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•October 14, 2008

Cops, Casualties of an Undeclared War

It is disturbingly clear that despite the many improvements in officer safety, law enforcement remains a deadly dangerous profession.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•October 1, 2008

Active Shooters Can Kill Cops, Too

Every tick of the clock means more victims. The faster the response, the fewer the victims.

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

SWAT’s Role in the War on Terror

There is plenty that all SWAT teams can and should be doing right now to prepare for the next 9/11. If SWAT doesn’t lead the tactical way, then who will?

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

Prove SWAT's Necessity to Your Agency

For the first time in its 40-year history, SWAT isn't always the answer for what are clearly dangerous, high-risk situations. Some even question if there's any need for SWAT at all.

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

Another School Year, Another School Shooting

With the school year barely begun, there has already been another school shooting to report. This time, at South High School in Willoughby, Ohio. Fortunately, this time, no one was shot. However, the close call sent shockwaves of fear throughout this suburban Cleveland community.

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

SWAT and Patrol Grow Closer

The active shooter track courses I sat in on at TREXPO East indicate active shooter strategy continues to evolve.

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

SWAT Teams Take Cues from LAPD

Whether you're a SWAT commander, supervisor, team leader, or operator. Whether you're at the front, middle, or back end of your career. Whether you're a current, former, or aspiring SWAT member. Every single one of you has a stake in what happens within SWAT.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•August 20, 2008

Get Ready for Riots

Despite the many advancements and improvements in police riot response, major riots remain among the most devastating and dangerous events any city and its police force can face. When it comes to riots, it’s far better to prevent them than to cure them. However, that’s not always possible, and the reality is police must always be prepared and capable of controlling riots with rapid, effective police response.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•August 6, 2008

Sound Off About SWAT

Consider this your opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions about SWAT with a large law enforcement audience. I want your ideas, thoughts, and opinions to lead to an open dialogue about SWAT.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•August 5, 2008

A Tale of Two SWAT Shootings

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.

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