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•July 23, 2008

The 40th Anniversary of the Glenville Riot and Shootout

It's rare to receive a formal invitation to remember a shootout and riot. But that's what participants, like myself, received for this year's 40th anniversary commemoration of the Glenville Shootout and Riot.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•July 22, 2008

2008 Officer Survival Midterm Report

The preliminary 2008 midterm report on U.S. law enforcement deaths by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund shows a significant, 41 percent, reduction compared to the same period in 2007—the lowest total in more than four decades. On the surface, this is very good news for us—the fewer police deaths the better. But does this mean that police work is 40 percent safer in 2008?

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

The Power of the Team

The magnetism of the team is so powerful that those who miss the "big one" for any reason will often feel badly about it for many years.

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

Recovery and Recuperation

Law enforcement is replete with stories of true warriors whose will to prevail often defies even the most daunting odds.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•June 18, 2008

Terror and Tragedy in Turlock

The pilot made a skillful, night emergency landing as closely as possible in a field. It was a cow pasture separated from the road by a daunting obstacle electrified, barbed wire fencing.Immediately upon landing, the Modesto officer sprinted 20 yards to the fence – commanding the suspect to cease his brutal attack against the helpless baby. The suspect’s response was to say “I’m not going to prison.” He raised his middle finger to the officer and continued kicking and stomping the

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•June 11, 2008

Active Shooters and SWAT

In Columbine’s wake, the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) developed the rapid deployment first-responder team tactic currently in use throughout the nation. But in many, if not most, departments, officers from the SWAT team conduct the active shooter training program.

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

Active Shooter Response Revisited – PART 2

Ultimately, each of us is responsible for our own actions. And there will be times in our careers when we have to take exceptional risks. The outcomes, however, will be based on far more than dedication and courage. It takes sound tactics to win. Absent sound tactics, the outcome is left to luck.

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