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•September 22, 2011

Sports Riots: The Other IED

Sports violence has even been identified by some as a medical disorder called Intermittent Explosive Disorder—"the other IED." It may be fueled by unusually high amounts of testosterone and caused by "idiots acting like fools."

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

How Will U.K. Police Respond To the London Riots?

To quell riots, London Met Police called in 16,000 officers. Police authorized plastic baton rounds, armored vehicles, and considered imposing a curfew. These are common U.S. police riot responses, but are practically unheard of in the U.K.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•September 8, 2011

Armored Rescue Vehicles: 3 Effective Deployments

ARVs are one of the many specialized "tools" in the SWAT toolbox. As such, they're usually employed only for high-risk situations and community relations initiatives. The end result is that ARVs are employed very selectively and infrequently.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•August 26, 2011

One Team's Innovative Barricade Tactic

Just when we might think all the innovative SWAT tactics have already been tried, a SWAT team comes up with an imaginative, simple and exceptionally effective tactic. It comes under the heading of "why didn't someone else think of this before?"

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•August 19, 2011

Violent Flash Mobs: Passing Fad or Here to Stay?

Some would say violent flash mobs are unique to big cities. They would be wrong. Ask police from East Side suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. In recent years, Cleveland's once quiet, inner-ring suburbs have seen increased crime.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•August 10, 2011

Video: How LAPD SWAT Prevented a Hollywood Riot

The LAPD was able to successfully disperse the 2,000-person mob without it turning into an all-out riot. In its wake, the "block party" left the street littered with debris; the movie premiere was canceled; and the Los Angeles DJ apologized.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•August 5, 2011

Video: Will Video Evidence Satisfy the BART Doubters?

The controversy involving the July 3 BART shooting picked up steam, as critics questioned, doubted, and eventually condemned the police "version." For the second time in 2-½ years, BART Police found themselves embroiled in yet another controversial shooting. This was yet another blow to BART Police—a department working very hard to rebuild its image.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•July 28, 2011

Police Shooting Response Tasks San Francisco SWAT with Riot Control

The anarchists' next target was a bank where they smashed a window with a hammer. Followed by a SFPD substation where they threw paint and a hammer at police. Emboldened by their own actions, the "anarchists" continued to the Market and Powell intersection in the heart of the Financial District.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•July 8, 2011

When Crowds Turn Into Violent Mobs

Flash mobs first gained popularity with their synchronized dancing, mega-pillow fights, and the like. It now appears that the thugs have interjected their own version of flash mobs: large roving bands of predators hunting their next prey.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•June 30, 2011

When Facts Won't Satisfy the LE Critics

After weeks of public and media scrutiny, the actions of the Pima County (Ariz.) Sheriff's SWAT unit were officially ruled "justifiable and reasonable." However, the fallout over the raid is far from over, because many people's minds were made up before the facts were known.

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