NCJ Number
62501
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 22 Issue: 10 Dated: (OCTOBER 1974) Pages: 12-14
Date Published
1974
Length
3 pages
Annotation
TECHNIQUES ARE OUTLINED AND DISCUSSED WHICH, IF PROPERLY APPLIED, WILL EFFECTIVELY COUNTER THE BARRICADED GUNMAN, REGARDLESS OF HIS MOTIVES OR THE NUMBER OF GUNMEN INVOLVED.
Abstract
BECAUSE OF THE DEMANDS PLACED ON POLICE OFFICERS IN COMBATING TERRORIST ATTACKS AND ARMED FELONS, ADDITIONAL TRAINING OF OFFICERS MUST INCLUDE METHODS OF SUCCESSFULLY ARRESTING A CRIMINAL WHO HAS TAKEN A FORTIFIED POSITION. THESE TECHNIQUES APPLY TO BOTH THE MILITARY AND CIVIL POLICE AND MAY BE EXTENDED TO A VARIETY OF CIVIL DISTURBANCE CONTROL SITUATIONS. IN MOST CIRCUMSTANCES, INITIAL CONTACT WITH THE BARRICADED GUNMAN WILL BE MADE BY AN INDIVIDUAL PATROL OFFICER. IMMEDIATELY UPON DETERMINING THE NATURE OF THE SITUATION, THE OFFICER MUST REQUEST ASSISTANCE, ISOLATE THE GUNMAN AND PREVENT HIS RELOCATION, AND WAIT FOR ASSISTANCE. THE OFFICER MUST NOT ATTEMPT TO RUSH THE FORTIFIED POSITION, NOR SHOULD HE PRESENT HIMSELF AS A TARGET. THE MOST CRITICAL ACTION THAT THE POLICE OFFICER WILL TAKE WILL BE IN STABILIZING THE SITUATION BY KEEPING THE GUNMAN IN ONE PLACE. THE SENIOR OFFICER OR SUPERVISOR SHOULD ASSURE THAT BYSTANDERS ARE EVACUATED, THAT EXITS FOR THE GUNMAN ARE BLOCKED, AND THAT OFFICERS ARE POSITIONED TO COVER THE EVACUATION. NOTES KEPT ON THE DEPLOYMENT OF OFFICERS, ON THE TIMING OF OPERATIONS, AND ON ACTIONS TAKEN, WILL PROVE INVALUABLE DURING SUBSEQUENT INQUIRIES. TACTICAL UNITS TRAINED IN THE USE OF APPROPRIATE WEAPONS AND TEAM PROCEDURES SHOULD PATROL THE PERIMETER, PROVIDE NECESSARY FIRE SUPPORT, AND ARREST AND TRANSPORT THE OFFENDERS. AFTER THE ARRESTS, THE BUILDING MUST BE SEARCHED FOR ADDITIONAL SUSPECTS AND EVIDENCE. THE PRESENCE OF HOSTAGES REQUIRES MORE STRINGENT CONTROL OF FIREPOWER AND CAREFUL NEGOTIATION. NO REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (TWK)