SWAT: Page 4

Two California Manhunts End In Gunfire

Two of Northern California's most intense manhunts in decades ended in deadly gunfire, when sheriff's deputies shot and killed murder suspects in Mendocino County and Cupertino only five days apart.

Fighting for Survival In Harsh Economic Times

The lingering bad economy continued to cause havoc on American law enforcement. Many law enforcement agencies have been forced to downsize dramatically, including laying off officers in unprecedented numbers. So-called "non-essential" services are being eliminated.

Photo: Emergency Services Of Metro Vancouver.

Grueling Searches: The Mendocino Manhunt

Every tactical team should realistically assess whether they're capable and ready to handle a challenging and sustained manhunt in difficult terrain. Even the most built-up urban cities have outdoor areas with large, rugged places for dangerous suspects to hide. If your team isn't ready, now is the time to get up to speed.

A view into a redwood forest in Mendocino County. Photo: kylewm.

The High Cost of a Dynamic Entry

In an earlier blog post, we asked you to consider a scenario and decide whether to forcibly enter a residence to remove a high-risk suspect. Here's how the scenario played out and what lessons can be learned.

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."

Photo: judemat.

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.

Photo: Cian Oba Smith.

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.

Photo: POLICE file art.

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?"

Screenshot: YouTube.

Is Dynamic Entry Worth the Risk?

We have the signed no-knock. Do we serve it by initiating a dynamic entry? Or do we explore other options to take the suspect into custody and secure the evidence?

Photo: POLICE file art.

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.

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.

L Hollywood Riot Vid

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.

R Bart Shooting2 Vid

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