Misconception of SWAT team tactics:
Here is a rebuttal to The Voice articles by columnist John Whitehead, April 28, 2022 and December 8, 2022.
Mistakes in policing are never acceptable and SWAT is no exception.
SWAT teams are sent to a location/target area when regular street cops can not resolve the situation, SWAT does not just show up.
SWAT teams on a regular basis will negotiate a peaceful resolution to an incident.
When SWAT teams enter a location the best option for any person(s) there is to comply with the commands.
They will let you know who they are and what they want you to do.
As hard as that is to understand and goes against basic human nature to protect yourself, just comply.
Remember, when criminals invade your residence or place of business they won’t say a word until it is time to hurt you and steal your property.
Knock-and-announce situations for police and SWAT teams are very dangerous and in my opinion an improper tactic.
Knock and announce allows an offender or offenders time to barricade and arm themselves for a force on force confrontation.
In instances where negotiations fail, SWAT teams are built to move in stealth mode or move with surprise, speed, and aggressive action.
SWAT teams are taught to overwhelm a target or target location to actually avoid any type physical or armed confrontation.
When SWAT is on scene the general rule is to secure person or person(s) with handcuffs or zip ties for the safety of all until the conclusion of the incident.
As we have seen in the news a 6-year old boy shot his teacher and with that in mind anyone can be a suspect, no matter age or gender.
Once the person or persons that are being detained are ruled out as a possible suspects they are released on scene.
Retired Sergeant James Chiappetta, North Riverside Police Department. Former SWAT team operator with the NIPAS Emergency Services Team.
J. Chiappetta, North Riverside, Ill.