Robert O'Brien

Obrien 1

A member of the TREXPO Advisory Board, Sgt. Robert "Bob" O'Brien Cleveland SWAT Ret. is the founder of the R.J. O'Brien Group Ltd., a law enforcement training and consulting service that advises and trains a number of local, state, and federal SWAT teams. O'Brien co-founded Cleveland's full-time SWAT team, and he served with that unit for 25 years. He is a former consultant to the National Tactical Officers Association and a former vice president of the Ohio Tactical Officers Association.

From Robert O'Brien
SWAT
Ghosts of SWAT Past, Present, and Future
As 2011 comes to a close, this would be a good time to reflect on SWAT's past, present and future (apologies to Charles Dickens). While we can't accurately predict the future, we can trace the evolution of tactical units from yesteryear, understand today's challenged, and perhaps glimpse tomorrow's trend.
December 14, 2011
Flickr_CC: StevenM_61
SWAT
Mob Rules: Was 2011 the Year of Lawlessness?
Two popular social movements in 2011—flash mobs and occupiers—placed a great strain on cities and their LE agencies. It wasn't long before both movements were infiltrated and hijacked by troublemakers bent on violence.
December 1, 2011
CC_Flickr: Brennan Cavanaugh
SWAT
Decorated SWAT Cop's Watch Ends Too Soon
In the days following Officer Capoot's death, we learned more about the man. Jim was a dedicated, respected, and outstanding police officer, as well as a warmly generous human being.
November 27, 2011
Officer James Capoot. Photo: Vallejo (Calif.) PD
SWAT
Black-Bloc Anarchists: Revolution for the Hell of It
Even though anarchists who use black-bloc tactics are relatively few in number, their strategy and tactics of wreaking havoc, chaos and mayhem provides them with the sensational news coverage they crave.
November 21, 2011
SWAT
Urban Shield 2011: Enhancing Mutual Aid
When a law enforcement agency calls for mutual aid help in northern California, arriving responders are usually on the same page, due to their participation in tactical training at Urban Shield.
November 20, 2011
Photo: Alameda County Sheriff's Office
SWAT
Zanesville Animal Farm: Wrecking Noah's Ark
When thinking about the Muskingum County tragedy, the natural question that needs to be asked is "could this happen again?" Most zoos have enclosures, fences, contingencies, and trained armed personnel to deal with this possibility. What about private animal farm that operate without oversight, regulations, or precautions?
November 8, 2011
SWAT
Urban Shield 2011: Bound by Duty
Leadership starts at the top, and spreads throughout the entire Alameda County Sheriff's Office. This is the reason Urban Shield continues to offer the "best of the best" training for first responders.
October 30, 2011
Photo: Alameda County Sheriff's Office.
SWAT
Two California Manhunts End In Gunfire
Two of Northern California's most intense manhunts in decades ended in deadly gunfire, when sheriff's deputies shot and killed murder suspects in Mendocino County and Cupertino only five days apart.
October 20, 2011
SWAT
Fighting for Survival In Harsh Economic Times
The lingering bad economy continued to cause havoc on American law enforcement. Many law enforcement agencies have been forced to downsize dramatically, including laying off officers in unprecedented numbers. So-called "non-essential" services are being eliminated.
October 16, 2011
Photo: Emergency Services Of Metro Vancouver.
SWAT
Grueling Searches: The Mendocino Manhunt
Every tactical team should realistically assess whether they're capable and ready to handle a challenging and sustained manhunt in difficult terrain. Even the most built-up urban cities have outdoor areas with large, rugged places for dangerous suspects to hide. If your team isn't ready, now is the time to get up to speed.
October 6, 2011
A view into a redwood forest in Mendocino County. Photo: kylewm.
Page 1 of 20
Next Page