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•January 5, 2010

Live to Fight Another Day

Impossible? Maybe. But zero deaths is our goal and mission that we must strive for each and every day we don the uniform and badge.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•December 23, 2009

SWAT's 2009 Christmas Wish List

What LE administrators need to remember is that even during bad economic times society's protectors also need to be protected. But it's your duty to tell them.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•December 3, 2009

Lakewood Ambush: Not the First or Last

This isn't the first time this year that multiple officers from an agency have been killed in a single incident. While I certainly hope it's the last time, my gut feeling is it probably isn't.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•November 23, 2009

Urban Shield: Super SWAT Shape Required

Each scenario designed to test officers' tactical skills and teamwork to the limit was scored and timed, with points deducted for mistakes. Exercise #1,SWAT Fitness Assessment, tested the mettle of even those in "Super SWAT Shape."

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•November 19, 2009

Urban Shield: Training for the Unthinkable

Training for the "unthinkable" is what Urban Shield is all about because the "unthinkable" can, and does, happen. And like lightning in a thunderstorm, you never know where or when the next strike will occur.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•November 5, 2009

Urban Shield 2009 Dedicated to Oakland’s Fallen Officers

For the next two days, the teams will be competing in 25 challenging real-world scenarios, with very little rest or sleep. This is a true test of tactical skills, physical endurance, and mental resolve.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•October 20, 2009

SWAT Associations: Are You a Member?

SWAT is a special breed of dedicated volunteers who are tactically oriented, knowledgeable, trained, equipped, armed, and capable of handling any and all high-risk missions they're tasked with. Associations allow these like-minded individuals to share best practices as well as each other's company.

Inside the Badge •by Robert O'Brien•October 7, 2009