SWAT: Page 6

Friendly Fire: Analyzing the Problem

As with accidental training deaths, LE needs to recognize that "friendly fire" tragedies are both needless and preventable. And the only acceptable goal in any/all accidental police deaths is their total elimination.

Friendly Fire: A Devastating LODD

He responded "as is" in his gym shorts. Yet there was absolutely no question in anyone's mind that he was "SWAT." That's because he had the presence of mind to don his tactical vest and helmet, which made him instantly recognizable as SWAT.

Tales of Three SWAT Tragedies

While the official investigations are still ongoing, enough has already been reported to provide glimpses into what and how these tragedies might have occurred.

Is Law Enforcement Entering a Deadly New Era?

The spike in duty deaths has occurred despite the many advancements in police training, equipment (particularly protective armor), and emergency medical trauma care. What does appear to be occurring is more and more criminals are showing an increasing willingness to engage police in armed confrontations.

St. Petersburg After-Action Report (2 of 2)

The suspect moved the K-9 officer's deceased body 10 to 15 feet to the attic opening and placed the officer's boot in view of fellow officers. He also intentionally set a trap to lure police into his line of fire.

R St Pete Ambush Two Officers 1

St. Petersburg After-Action Report (1 of 2)

There were three rapid gun shots, and the Marshal saw the K-9 officer roll off the suspect. The Marshal transitioned to his firearm and was shot twice (lower front vest and groin) and fell back through the attic opening onto the detective and onto the floor. The suspect began to fire rounds from the attic through the ceiling at officers.

R St Pete Ambush Two Officers

No-Knock Searches: Reasonable or Deadly?

Incidents like the Todd Blair shooting put pressure on judges to deny requests for no-knock warrants. Don't ask for a no-knock warrant unless it really is necessary.

No Knock Raid Blog 1

The Hazards of Flash-Bangs

The death of a veteran North Carolina SWAT officer from a flash-bag device is surprising. However, it should be pointed out that the devices pack a punch — heat exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, a blast reaching 175 decibels and a flash of 1 million Candle-power.

Why High-Risk Encounters Require SWAT

The murders of Florida officers with the Miami-Dade Police Department and St. Petersburg Police Department rocked their communities, as well as all of law enforcement. In both instances, officers entered buildings to search for suspects without calling for backup from tactical units.

The Danger of the Surrendering Suspect

When we're apprehending a suspect who is surrendering, we're at our most vulnerable. This is precisely what suspects are counting on, and they'll look for an advantage to escape. It's known as fight or flight, and can often be fight and flight.

Photo via Flickr (U.S. Coast Guard).

We Need to Harden Police Targets

The litany of attacks on police stations is lengthy, having occurred in cities, suburbs, and rural areas alike. For every attack, there are undoubtedly countless more close calls, many we probably don't even know about.

Detroit Precinct Attack Web 1

The Hidden Dangers of Suspect Searches

POLICE SWAT expert and retired LEO Bob O'Brien tells you seven tales from his experiences to teach about the danger of missing a hidden suspect during a search.

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