SWAT: Page 9

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.

POLICE-TREXPO West: Tactical Toys

Once again, POLICE-TREXPO West exceeded my expectations. And once again, I came away with greater knowledge and appreciation for the law enforcement profession and also for SWAT—a profession within a profession.

ICX Technologies' SkyWatch mobile observation tower at POLICE-TREXPO West's range event. Photo by Paul Clinton.

POLICE-TREXPO West: Tactical Knowledge

From the spectacular Long Beach Convention Center venue to the professional TREXPO staff and course instructors, and especially all the LE professionals who attended the conference and expo—all combined to make this one of the best TREXPOs ever.

Dr. Bill Lewinski of the Force Science Research Institute gave the keynote address. PHOTO: Kimberly Pham

Daryl Gates and the Origins of LAPD SWAT

He may not have invented SWAT. Yet Gates was intricately involved in its creation, and like all great leaders in organizations who are presented with a great idea, he provided the push needed to get it implemented.

Pittsburgh Police Ambush: One Year Later

As in Oakland, Pittsburgh police have had a very rough year, grieving and recovering from the murders of three fellow officers. All the while, continuing to serve and protect the citizens of Pittsburgh as the professionals they are.

One Year After the Oakland Police Murders

For two months after the tragic shootings, OPD SWAT went into "stand down" mode, to regroup and train replacement Sergeants. Oakland is part of Alameda County, so Alameda County's tactical team handled any callouts while the OPD team regrouped. In May 2009, OPD SWAT became operational again and has since handled dozens of missions, successfully.

What Can You Do to Help Your Tactical Team Survive the Recession?

Even with federal stimulus money, many agencies continue to struggle financially. Far fewer new officers are being recruited or hired. Personnel layoffs and demotions are becoming more common. Less equipment and vehicles are being purchased. And more programs are falling into the "nice to have" category, meaning they'll soon be cut out entirely.

Image via OregonDOT (Flickr.com).

Is Your SWAT Team Really Ready?

Two Lenco Bearcat armored rescue vehicles (ARVs) were used to move perimeter personnel farther back and out of the suspect's line of fire. Ultimately as many as 200 officers from many LE agencies responded to the mutual aid calls for assistance. A number of SWAT teams answered the call and worked the inner perimeter.

Can Your SWAT Team Survive the Great Recession?

As a growing number of LE agencies struggle to stay afloat, it's logical that SWAT teams will feel the impact. Expect continuing cutbacks in personnel (especially full-time teams), equipment, training, and even callouts. All will be scrutinized for their "necessity." So what can SWAT do about it?

Ohio Police Must Defend Justifiable OIS

The shooting of the 72-year-old homeowner by Mentor (Ohio) police created an instant storm of community controversy that hasn't been quelled by an investigation calling it justifiable.

Officer Survival 2010: How Can SWAT Prevent Duty Deaths?

So what can SWAT do to help? For the answer, we should look at SWAT's role in diffusing two of the deadliest threats to society in modern times: snipers and active shooters.

The Oakland Police Murders: What We Think We Know

Start with the OPD board of inquiry after-action report and definitely include the OPD radio transmissions from March 21. Follow up on these by reading as many news and LE articles, blogs, commentaries that you can find, especially via the Internet. And if you have access to any "inside intel," that's better yet.

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