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, 2010

Tactical Officers Honor Two SWAT Pioneers

Attendees of the NTOA conference starting Sunday have the rare privilege to be in the presence of two living legends of SWAT. Ron McCarthy and John Kolman made SWAT the respected "profession within a profession" that it is today.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•September 7, 2010

Engaging a Suspect With Explosives and Hostages

Per protocol, MCPD's patrol officers requested SWAT and negotiators, who responded quickly to take over the situation. The clock is always ticking when explosives are in the hands of unstable suspects.

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

How SWAT Will Survive the Great Recession

SWAT is not immune from the adverse effects of the recession. A growing number of tactical units are being merged into regional teams, losing personnel through attrition, and even being suspended and disbanded entirely.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•August 9, 2010

Vallejo PD Suspends SWAT and K-9

The message to SWAT teams everywhere is crystal clear: You need to do something to preserve your team now. Because if you don't someone else will do if for you. And it's a guarantee you won't like the results.

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

Oakland Riot Strategy and Tactics (Part 2 of 2)

I was particularly impressed by the "collapsing containment" tactic that effectively took ground away from rioters. What I was most impressed with was the disciplined professionalism by all the officers I saw.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•July 27, 2010

Oakland Riot Strategy and Tactics (Part 1 of 2)

I watched as police response, low key at first, transformed to counter the crowd that had turned into a riotous mob. I was highly impressed by the professional, organized and disciplined police response.

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

Searching For a Dangerous Suspect Can Tax SWAT's Capabilities

When this highly conditioned team emerged from the woods, it was clear how totally spent they were. Nearly non-functional as SWAT, until getting some much-needed rest/sleep.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•June 14, 2010

How SWAT Handled the Sacramento Standoff

Sacramento County Sheriff's SWAT was called out to what turned into a 56-hour standoff—the longest in Sacramento history—at an 82-unit apartment complex. The suspect shot at SWAT officers, a robot, and the Armored Rescue Vehicle (ARV) on at least eight occasions.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•May 25, 2010

Regional SWAT: Northeast Ohio's Experience

Born of necessity, the regional SWAT concept has been around a long time, and has proven highly successful. Four suburban Cleveland, Ohio, SWAT teams are merging to form a single regional team, the latest in northeast Ohio.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•May 4, 2010

Are Regional SWAT Teams the Answer In a Down Economy?

I'll be the first to admit that it took me awhile to warm up to the regional SWAT idea. But after watching the benefits and successes of the concept, I've come to recognize its advantages.

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