BREACHING 101: If the initial breach fails, have pre-planned contingency plans to move to the second or third entry point. If that is not an option, prepare for surround and call-out, and establish a chemical agents and negotiations plan as well. During this training video the BlueSheepDog Crew will analyze a home-made video of a police SWAT team's failed breach attempt. As … [Read more...]
Speed, Surprise, and Violence of Action – Part III
This is the third installment of our series examining the concept of, "Speed, Surprise, and Violence of Action". In Part I we detailed our opinions of the good and bad of Speed. In Part II we evaluated how Surprise can be both beneficial and costly. Now, in Part III, we will evaluate the term, "Violence of Action". Words provide powerful images in the American dialogue. This … [Read more...]
Speed, Surprise, and Violence of Action – Part II
SURPRISE - is probably the most misunderstood component of this entire tactical philosophy. Defined as, "an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing", Surprise can be a very valuable ally to police tactical operations. Surprise can also be a very shifty and non-trustworthy companion, changing sides in a heartbeat. … [Read more...]
Speed, Surprise, and Violence of Action – Part I
Ever heard the saying, "SPEED, SURPRISE AND VIOLENCE OF ACTION"? If you've been in American law enforcement for more than a couple of years there's a good chance you've heard this concept at least once. The terminology has been widely used within American law enforcement SWAT Teams for decades, and in some cases has spread out to patrol and other police units. However, the … [Read more...]
Krause v. Redford Police Department: Flashbangs and Excessive Force
This case is a little over a year old, but the decision of the United States 6th Circuit Court of Appeals should send a serious wake-up call to law enforcement tactical teams across the nation. At issue was the use of "flash bangs" and automatic firearms in the apprehension of a wanted felon who engaged officers and the community with gunfire. Though the 6th Circuit covers … [Read more...]
Bailey v. Vinson – Are SWAT Teams Excessive Force?
On June 23, 2015 the United States 5th Circuit Court of Appeals considered the use of a SWAT team to execute a search warrant, as it relates to the people's right to be free from excessive force. The decision of the 5th Circuit in Bailey v. Vinson should stand as a caution to police agencies that want to view the SWAT team as a fix-all tool. The use of police SWAT teams has … [Read more...]
Search Warrants and SWAT Teams
SWAT Teams in America The use of Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) teams by police departments across the country started over 50 years. In fact, several departments had specialized teams to bust up Prohibition Era rackets, making specialized police "tactics" units nearly 100 years old. However, recently the use of heavily armed and fatigue-clad police officers has come … [Read more...]
Gerber Ding Dong Breaching Tool
Let's say you have a hostage rescue action, and you suspect the local tweaker won't answer the door when you knock. Well, Gerber has the door chime you might need: the Ding Dong. The humorously named Gerber Ding Dong is a compact breaching tool that combines three standard SWAT tools into one package: the tactical sledgehammer, battering ram and Halligan tool (also known as … [Read more...]
Identifying the Barricaded Subject
The National Tactical Officer’s Association National Conference has concluded in Kansas City. One of the courses I was able to attend was a 4-hour session covering lessons learned on barricaded subject calls. Although tailored for tactical officers, the training brings light to difficult situations faced by patrol officers as well. This will be the first in a series on the … [Read more...]
Selecting a Police Sniper
Unfortunately, relatively little consideration is given for selecting personnel for a Of course, I’m a sniper. My name on the memorandum said I was!” Although a legitimate sniper school shouldn’t be afraid to flunk someone who can’t meet the course performance objectives, this is only the last link in the chain of a selection and assessment process which must have its origin … [Read more...]