Two popular social movements in 2011—flash mobs and occupiers—placed a great strain on cities and their LE agencies. It wasn't long before both movements were infiltrated and hijacked by troublemakers bent on violence.
December 2, 2011
In the days following Officer Capoot's death, we learned more about the man. Jim was a dedicated, respected, and outstanding police officer, as well as a warmly generous human being.
November 28, 2011
Even though anarchists who use black-bloc tactics are relatively few in number, their strategy and tactics of wreaking havoc, chaos and mayhem provides them with the sensational news coverage they crave.
November 22, 2011
When a law enforcement agency calls for mutual aid help in northern California, arriving responders are usually on the same page, due to their participation in tactical training at Urban Shield.
November 21, 2011
Leadership starts at the top, and spreads throughout the entire Alameda County Sheriff's Office. This is the reason Urban Shield continues to offer the "best of the best" training for first responders.
October 31, 2011
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.
September 8, 2011
The anarchists' next target was a bank where they smashed a window with a hammer. Followed by a SFPD substation where they threw paint and a hammer at police. Emboldened by their own actions, the "anarchists" continued to the Market and Powell intersection in the heart of the Financial District.
July 28, 2011
Flash mobs first gained popularity with their synchronized dancing, mega-pillow fights, and the like. It now appears that the thugs have interjected their own version of flash mobs: large roving bands of predators hunting their next prey.
July 8, 2011
SWAT competitions give the teams an opportunity to compete against other tactical teams in events designed to test their competency and mettle. Among the many excellent SWAT competitions to choose from, Urban Shield's "full-scale exercise" format is widely considered the most realistically challenging.
November 3, 2010
The informal training received from role models and mentors is often overlooked in the LEO training equation. At some point in most officers' careers, the roles are reversed and they become role models and mentors for the next generation of law enforcement.
October 18, 2010
As anyone in SWAT knows, such reputations are the result of dedication, professionalism and sound leadership. Specifically, the early leadership of Ron McCarthy (LAPD SWAT senior sergeant) and John Kolman (LASD SWAT commander/lieutenant).
September 28, 2010
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.
September 22, 2010
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.
August 9, 2010
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.
July 29, 2010
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.
July 27, 2010
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