During an average 20 year career, to how many tactical situations might a law enforcement officer respond? Well, it actually depends upon the jurisdiction and community where the law enforcement officer works. For instance, in one community, an officer might see 10 tactical situations in their entire career where another might see 10 per week.
Anyone who, for their first time, has been thrust into supervising and coordinating the initial response to a tactical situation such as a barricaded suspect or a massive search may soon find him/herself inundated with countless decisions—oftentimes omitting some critical steps.
Fortunately, not long after I was promoted to sergeant in 1980, I was provided with a “Barricaded Suspect Checklist” prepared by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to use as a guide as needed. It turned out that a few months later the use of this form was put into action just after a robbery with shots fired in which the suspect barricaded himself at a motel. That checklist was awesome as it helped me remember to complete so many steps—especially like placing paramedics on stand-by in case someone gets injured. Here are some of the main steps I followed:
Barricaded Suspect Checklist (Partial list only) |
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Immediate Considerations |
Notifications |
Tactical Considerations |
| Assume role of commander and appoint staff
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Alert or request SWAT or Hostage Negotiation Team
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Determine probable location of suspect within structure
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| Confine the suspect(s)
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Notify station commander, Chief, etc.
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Determine access routes and advise responding units
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| Cordon area and isolate from pedestrians and vehicle traffic
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Request Press Information Officer
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Determine location of all assigned personnel and maintain a roster
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| Establish a command post strategic to incident
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Request paramedics to stand-by
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When SWAT arrives, insure unnecessary personnel leave area
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| Evacuate injured
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Notify surrounding allied law enforcement agencies
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Direct all personnel to report to Command Post prior to deploying
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| Request necessary personnel for control
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Request air support
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Insure all personnel are briefed and have communications available
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| Determine area vulnerable to suspects field of fire
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Request K-9
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Insure weapons fire control is maintained
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Determine number, type and range of suspect’s weapons
If possible, obtain floor plan
Evacuate adjacent buildings/rooms, if necessary
Provide all officers/deputies suspect’s description
Determine crime(s) involved
Select tactical radio frequency and advise responding units
Maintain an operations log for future reference
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If suspect identified, gather intelligence
Establish alternate route for civilian traffic
Attempt phone contact with suspect
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Just as I had a prepared checklist (as a sergeant) to handle any impending tactical situation, the following SPIRITUAL CHECKLIST may prove to be invaluable to help prepare you (or anyone else) to enter eternity?
Spiritual Checklist: (read silently or out loud) |
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I am “SPIRITUALLY PREPARED” because I know…
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1. Matthew 24:44b
2. Romans 13:11 (NIV)
3. Matthew 24:13 (NIV)
4. Proverbs 22:3a (NIV)
5. Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
6. 1 John 2:2 (NIV)
7. Romans 10:9 (NIV)
8. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
9. Matthew 5:8 (ESV)
10. 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
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