Breaching

Breaching should always be looked at as a last resort. Breach should be called by the IC or delegated to S.W.A.T officers to make the decision. Examples of when we breach:

• The suspects have put the hostages life at significant risk by neglect

• The suspects are refusing to show proof of life

• The suspects have fired upon LEOs

• The suspects are not making contact with LEOs

• IC or High Command call the breach

How we breach

Typically the breach will be led by a S.W.A.T trained officer. Situation dependent they will form a group of officers on scene and lead the breach. Typically, you should breach with 1 more officer than the amount of suspects inside. Breaching officers will match weapon class where known. If the weapon class is unknown, then the breach will be with class 3 weapons.

When breaching a scene immediate angles will be cleared and then officers will move round the ground floor sticking close to walls and communicating consistently. With multiple levels officers should begin by breaching each of the entrances then heading upstairs to secure the top level. Once the top levels are secure one officer can stay posted at a vantage point above while other officers sweep the lower level.