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 22, 2008

Tis the Season for Mayhem and Madness—So Be Safe

As the year draws to a close, the holiday season is upon us. However, for some professions-notably, police, fire, military, emergency medical, etc.-the holidays are often busier than the rest of the year. Those in these professions, along with their families, understand and accept this as a fact of life.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•December 19, 2008

What Does Mumbai Mean for Us? (Part 2 of 2)

Mumbai is a "shot heard round the world." It's a clear warning to law enforcement of what's headed our way sooner or later. The real question is will we or won't we be ready?

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•December 9, 2008

What Does Mumbai Mean for Us? (Part 1 of 2)

The Mumbai terror attack was a basic raid. It was a version of the same highly effective tactics employed by most SWAT teams, especially for multiple, simultaneous raids and searches. It was a testament to the devastating and deadly effects of stealth, surprise, shock, and speed.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•December 3, 2008

How Long is Too Long to Remain in SWAT?

Arbitrary rotation has nothing to do with the job of SWAT itself. Instead, it’s about the—in my opinion, wrong—belief that staying too long in SWAT results in becoming “insular.”

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•November 26, 2008

Talking Strategy and Tactics

I’m a strong believer that once SWAT takes over a situation, SWAT should determine and carry out the tactics. Period. There are many horror stories where interference and micro managing resulted in bad outcomes and tragedies.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•November 26, 2008

Verbal Commands

Verbal commands very often set the tone for the ultimate outcome of police encounters, including SWAT operations.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•November 12, 2008

Bulletproofing SWAT

Ballistic protection has a single purpose: keeping YOU alive and injury free so you can accomplish your mission. The way I feel about the protection vs. comfort issue is protection wins every time. Period.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•November 7, 2008

No Excuses: Wear Your Body Armor

I find it inconceivable that in 2008 there are so many police not wearing protective vests. Body armor needs to be considered as standard and essential as the gun, badge, and uniform.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•October 28, 2008

A Tough Year for SWAT Teams

How is your SWAT team doing so far this year? At one extreme, some teams have been called out only a few times this year. Other teams have been called out for hundreds of incidents and operations. Some of these callouts have turned out well, others not so well.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•October 24, 2008

Honor Fallen Officers by Staying Alive

The dangers of our profession range from the obvious—hostage rescue attempts and active shooters—to the hidden—vehicle crashes and physical training. And any one of them can happen to any of us at any time.

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