Police Magazine

Robert O'Brien

SWAT Sergeant (Ret.)

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.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•December 2, 2011

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.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•November 22, 2011

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.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•November 21, 2011

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.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•June 17, 2011

Perception: The Difference Between Heroes and Villains

The Pima County (Ariz.) Sheriff's Department's May 5 SWAT raid resulted in the death of a Marine at home in front of his family. This tragedy has exploded into one of the most criticized, controversial SWAT incidents in memory.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•May 16, 2011

Friendly Fire: Identify Yourself As an Officer

SWAT officers often respond to call-outs while off duty and driving their personal vehicles. And they often arrive before the rest of SWAT. Thought needs to be given to how identifiable they are when arriving on scene, particularly in swirling, chaotic, life-threatening situations, and especially when there's a chance on-scene officers might not know they're SWAT.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•February 18, 2011

The Danger of the Surrendering Suspect

When we're apprehending a suspect who is surrendering, we're at our most vulnerable. This is precisely what suspects are counting on, and they'll look for an advantage to escape. It's known as fight or flight, and can often be fight and flight.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•December 22, 2010

Confined Spaces and Tunnel Rats

It takes a special officer to willingly, capably, and effectively search confined spaces for suspects. During the Vietnam War, "tunnel rats" were employed to search the often elaborate, always extremely hazardous NVA/VC tunnel systems.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•July 12, 2010

Searching For a Dangerous Suspect Can Tax SWAT's Capabilities

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.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•October 20, 2009

SWAT Associations: Are You a Member?

SWAT is a special breed of dedicated volunteers who are tactically oriented, knowledgeable, trained, equipped, armed, and capable of handling any and all high-risk missions they're tasked with. Associations allow these like-minded individuals to share best practices as well as each other's company.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•March 30, 2009

The Aftermath of the Oakland Massacre

How we honor them and all of our thousands of fallen brothers and sisters is to continue to do our job to the utmost of our ability with dignity and honor, no matter the obstacles. We are the thin blue line, and if we don’t do the job of protecting society, no one will.

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