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 17, 2010

LEO Deaths Take No Holiday

All police, military and firefighters willingly understand and accept the duty, challenge, sacrifice, risk of their noble professions. We know full well the ever-present dangers that lurk in the shadows — dangers that include the possibility of serious injury or death.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•December 13, 2010

Searching for Hidden Suspects

I'd say every SWAT team trains extensively on suspect searches with special emphasis on the terrain they're dealing with. Regardless of terrain type, every SWAT team must be adept at searching buildings and outdoor terrain.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•December 3, 2010

Officer Sacrifice Brings Lessons for Two Tactical Teams

The mission for both New Orleans and San Antonio PD SWAT is crystal clear. They, too, need to recover, rebound, and rebuild from the major "hits" each team has taken.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•November 29, 2010

Policing In Uncertain Times: The Future of SWAT

As a result of dramatically shrinking tax revenues, the public sector is now being forced to make unprecedented cuts across the board. I'm a strong advocate of SWAT being capable and versatile enough to handle a wide variety of assignments. SWAT teams need to stay active as their agencies tactical go-to specialists.

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

Voting, Elections, LE and SWAT

Voter discontent reflects a growing resentment across America against what are perceived as public sector abuses. Headlines today are filled with stories such as the exorbitant public officials' salaries and pensions in Bell, Calif.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•November 3, 2010

Urban Shield: Debriefing the Teams

SWAT competitions give the teams an opportunity to compete against other tactical teams in events designed to test their competency and mettle. Among the many excellent SWAT competitions to choose from, Urban Shield's "full-scale exercise" format is widely considered the most realistically challenging.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•October 26, 2010

Urban Shield: Planning and Logistics

I refer to Urban Shield as a "gruelathon," and this year proved even tougher than 2009. Although there are a number of outstanding SWAT competitions throughout America, I can think of none more realistic, encompassing, massive and demanding than Urban Shield.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•October 20, 2010

Networking Builds Professionalism

From its inception, SWAT has always recognized the importance of professionalism through training and networking — the twin concepts that anchor the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA).

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•October 18, 2010

Role Models and Mentors

The informal training received from role models and mentors is often overlooked in the LEO training equation. At some point in most officers' careers, the roles are reversed and they become role models and mentors for the next generation of law enforcement.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•September 28, 2010

SWAT Pioneers Led the Way

As anyone in SWAT knows, such reputations are the result of dedication, professionalism and sound leadership. Specifically, the early leadership of Ron McCarthy (LAPD SWAT senior sergeant) and John Kolman (LASD SWAT commander/lieutenant).

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