleans and San Antonio PD SWAT is crystal clear. They, too, need to recover, rebound, and rebuild from the major "hits" each team has taken.

Policing In Uncertain Times: The Future of SWAT

November 29, 2010

As a result of dramatically shrinking tax revenues, the public sector is now being forced to make unprecedented cuts across the board. I'm a strong advocate of SWAT being capable and versatile enough to handle a wide variety of assignments. SWAT teams need to stay active as their agencies tactical go-to specialists.

Voting, Elections, LE and SWAT

November 12, 2010

Voter discontent reflects a growing resentment across America against what are perceived as public sector abuses. Headlines today are filled with stories such as the exorbitant public officials' salaries and pensions in Bell, Calif.

Urban Shield: Debriefing the Teams

November 3, 2010

SWAT competitions give the teams an opportunity to compete against other tactical teams in events designed to test their competency and mettle. Among the many excellent SWAT competitions to choose from, Urban Shield's "full-scale exercise" format is widely considered the most realistically challenging.

Urban Shield: Planning and Logistics

October 26, 2010

I refer to Urban Shield as a "gruelathon," and this year proved even tougher than 2009. Although there are a number of outstanding SWAT competitions throughout America, I can think of none more realistic, encompassing, massive and demanding than Urban Shield.

Networking Builds Professionalism

October 20, 2010

From its inception, SWAT has always recognized the importance of professionalism through training and networking — the twin concepts that anchor the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA).

Role Models and Mentors

October 18, 2010

The informal training received from role models and mentors is often overlooked in the LEO training equation. At some point in most officers' careers, the roles are reversed and they become role models and mentors for the next generation of law enforcement.

SWAT Pioneers Led the Way

September 28, 2010

As anyone in SWAT knows, such reputations are the result of dedication, professionalism and sound leadership. Specifically, the early leadership of Ron McCarthy (LAPD SWAT senior sergeant) and John Kolman (LASD SWAT commander/lieutenant).

Tactical Officers Honor Two SWAT Pioneers

September 22, 2010

Attendees of the NTOA conference starting Sunday have the rare privilege to be in the presence of two living legends of SWAT. Ron McCarthy and John Kolman made SWAT the respected "profession within a profession" that it is today.

Engaging a Suspect With Explosives and Hostages

September 7, 2010

Per protocol, MCPD's patrol officers requested SWAT and negotiators, who responded quickly to take over the situation. The clock is always ticking when explosives are in the hands of unstable suspects.

How SWAT Will Survive the Great Recession

August 18, 2010

SWAT is not immune from the adverse effects of the recession. A growing number of tactical units are being merged into regional teams, losing personnel through attrition, and even being suspended and disbanded entirely.

Vallejo PD Suspends SWAT and K-9

August 9, 2010

The message to SWAT teams everywhere is crystal clear: You need to do something to preserve your team now. Because if you don't someone else will do if for you. And it's a guarantee you won't like the results.

Oakland Riot Strategy and Tactics (Part 2 of 2)

July 29, 2010

I was particularly impressed by the "collapsing containment" tactic that effectively took ground away from rioters. What I was most impressed with was the disciplined professionalism by all the officers I saw.

Oakland Riot Strategy and Tactics (Part 1 of 2)

July 27, 2010

I watched as police response, low key at first, transformed to counter the crowd that had turned into a riotous mob. I was highly impressed by the professional, organized and disciplined police response.

Searching For a Dangerous Suspect Can Tax SWAT's Capabilities

July 12, 2010

When this highly conditioned team emerged from the woods, it was clear how totally spent they were. Nearly non-functional as SWAT, until getting some much-needed rest/sleep.

How SWAT Handled the Sacramento Standoff

June 14, 2010

Sacramento County Sheriff's SWAT was called out to what turned into a 56-hour standoff—the longest in Sacramento history—at an 82-unit apartment complex. The suspect shot at SWAT officers, a robot, and the Armored Rescue Vehicle (ARV) on at least eight occasions.

Regional SWAT: Northeast Ohio's Experience

May 25, 2010

Born of necessity, the regional SWAT concept has been around a long time, and has proven highly successful. Four suburban Cleveland, Ohio, SWAT teams are merging to form a single regional team, the latest in northeast Ohio.

Are Regional SWAT Teams the Answer In a Down Economy?

May 4, 2010

I'll be the first to admit that it took me awhile to warm up to the regional SWAT idea. But after watching the benefits and successes of the concept, I've come to recognize its advantages.

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