In this discussion, explosive breaching experts Forest Hickman, from Calculated Risk Technologies, and Chris Palmer of 532 Insight LLC, join Eric Zurface to dive into the critical role of explosive breaching in law enforcement. They explore misconceptions shaped by the media, the need for advanced training, and the complexities of different explosive materials. The conversation highlights the balance of safety and effectiveness in tactical scenarios, the necessity of ongoing education, and the evolution of techniques, emphasizing realistic training for SWAT teams.
Explosive breaching is crucial in high-stakes situations, requiring precise charge placement to ensure effectiveness and safety.
Safety protocols in explosive breaching protect both the breaching team and civilians, necessitating thorough pre-operation training and risk assessment.
Law enforcement must strategically evaluate the necessity of explosive breaching, balancing its tactical advantage against potential risks to hostages and bystanders.
Extensive training and real-world exercises are essential for developing the skills necessary for effective explosive breaching in complex environments.
Legal and ethical considerations surrounding explosive breaching demand accountability from law enforcement, ensuring compliance with protocols and maintaining public trust.
Deep dives
The Nature of Explosive Breaching
Explosive breaching involves using controlled explosive charges to gain access to a structure, often in high-stakes scenarios such as hostage rescues or where rapid entry is critical. The choice of explosive charge and its placement are crucial, as they determine the effectiveness and safety of the breach. Understanding basic construction and the expected structural response to explosive force is essential for breachers to effectively execute their tasks while minimizing collateral damage. The discussion highlights that the key goal is to remove physical barriers while keeping in mind the safety of all parties involved.
Safety Protocols and Risk Management
Safety protocols during explosive breaching operations are paramount, ensuring that both the breaching team and bystanders are protected from accidental injury. This includes carefully managing the placement and handling of explosives, as well as maintaining safety distances to mitigate the effects of blast overpressure and fragmentation. Comprehensive training on safety procedures must be conducted to prepare team members for unexpected scenarios, such as misfires or hang fires, which may necessitate immediate action or evacuation. Additionally, awareness of environmental factors, such as building structure and contents, plays a critical role in assessing risk.
Considerations for Deployment
When deploying explosive breaching techniques, law enforcement must evaluate the necessity and appropriateness of using such methods in various scenarios, such as search warrants versus hostage rescues. In cases where a suspect barricades themselves inside a location, explosive breaching may be employed strategically to ensure rapid access while minimizing risks to hostages. The tactical decision to breach must be made based on a thorough assessment of the situation, including the likely presence of bystanders and the potential for collateral damage. Ultimately, the goal is to facilitate rescues and apprehensions through calculated and controlled applications of force.
Training and Experience
Effective explosive breaching requires extensive training and experience to develop the skills necessary to assess situations and apply the right techniques in real-time. As breachers gain hands-on experience through drills and live exercises, they learn to navigate the complexities of various structures, adjust techniques based on conditions, and anticipate the behavior of suspects. The value of simulated training environments and exposure to actual explosive scenarios cannot be overstated, as these experiences shape decision-making and improve overall operational readiness. Continuous practice fosters a deeper understanding of each team member's role within the breaching operation.
Community Relations and Public Awareness
Explosive breaching in populated areas inevitably raises concerns regarding safety and noise, necessitating proactive communication with the surrounding community. Law enforcement agencies should inform local residents about training exercises or operational activities involving explosive breaching to alleviate fears and provide clarity regarding safety measures. Transparency fosters trust between law enforcement and the community, while also managing public expectations during actual operations. Moreover, maintaining an open dialogue can help to mitigate undue panic during responses that involve explosive action.
Balancing Force and De-escalation
The use of explosive breaching can serve as both a tactical advantage and a de-escalation tool in high-stress situations. A carefully executed breach may induce compliance from a suspect, who realizes that resistance is futile in the face of overwhelming tactical force. The shock of a sudden breach can disrupt the suspect's decision-making process, potentially leading them to surrender without further conflict. This strategic use of explosive breaching emphasizes the importance of assessing when and how to apply such force effectively, balancing the need for swift action against the imperative for minimizing harm.
Operational Planning and Command Structure
Successful explosive breaching operations rely on thorough operational planning and clear command structure to ensure coordination among team members. Each aspect of the operation, from charge placement to entry tactics, requires predefined roles and responsibilities to streamline execution. Command personnel must assess the implications of using explosive breaches and ensure that the entire team is well-aware of planned strategies and contingencies in place. An organized approach is vital, as chaotic operations increase risks not only to officers but also to civilians potentially affected by the actions taken during the incident.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The legal and ethical implications of using explosive breaching must be carefully considered by law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with established protocols and community standards. Justifying the use of such force necessitates a thorough understanding of the applicable legal framework, including use-of-force laws and departmental policies. Additionally, law enforcement must be prepared to address potential scrutiny from the public, media, and oversight bodies regarding their decision to employ explosive breaching techniques. Maintaining accountability and transparency is essential for preserving the legitimacy and trustworthiness of law enforcement actions in sensitive situations.
Lessons Learned and Continuous Improvement
As agencies engage in explosive breaching operations, the importance of capturing lessons learned and encouraging continuous improvement cannot be overstated. Post-incident evaluations are essential for identifying weaknesses in tactics, training, and execution, allowing teams to refine their approaches for future operations. Sharing experiences and insights across various departments fosters a culture of learning and can lead to enhanced safety protocols and operational effectiveness. By maintaining a commitment to learning, agencies can enhance their overall competence and effectiveness in high-risk scenarios like explosive breaching.
Explosive Breaching as a Multifaceted Tool
Explosive breaching is not just a method for accessing structures but serves various objectives, including isolating suspects, rescuing hostages, and facilitating tactical operations. Its application requires careful evaluation of situational factors, including the environment, potential risks, and the overall mission. The ability to adapt explosive breaching techniques based on different operational contexts makes it a valuable skill for law enforcement teams. Understanding the versatility of this tool empowers agencies to employ it effectively while weighing the risks inherently associated with its use.
The panel discusses the basics of explosive breaching.
Host: Matt Landfair
Panel: Forest Hickman https://calculatedrisktechnologies.com/ https://www.instagram.com/calculated_risk_technologies/ Chris Palmer https://www.instagram.com/532insightllc/ Eric Zurface
